Data-Driven Decisions in Agriculture: The Khamari App for Site-Specific Crop and Fertilizer Recommendation

Abstract

The Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) has developed the ‘Khamari’ mobile application as an innovative tool to enhance agricultural productivity and optimize use of natural resources. This digital solution provides farmers with precise, location-specific recommendations to promote sustainable and efficient farming practices. The Khamari app serves as a crop production advisory tool, aiming to increase productivity, profitability, and drive overall growth within the agricultural sector by equipping farmers and stakeholders with essential information directly at their fingertips. A unique feature of the Khamari app is its integration of geospatial technology, which enables users to access pertinent information while standing on their own land. Through the Khamari app, farmers can make informed decisions on selecting a suitable crop, enhancing crop yields through balanced fertilizer use, maintaining soil health and environmental sustainability. By aligning with the Crop Zoning System of Bangladesh, the app supports local-level crop production planning and has demonstrated significant potential to increase food production and foster the adoption of precision agriculture nationwide. Field trials on rice crops have demonstrated that the app's recommendations lead to significant fertilizer savings and improved yields compared to traditional farming practices. For T. Aman rice trials in 34 locations in 2023, the app's recommendations led to a 34% reduction in fertilizer costs and approximately 7% increase in yield, resulting in a minimum profit of 15,615 Taka per hectare. Boro rice trials in 60 locations during the 2023-24 season showed an 18% reduction in fertilizer costs and around a 6% increase in yield, offering farmers an additional 16,222 Taka per hectare. These findings highlight the substantial benefits of the 'Khamari' app in enabling smart, sustainable agricultural practices, positioning it as a valuable tool for both economic gains and long-term agricultural resilience.