Pakistan is an agrarian economy where farming and agriculture make up almost 19% of the GDP. Furthermore, 40% of the labor force in the country works in the agriculture sector. Emerging technology has been disrupting the traditional farming sector to ensure that there are more productivity and efficiency. The top 5 apps which are playing their part in transforming the agricultural sector of Pakistan for the farmer include:
1) Bakhabar Kissan:
Jazz Bakhabar Kissan is a dedicated app that helps farmers to increase their crop yield with updated information and technology. The information provided by this app covers everything from soil preparation to post-harvest, along with livestock and weather updates with audio, video and pictorial presentations. This app indicates how private organizations such as Jazz can contribute to revolutionizing the concept of agriculture in Pakistan.
2) Ricult Pakistan:
Ricult Pakistan is another digital app that is working to increase the productivity & profitability of small farmers in the country by providing them agricultural information, solutions for their problems and providing access to credit and the marketplace. Through the easy application process, farmers can get access not only to free agricultural information but also to market for purchases and credit at flexible terms.
3) Kisan Zar Zameen:
Kisan Zar Zameen is a health analysis app that provides multiple services to farmers which includes the use of multi-spectral imagery from satellites. Soil condition, crop health analysis, and weather updates all are provided through this app making it a one-stop digital solution for farmers. By using this app the user can detect crop stress at an early stage, benchmark crop performance, and monitor crop growth. They can also request drone spraying and mapping service which digitalizes the agriculture sector and helps the farmer to increase yield.
4) Kissan Bazaar:
Kissan Bazaar is an online market place where a farmer can buy and sell agriculture items. The app includes separate sections for fruit, vegetable, poultry, and livestock. It provides an e-commerce facility to the farmer making it easy for the rural farmer to get access to the market directly through his smartphone.
5) Agri Smart:
The Punjab Public Management Reform Program (PPMRP) launched an ‘Agri Smart’ app for extension workers with a wide range of services including farmer training sessions, pest warnings, monitoring agricultural inputs, soil sampling and receiving complaints. This app will digitalize the work of extension workers which means more easily, accessible and fast service for the farmers in Punjab.