9th International Conference on ICT for Sustainable Development

Authors - Ramesh Guntha, Aiswarya A, Soham Adla, Maya Presannakumar, Mario Alberto Ponce Pacheco, Saket Pande
Abstract - The agricultural sector, particularly in rural areas, faces numerous challenges including labor shortages, fluctuating costs, and unpredictable weather patterns. The Makara app emerges as a pioneering digital solution, specifically designed to address the multifaceted needs of small-scale farmers. This paper presents a case study on the Makara app, highlighting its role in transforming agricultural practices through digital innovation. The app provides a comprehensive platform for farmers to manage their land, crops, and financials effectively. It offers detailed land and crop management, budgeting, and activity management. Additionally, Makara's day-to-day advisory service and risk prediction module assist farmers in optimizing resource use and enhancing productivity. The app's multilingual interface and offline mode ensure accessibility and usability in remote areas. This study analyzes the software development, farmer engagement, feedback collection, software refinement, and deployment process of the Makara app among the select farmers of the Nagpur region in Maharashtra, India. The Makara app exemplifies the potential of digital tools in promoting sustainable and profitable farming practices in rural communities.