FAQs

A system is defined as any set of interrelated elements which interact among themselves to operate together for its function. Equivalently, the exploitation and management of a cropping pattern to obtain maximum benefits from a given resource under a specific environmental condition is called a cropping system.

Diversification and intensification of rice-based cropping systems with remunerative and efficient crops like pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables have great scope to generate maximum profit and improve soil health.

Rice-based Cropping System Knowledge Bank (RCSKB) is one of the trusted sources of information, that includes knowledge pertaining to rice-based cropping systems, which would help farmers to increase their cropping intensity, and thereby their net income. RCSKB includes localized contents of production techniques, agricultural technologies, best farming practices, and immersive learning materials of selected crops (rice, maize, pulses, peas, oilseeds, millet, vegetables, and potato) that fit well in the rice-based cropping systems of Assam. It also hosts the fishery knowledge bank.

Crops included in the RCSKB are: rice, potato, maize, millet, oilseeds, vegetables, and pulses. Additionally, users can also find information on Fish.

RCSKB can be accessed as a digital platform through the web explorer and can be downloaded via the Google Play Store.

No, an internet connection is required to use the app.

RCSKB is available in English and Assamese language and this can be selected and changed anytime by the user on the homepage.

Rice Knowledge Bank (RKB) was a digital platform that had information on the rice value chain. This has been now upgraded to Rice-based Cropping System Knowledge Bank (RCSKB), housing information on suitable crops that can be grown in rice fallow.

Rice Doctor is a diagnostic app catering to 63 rice-based problems (insect-pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, toxicities, and abiotic stress) pertaining to conditions of Assam.

The webGIS portal is an interactive map interface where the developed maps and statistics can be visualized and compared for different years. The maps available in the webGIS portal are Rice area during kharif, Rice-fallow area during rabi, cropping system, cropping intensity, soil moisture availability in rice-fallow areas and flood-inundated areas for 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21. Besides these annual layers, suitability maps for selected rice-based cropping systems were also developed based on optimum criteria of environmental parameters such as rainfall, temperature, soil type, drainage, slope, etc. These suitability maps including potential areas for paddy-fish, paddy-potato, paddy-maize, paddy-mustard, paddy-summer pulses, and paddy-vegetables can also be visualized on the webGIS interface up to the village level.

WebGIS can be accessed without having to create an account. However, only if maps need to be downloaded, an account needs to be created.

Factsheets are concise learning materials containing information on various topics. The factsheets available on RCSKB have information on crops and their agricultural practices. These can be downloaded via the “Publications” tab on the topmost banner.

District-wise information of the cropping system, recommended by AAU can be accessed via the “Grow more crops” tab on the topmost banner.

Agricultural Market Intelligence Unit (AMIU) is established by Assam State Agricultural University, Jorhat under APART. The activities of AMIU include regular collection and dissemination of market information, analysis of key commodity sectors and training and capacity building of all stakeholders. In RCSKB, the link of the AMIU is available on the home page and “Know your market” section.

The “Videos’’ tab on the RCSKB hosts 50+ videos.

Information on fish/fishery and its allied services can be accessed via the “Fish” tab on the “Home” page.

Private service providers (PSP) own agricultural machines which they provide on a hire basis. There are 1000+ service providers in the state. District-wise PSP information is available on the RCSKB website in “Know your service provider” section.

Custom Hiring Center (CHC) is a unit comprising a set of farm machinery, implements, and equipment meant for custom hiring by farmers. It supplies farm implements to farmers at subsidized rates on a hire basis. District-wise CHC information is available on the RCSKB website in “Know your service provider” section.

A farmer producer company (FPC) is a producer group registered under the Company Act. District-wise FPC information is available on the RCSKB website under the tab “Farmer Producer Company”. The link to access information of FPC available in Assam is available on the page.