AgriLens: Research & empowering Nepali farmers with real-time insights and image recognition technology

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Pratima Baral

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

9

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

AgriLens aim is to create a platform that offers Nepali farmers customized agricultural advice through real-time image recognition technology, by addressing their information needs efficiently.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

AgriLens, our venture, will remain completely open source for its entire lifecycle. By utilizing the power of open collaboration and transparency, we can create new opportunities, drive innovation, and deliver tangible results. All code, documentation, and resources will be publicly accessible and modifiable under the MIT License. This approach will not only empower developers and stakeholders to inspect, modify, and enhance our software, but it will also encourage a culture of community-driven development.

Our goal is to welcome contributions from a diverse range of collaborators to enhance the quality and sustainability of our solution. Furthermore, our open source status ensures that our project remains available to everyone, regardless of geographical or financial barriers. This democratizes access to agricultural insights and technology. We are committed to maintaining the principles of openness, inclusivity, and collaboration, and we firmly believe that our decision to embrace open source will contribute to the long-term success and scalability of AgriLens.

[METADATA] SDG rating

AgriLens is committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create a world that is more just, sustainable, and prosperous. Here's a detailed overview of how AgriLens aligns with these SDGs:

1. No Poverty: AgriLens empowers Nepalese farmers by providing them with real-time agricultural information and advisory services. By offering farmers the tools to optimize crop yields, minimize losses, and access markets more effectively, AgriLens contributes to poverty reduction by improving the livelihoods and income opportunities of rural communities. Increasing agricultural productivity has the potential to lift farmers out of poverty and foster overall economic growth.
2. Zero Hunger: AgriLens tackles the issue of zero hunger head-on by promoting food security and nutrition. By giving farmers timely information on crop management, pest control, and market trends, AgriLens helps farmers make informed decisions that maximize yields and enhance food production. This, in turn, helps ensure that everyone has access to enough safe and nutritious food, particularly in areas where food insecurity is most prevalent.
3. Decent Work and Economic Growth: AgriLens promotes decent work and economic growth by improving agricultural practices and boosting productivity.
4. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: AgriLens aims to transform the agricultural sector by utilizing cutting-edge technologies to enhance innovation and infrastructure development By combining image recognition technology and blockchain infrastructure, AgriLens offers innovative solutions to long-standing agricultural challenges. This not only increases efficiency and productivity but also encourages a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, ultimately driving long-term economic growth and sustainability.
5. Responsible Consumption and Production: AgriLens is committed to promoting sustainable agriculture practices that encourage responsible consumption and production pattern.By providing farmers with precision farming techniques, soil conservation methods, and sustainable pest management strategies, AgriLens minimizes environmental impact and resource use while maximizing agricultural output. This helps promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, which are crucial for protecting our planet's natural resources for future generations.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Introducing AgriLens, our innovative solution to the significant challenge of providing Nepali farmers with timely access to accurate agricultural information and advisory services. We understand the multitude of challenges faced by farmers in Nepal, including unpredictable weather patterns, pest infestations, and market volatility, which can significantly affect their productivity and livelihoods. Traditional methods of information dissemination, such as extension services and agricultural publications, often fail to provide real-time insights tailored to farmers' specific needs and local conditions.

AgriLens is an exceptional solution that harnesses cutting-edge technologies such as image recognition and blockchain to provide personalized and actionable agricultural recommendations directly to farmers through a user-friendly mobile application. Farmers can easily register and provide essential details such as their location, crops grown, and land size. Using GPS mapping, AgriLens accurately pinpoints farmers' plots on a digital map, enabling precise recommendations based on their geographic context.

The unique aspect of AgriLens is its ability to analyze images of crops, pests, and diseases uploaded by farmers in real-time using image recognition technology. This feature allows AgriLens to identify potential issues early, offer relevant advice on pest management and crop care, and even predict yield outcomes based on crop health indicators. This proactive approach empowers farmers to make informed decisions promptly, mitigating risks and maximizing their agricultural output.

