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Game app to sensitize farmers on soil carbon sequestration

Game app to sensitize farmers on soil carbon sequestration

Media release for World Soil Day

Taking a cue from the way chess was played to make strategic decisions in early centuries, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has developed a mobile gaming app ‘MRIDA’ that helps smallholder farmers strategize climate-smart agricultural management practices to enhance soil carbon, which in turn enhances yield and builds resilience.

MRIDA (Managing resources for integrated development of agriculture) was developed as part of a research project funded by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) to conduct a detailed and rigorous assessment of agricultural management practices for their potential to sequester carbon. Mrida in Hindi means soil.

"We are happy to partner with GIZ in bringing user-friendly technology that not only educates farmers on soil conservation but also captures farmers attitudes to soil management practices in the face of climate change, providing valuable insights to policymakers and governments," said Dr Jacqueline Hughes, Director General, ICRISAT.

To develop the app, a team of scientists undertook a modelling study from 2020 to 2022 and developed a game that facilitates behavioral change for adopting climate-smart agriculture practices. The game app was developed in collaboration with partner Vasudhaika Software Private Limited (Kalgudi). ​

“The game app will sensitize farmers on four key elements – fertilizer, crop selection, biochar application and irrigation. Based on the season, they can make their selections and ascertain organic carbon and yield output. The recommendations will help them make better on-farm decisions,” said Dr ML Jat, Global Research Program Director, Resilient Farm and Food Systems, ICRISAT.
The official launch of the MRIDA app during a GIZ-ICRISAT training workshop held in October 2022.
The official launch of the MRIDA app during a GIZ-ICRISAT training workshop held in October 2022.

The app is currently based on a modelling study conducted in five districts of Maharashtra (Jalna, Dhule, Ahmednagar, Amravati and Yavatmal) and eight districts of Odisha (Angul, Bolangir, Deogarh, Dhenkenal, Kalahandi, Kendujhar, Nuapada and Sundegarh). The app will enable scientists to collect data to understand the decision triggers among farmers.

“Indiscriminate use of fertilizers and other agro-chemicals deteriorates soil health and increase environmental footprints. This app will encourage farmers to explore and apply regenerative agriculture practices and focus not just on yield output but also soil carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. It will also educate farmers on carbon credits,” said Dr Arvind Kumar, Deputy Director General-Research, ICRISAT.

Apart from English, the app is also being developed in Marathi, which is available on Google PlayStore.

Header image: Different types of soils.

This work aligns with SDG 13.
This work aligns with SDG 13.

 

Climate Action Technology adoption and impact analysis
About The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is a pioneering International Organization committed to developing and improving dryland farming and agri-food systems to address the challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation affecting the 2.1 billion people residing in the drylands of Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond.

ICRISAT was established under a Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of India and the CGIAR on the 28 March 1972. In accordance with the Headquarters Agreement, the Government of India has extended the status of a specified “International Organisation” to ICRISAT under section 3 of the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947 of the Republic of India through Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. UI/222(66)/71, dated 28 October 1972, issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

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The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
Hyderabad, Telangana, India