Description
Maps AgroInformAsia is an online geographic information system containing electronic agricultural maps of Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan that aims to support effective decision-making related to investments, as well production, harvest and processing planning. The electronic maps provide information about the production of over 50 types of agricultural products at a district level, including sown areas, crop yields, soil fertility indicators, field boundaries, processing company locations, storage facilities, greenhouses and agrostores, as well as border transit points and communication routes for exports and imports. Maps AgroInformAsia is part of the Agro Space suite developed jointly by the AgroInformAsia company in Kyrgyzstan and AgroInform.TJ in Tajikistan as a hub for the hosting of various digital products developed for farmers. The tool was developed in 2014 by a Neksigol and AgroInformAsia consortium, with technical guidance provided by the UNDP under the “Aid for Trade in Central Asia” project.
Technology
Maps AgroInformAsia is a web-based application based on the Google Earth application that presents information in tables, graphs and maps. Maps AgroInformAsia responds to queries related to such common parameters as crops, regions, etc., and allows the downloading of selected maps as graphs and tables. The exact locations of processing companies, storage facilities, greenhouses and agro-shops are defined by GPS, and the collected data is recorded on the map using GIS software, and the maps are available in the Tajik, Kyrgyz, Russian and English languages. As of December 2022, the database had been uploaded with production information on 35 types of agricultural products at a district level since 2012, although some of the categories do not yet permit data visualization.
Target
The tool facilitates the interaction of various actors in the agricultural value chain by facilitating access to information that can support decision-making, as well as contact information of links in the chain. The target audience of Maps AgroInformAsia is anyone involved in agriculture, including governmental, scientific and consulting organizations, enterprises engaged in the development of agricultural and rural areas, as well as farmers and farms. The tool requires basic computer skills. More than 500 specialists from different countries make use the tool every month.
Business model
The browser-based app is free to use on personal devices, requiring only an Internet connection. The Agro Space web app is open to all users without limitations. Two types of in-app advertising are available: Google Ads and those purchased through the apps own module, with costs of USD 5/month or USD 25/year.
Impact
Maps AgroInformAsia can help fill gaps in the necessary data for analyses of agricultural economics, land degradation, food security, research farming systems, nutrient residues and the impact of climate change. The maps convert large quantities of primary data into an accessible, convenient and interactive format, thus providing users with digestible information that they can use to make informed decisions related to the production, supply, sale and export of a particular product. The system also facilitates regional trade by providing information on the location of border transit points and communication routes for exports and imports, as well as other resources. Maps AgroInformAsia won the parent app (Agro Space) second place in the international “Eurasian digital apps 2019” competition, organized by the Eurasian Economic Commission.
Partners
United Nations Development Programme
Four Betters
Better life
Better production