Furthermore, AgriLens operates on the Cardano blockchain, ensuring data integrity, transparency, and security. By leveraging Cardano's robust infrastructure, AgriLens provides a trusted platform for farmers to access and share information securely, fostering a community-driven approach to agricultural development.

AgriLens is designed to benefit Nepali farmers, particularly smallholders and marginalized communities who often lack access to conventional advisory services. By equipping farmers with real-time insights and personalized recommendations, AgriLens aims to improve agricultural productivity, increase income opportunities, and enhance food security for rural households. This is crucial not only for the socio-economic well-being of farmers but also for the overall economic growth and resilience of Nepal's agricultural sector.

AgriLens aligns with Cardano's vision of promoting financial inclusion, transparency, and sustainability through blockchain technology. By integrating AgriLens into the Cardano ecosystem, we aim to demonstrate the transformative potential of blockchain in addressing real-world challenges and empowering underserved communities. Through rigorous monitoring and evaluation, we will measure the impact of AgriLens on key indicators such as crop yields, income levels, and adoption rates among farmers. Ultimately, AgriLens serves as a beacon of innovation and empowerment, demonstrating how technology can be harnessed for positive social and economic change.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our project will bring significant value to the wider Cardano community in a multitude of ways:

1. Economic Empowerment: Our project in Nepal helps farmers increase their productivity and income. This contributes to reducing poverty and boosting economic growth. Our goal aligns with Cardano's mission to promote financial inclusion and empowerment.
2. Technology Adoption: The utilization of image recognition and blockchain technology highlights Cardano's ability to tackle real-life problems and promote positive social change. This innovative approach demonstrates the potential of Cardano's ecosystem.
3. Community Engagement: Through our collaborative approach, We encourage involvement and sharing of knowledge among those involved in Cardano. This helps create a sense of ownership and participation within the community.

We will use a combination of both quantitative and qualitative metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of our project:

1. Quantitative Metrics: we will monitor significant indicators of success, like increase in crop yield, reduction in pest/disease occurrence, the percentage of farmers who use our platform, and the overall economic impact on farmer livelihoods.
2. Qualitative Metrics: To evaluate how effective our solution is, we plan to gather feedback from farmers, agricultural professionals, and other interested parties. We will conduct surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions to gauge their opinions on the effectiveness of our solution.

We will use different ways to share what we have accomplished and the chances that came from the project.

1. Documentation and Reports: We will create clear and detailed documents and reports about the project's methods, results, and conclusions. These will be shared with the Cardano community and other stakeholders through various online platforms, forums, and social media channels.
2. Workshops and Presentations: We'll hold events to share what we've learned with the Cardano community. These events include workshops/webinars, and presentations. to disseminate our learnings and insights to the agriculture community in Nepal, encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and further innovation.
3. Open Access: Our project outputs will be openly accessible which includes software code, research findings, and best practices. We want to foster knowledge sharing and collaborative development.

Overall, the success of our endeavor will not solely aid Nepalese farmers, but also showcase the positive societal and economic impact that can result through innovative utilization of blockchain technology in the Cardano network.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

With our team's technical expertise, domain knowledge, and proven track record of delivering successful projects, we have the confidence and ability to execute this project with the utmost trust and accountability. Our unique combination of skills and experience positions us to excel in this task, ensuring seamless and efficient project delivery. Let us show you what we can do!

