Why Apps Alone Aren’t Enough to Help Our Agriculture Sector
Working in agriculture, far from the usual office environment, has given me a unique view on how technology can be used in farming. One important insight I’ve gained is that simply using apps won’t greatly improve agricultural practices, especially for businesses focused on growing specific crops.
You might wonder why I think this, given my work in an agriculture-based company. My understanding comes from firsthand experience, not just online research. I’ve collected valuable data by being in the field, watching how farmers work, and understanding their social and cultural contexts. Through direct observations and conversations with farmers, I’ve realized that apps alone can’t solve major farming problems like increasing crop yields, cutting operational costs, or managing pests and diseases. Technology needs to be more than just a digital tool; it should provide practical solutions that fit the real-life challenges farmers face.
I’ve seen that many Agritech companies, particularly in farming areas, still relying on apps. These applications often help farmers identify pests and diseases or find better markets to sell their crops. However, these solutions don’t address the deeper issues farmers encounter while cultivating their fields.
For instance, how can a pest identification app help reduce the actual problems farmers face, especially when many cannot take their phones into the field? Risks like water damage (a common concern in shallot farming, where fields often flood) and the threat of theft make it difficult for farmers to rely on their devices. While these apps can be helpful, they don’t solve the everyday problems farmers experience.
In Indonesia, the growth of affordable smartphones, typically priced under $200, has been significant, particularly in areas where consumers are price-sensitive. Brands like Xiaomi, Infinix, and TECNO have gained popularity by offering budget-friendly smartphones with better specifications. However, many farmers, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, often use these entry-level phones, which usually lack waterproofing. This makes them vulnerable to damage in wet agricultural conditions, and replacing a phone can be expensive for farmers, especially those dealing with high operational costs like those in shallot cultivation.
Each year, operational costs for farming rise due to factors like declining soil health and increasing reliance on chemical fertilizers. For example, in Central Java, the average cost of shallot farming per hectare increased from IDR 45 million in 2020 to around IDR 50 million in 2022. This rise is largely due to the need for more chemicals as soil fertility declines from continuous farming without rest periods, as well as pest management issues exacerbated by unpredictable weather patterns.
It is clear that knowledge of pests and diseases remains a challenge. New pests or diseases can emerge that farmers are not prepared for. While an app that lists pests and diseases might be helpful, how often will new threats arise? If the chances are low, an app may not be useful to experienced farmers. It is said that the probability of new pests and diseases emerging in a specific area depends on several factors, including climate, monoculture practices, the introduction of invasive species, and poor pest management strategies. Studies show that climate change increases the likelihood of pest outbreaks, as rising temperatures and altered weather patterns create favorable conditions for pests. For example, new pests or diseases can emerge in areas at a rate of 5–10% annually, depending on local ecological conditions (ITS Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi).
Another major challenge for farmers is capital. It’s not just about having less money; operational costs have been rising steadily each year. This problem is made worse by environmental damage, especially in important farming areas. The constant use of chemicals and farming without giving the soil a chance to recover has harmed soil health, so farmers need to use more chemicals every year
Soil degradation and unpredictable weather also worsen pest and disease outbreaks, especially when farmers don’t act early. Human observation is limited, which is why technologies like statistics and data collection tools are crucial for getting a broader view of the situation. This brings us back to the limitations of apps. Apps alone won’t solve these challenges.
We need other solutions that can detect and collect data in real-time, providing farmers with better analytics and actionable insights. Without early detection capabilities, an app that merely identifies pests and diseases becomes less valuable, especially when word-of-mouth information sharing still proves faster and more reliable in some cases.
In summary, apps alone won’t address the core challenges in farming. To ensure successful cultivation, we need a more comprehensive approach that integrates both digital and physical solutions. If we rely solely on apps, without adequate support, we risk seeing the downfall of Agritech as the investment won’t yield substantial returns in the long term. The impact will be too small, and the cost of maintaining tech and product teams will be higher than any potential benefits.
