About the project
The Mobile apps for Cattle Breeders consist of two apps: the first app guides through cattle care and breeding process and the second app helps improve methods applied in growing 8 species of fodder crops.
Description
The Mobile apps for Cattle Breeders consist of two apps: the first app guides through cattle care and breeding process and the second app helps improve methods applied in growing 8 species of fodder crops. There are two versions of the app for guiding cattle care - the version for farmers and for veterinarians. The app version for farmers provides information about feed and feeding, stalls for maintenance, breeding and diseases. The version for the vet has the function of making and storing photos and captions for them. The app for helping in growing fodder crops provides information about seeds, soil quality and fertility, nutrient management, existing diseases and pests in the region, different ways of pest and disease control, weed management, including biological control and focusing on environmentally friendly farming. Both apps allow direct connection with agri-input suppliers, veterinary services and pharmacies.
Technology description
The Mobile apps for Cattle Breeders are developed by Neksigol in-house engineering team in collaboration with AgroInformAsia technical experts. They are available for smartphones and tablets with the Android operating system in several languages, Kyrgyz, Russian and English. Switching between the languages is possible in offline mode. AgroInformAsia has worked with Kyrgyz experienced veterinarians and used the gained knowledge and experience to create content for the apps. A simple transition is introduced from the app version for the farmers to the version for the veterinarians.
Users’ description
The target users of the mobile apps are mainly farmers and veterinarians. The apps have the potential for wide outreach, first of all, across Central Asian countries as they are available in the Russian language as well as in other countries around the world because they are translated into the English language as well.
Business model description
The app is free to download and use on personal devices through Google Play Store or the app's website. Although, two types of in-app advertising are implemented in the apps, that is Google Ads and its own module for displaying ads about seeds, crop protection products, fertilizers etc. from specific advertisers. The costs are 10$/monthly or 50$/yearly.
Challenges
The mobile apps are not yet translated into the Tajik language and are used by only farmers/veterinarians speaking the Russian language, thus limiting its spreading in the country. Also, the app needs to be extended with information about new pests and diseases and improved methods of their control and crop protection. Besides, regular updating of the app content is required with scientifically validated and accessible knowledge about good agronomic practices.
Impact
The Mobile apps for Cattle Breeders support farmers in making efficient and sustainable production decisions and thus can contribute to improving livestock and farm productivity, animal feeding, animal health and welfare, in a sustainable way. The mobile apps have, so far, more than 15 000 downloads.