1. Technical expertise: Our team includes software developers who are experts in image recognition, machine learning. We take pride in our past successes, having developed and deployed similar projects with ease. With our technical expertise, I can oversee the development and implementation of AgriLens, ensuring its successful execution and validating its feasibility.
2. Domain Knowledge: We have a deep understanding of the agricultural sector, particularly in the context of Nepal. One of our team member have invested significant time on the challenges faced by Nepali farmers and has established connections with local agricultural communities, ensuring that our solutions are relevant and impactful.
3. Project Management: We implement top-notch project management techniques that encompass transparent communication, monitoring progress through milestones, and risk management. Our team has honed their skills in diverse environments, teaming up with stakeholders to guarantee project success. Furthermore, we establish meaningful bonds with farming communities ensuring that our solutions are relevant and impactful.To ensure the viability of our approach, we will carry out the following measures:

To ensure the viability of our approach, we will carry out the following measures:

1. Technical Prototyping: To ensure the technical feasibility of our solution, we'll develop a proof-of-concept prototype that integrates image recognition algorithms with real-time data sources on the Cardano blockchain.
2. Pilot Testing: To ensure the usability and effectiveness of our platform in real-world conditions, we're planning on conducting small-scale pilot tests in collaboration with local farming communities. By gathering feedback from these tests, we'll be able to make iterative improvements and refine our solution even further.
3. Community Engagement: At Cardano, we understand the importance of community engagement. we will actively stay in touch with our supporters and keeping them informed about our progress. We'll regularly share updates on our project milestones, as well as any challenges we encounter along the way.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Research and Needs Assessment ( 1-2 months)

A: Milestone Outputs

1. A detailed study on the present difficulties faced by farmers in Nepal, their requirements for information, and preferred use of technology.
2. Finalized data collection tools, including base-line survey surveys, interview guides, and focus group discussion protocols.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. The challenges faced by Nepali farmers, their information requirements, and their views on technology implementation are thoroughly analyzed in the report.
2. Project manager carefully review and approve data collection tools to ensure that they are accurate, relevant, and comprehensive.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Submission of detailed research document that encompasses the research report, including findings, analysis, and recommendations.

Development of AgriLens Mobile Application Prototype (3-4 months)

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Develop the prototype of AgriLens mobile application, incorporating image recognition technology and real-time insights features.
2. The AgriLens app's user interface and wireframes will be designed. 

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. The prototype of AgriLens demonstrates functionality for capturing images, evaluate the crop health through image recognition, and offer immediate real-time agricultural information.
2. user-friendly interface will be design aligned with the preference of Nepali farmers.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Presentation of the early version of the AgriLens mobile application , highlighting it's key features and functionalities.

Pilot Testing and Feedback Gathering (4-5 months)

A: Milestone Outputs

1. A testing plan developed, which includes procedures for conducting usability testing, tracking software bugs, and collecting feedback.
2. User testing sessions will be held with farmers in Nepal to assess usability and effectiveness of the AgriLens app.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. The testing strategy provides clear instructions for conducting usability tests, identifying bugs, and gathering user input.
2. Actionable insights and suggestions for improving the AgriLens app are gathered through user testing sessions.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Complete testing plan document with full guidelines and instructions and a synopsis of the user testing sessions that includes suggestions for improving the app and the most important discoveries.

Integration of Image Capture Feature ,Refinement and Finalization of AgriLens Application. (5-6.5 months)

To implement image recognition technology for crop analysis within the AgriLens app, a separate component is needed to capture and upload photos/images of crops.

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Develop the final version of the AgriLens mobile application , integrating feedback and enhancements and Image capture feature.
2. Prepare user manuals and documentation specifically for the AgriLens app.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. The AgriLens app's final version addresses indentified bugs, usability problems, and user input from testing sessions.
2. The user manuals and documentation are clear, thorough, and readily accessible to farmers in Nepal.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. A demonstration of the AgriLens app's final version, highlighting implemented improvement and added features.
2. User manuals and documentation for the AgriLens app will be submitted and ready for user distribution.

Deployment and Launch of AgriLens Application (6.5-7.5 months)

A: Milestone Outputs

1. The AgriLens mobile app is available for download and installation on the Google Play Store.
2. An AgriLens app launch event will be planned to promote awareness among Nepali farmers.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. Farmers in Nepal are able to download the AgriLens app from the Google Play Store.
2. Farmers, agricultural experts, and other stakeholders joins in large numbers for the launch event, promoting awareness and interest in the AgriLens app.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Links to the AgriLens app for verification on the Google Play Store.
2. Documentation from the launch event, including images and videos showing participation and attendance.

Monitoring and Evaluation (7.5- 9 months)

A: Milestone Outputs

1. Develop a plan for monitoring and evaluation outlining metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate its impact and efficiency. Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation activities and end-line survey for tracking app usage, user satisfaction, and outcomes for Nepali farmers through surveys, focus group discussion.
2. Target percentage of farmers/consumers registered onto the platform within the allotted time.

B: Acceptance Criteria

1. The monitoring and evaluation strategy outlines KPIs, data gathering approach, and analytical protocols in detail.Activities for monitoring and evaluating the AgriLens app generate useful information and suggestions for improving its functionality and optimising its impact.
2. Achieve the target percentage of farmers/consumers who registered for the platform within the allotted period.

C: Evidence of Milestone Completion

1. Completed plan document for monitoring and evaluation, that includes established KPIs and procedures for gathering data. Frequent reports and analysis that record the use of the app, user feedback, and outcomes accomplished for Nepali farmers.
2. Data demonstrating the percentage of farmers/consumers who registered on the platform, meeting or exceeding the goal within the allotted time.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Project Team:

Pratima Baral (Project Lead/ICT Officer)

• Role & Responsibilities: Manage the execution of the overall project , plan team activities, oversee schedules and management of resources, and make sure project milestones are met.
• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pratimabaral/

Manoj Acharya ( Data Engineer)

• Role & Responsibilities: Evaluates information gathered from surveys and app usage, discover trends and patterns, produces insights to inform decision-makings, and creates reports for project stakeholders.
• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stntmaniiac/

Roshan Subedi ( Agronomist Specialist)

• Role & Responsibilities: The specialised agronomist delivers domain knowledge in crop management and agriculture. Insights on crop health, pest control, soil fertility, and best farming practices pertinent to Nepali context are part of their job description. They will work closely with the project team to assure that farmers receive useful and practical information from the AgriLens app.
• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshan-subedi-8259365b/

Prashant Dhungel ( Communication officer)

• Role & Responsibilities:Manages communication strategies, develops content for marketing and outreach efforts, engages with stakeholders, and ensures effective communication within the project team and with external partners.
• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prashant-dhungel-382a73a5/

For Recruitment Plan:

We've already had conversations with possible applicants for important positions like software developers, blockchain experts, UI/UX designers, and enumerators/data collecting helpers in order to get ready for the project. We've received positive responses from individuals with the necessary skills and experience. Moving forward, we will finalize the hiring procedure and onboard these team members.

Software Developer/Blockchain Developer:

• Hire experienced developers with knowledge of blockchain technology and creating mobile apps.
• Skill required: Java, Kotlin, Swift, JavaScript, and familiarity with Cardano's Plutus or Marlowe are prerequisites.

User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) Designer:

• Hire UI/UX designers to improve the AgriLens app usability and aesthetics.
• Skill required: Adobe XD, Sketch, user-centered design principles.

Additional Enumerators/Data Collection Assistants:

• Hire data collectors and enumerators for field surveys.
• Skills required: Data collection, fieldwork experience.

Communication Platform:

To help the project team communicate and coordinate, we'll utilize the variety of communication channels. This may include:

• Slack: For team communication, file sharing, and real-time messaging.
• Zoom: For online talks, meetings, and presentations.
• Google Workspace: For sharing calendars, project planning, and document collaboration.
• Jira /Trello :For project tracking and task management.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Research and Needs Assessment: (11,200 ADA)

• Hiring Enumerators for Data Collection for base-line survey: 7,000 ADA
• Transportation and Accommodation for Field Visits: 2,500 ADA
• Software subscription for mobile-based online survey (e.g., SurveyMonkey) for 6 month: 500 ADA
• Data Analyst and Report Writing: 1,200 ADA

Development of AgriLens Mobile Application Prototype: (21,726 ADA)

• Blockchain Developer and Software Developer Salary: 19,226 ADA
• User Interface Design and Wireframing: 2,500 ADA

Pilot Testing and Feedback Gathering: (11,108 ADA)

• Hiring Quality Assurance (QA) tester for app testing: 6408 ADA
• Usability testing and user(farmers) feedback sessions: 3,500 ADA
• Bug tracking and issue resolution (expenses related to bug tracking tools or software): 1,200 ADA

Integration of Image Capture Feature ,Refinement and Finalization of AgriLens Application: (12,803 ADA)

• Software Development Costs for Implementing Improvements and added image capture feature where different images of crops is stored: 10,000 ADA
• Documentation and User Guide Preparation (digital and printed): 2,803 ADA

Deployment and Launch of AgriLens Application: (18,060 ADA )

• Play Store Registration and Publication Fees: 60 ADA
• Marketing and Promotional Materials (organizing launch events, producing promotional materials (e.g., flyers, banners), and running digital marketing campaigns to reach target audiences.: 18,000 ADA

Monitoring and Evaluation: ( 10,700)

• Hiring Enumerators for Data Collection for End-line Survey: 7,000 ADA
• Transportation and Accommodation for Field Visits: 2,500 ADA
• Data Analyst and Report Writing for End-line Survey: 1,200 ADA

Contingency (10% of Total Budget): (8559.7 ADA)

• The contingency fund provides flexibility to address unforeseen expenses and ensure the successful completion of the project within the allocated budget.

Additional Notes:

• Third-party products or services include software subscriptions for online surveys, app store registration fees, and marketing materials.
• Professional services such as data analysis, software development, and quality assurance testing are included.
• Budget elements for publicity, project management, documentation, and reporting back to the community are accounted for within each stage of the project.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of the AgriLens project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem through several key aspects:

1. Investment in Agricultural Development: The project's goal is to equip Nepali farmers with cutting-edge technology so they can raise productivity, make informed decisions, and enhance crop health. AgriLens uses blockchain technology and image recognition addresses real-world challenges faced by farmers, which helps to develop the agricultural industry in Nepal . The value generated from improved agricultural practices and increased yields can have significant socio-economic benefits for the country.
2. Proportionate expenses: The project budget's expenses are determined by carefully assessing the resources needed for each phase of the work, such as development, testing, deployment, and monitoring. These costs are in line with average prices for services like data collection, user testing, and software development as well as industry standards. While some costs may appear high, they are warranted given the project's complexity and size as well as the necessity of quality control, user involvement, and ongoing development all the way through the project's lifespan.
3. Effective Resource Allocation: To achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness, resource allocation has been carefully considered and reflected in the project budget. For example, hiring enumerators, guarantees a representative sample size for research reasons, while spending money on quality assurance testing aids in finding and fixing problems before the app is made available to users/farmers. A contingency fund gives you the flexibility to deal with unforeseen problems without sacrificing project deliverables.
4. Long-Term Impact: By encouraging creativity, teamwork, and sustainable development, the AgriLens initiative aims to make a long-lasting difference in the Cardano environment. The project paves the way for future developments in agricultural technology and blockchain integration by giving farmers access to state-of-the-art tools and practical insights. Enhancing farming techniques and empowering farmers can have a positive knock-on impact that lasts beyond the project's end, strengthening the Cardano ecosystem's general resilience and growth.

In conclusion, even though the costs associated with the AgriLens project may seem substantial, they are justified by the project's ability to encourage improvement and add value to the Cardano ecosystem. The project is a strategic investment in agricultural growth and technical innovation because of its effective resource allocation, proportionate costing, and focus on long-term effects.