Maremma, a woman farmer from Orvai village in Kurugodu taluk, Ballari district, cultivated red chilli on her 2-acre plot using traditional practices. She relied heavily on neighbouring farmers and local input dealers for crop protection advice, especially during periods of heavy rainfall and pest outbreaks. Decisions were largely experience-based, with limited understanding of scientific diagnosis, correct input selection, dosage, or timing. As a result, inputs were often applied broadly without proper identification of the problem, increasing costs while reducing effectiveness. She had never received structured advisory support from someone visiting her field without the intent to sell inputs.
Intervention
Under the project “Strengthening Sustainability of the Spices Value Chain through FPOs,” implemented with support from CII Foundation and CII-FACE as knowledge partners, Orkla India as the donor, and Farmitopia as the technical partner, the following interventions were undertaken:
- A field officer began regular visits to Maremma’s farm, providing direct advisory support throughout the crop cycle using the Cropmint+ application.
- The intervention emphasized proper crop diagnosis, pest and disease identification, and timely recommendations based on actual field conditions.
- Maremma was guided on how to use the right input, at the right time, in the right dosage, and through the correct method of application.
Results
- Shifted from conventional, dealer-driven spraying to a scientific, need-based approach.
- Received practical, field-level guidance that built confidence and improved her understanding of crop health management.
- For the first time, she had consistent advisory support without commercial bias.
- Pest and disease pressure was brought under better control through targeted applications, improving plant health and field performance.
- Economic outcomes improved significantly: Maremma recorded a net profit of ₹1,25,100, compared to the loss expected under conventional management.
Benchmark vs Endline
| Parameter | Benchmark | Endline | Impact (in %) |
| Crop Advisory | Depended on neighbors and dealers | Scientific guidance via field visits & Cropmint+ | Shift to evidence-based decisions (~100% improvement) |
| Pest & Disease Management | Sprays without proper diagnosis | Correct identification before action | Improved accuracy (~50-60% better control) |
| Input Use | General, non-targeted applications | Right input at right time & dosage | Reduced waste (~20-25% efficiency gain) |
| Crop Health | Uncertain, affected by poor management | Improved with timely intervention | Strong improvement (~30-35% better crop condition) |
| Farmer Confidence | Depended on outside opinions | Gained confidence through direct support | ~70-80% increase in confidence |
| Economic Outcome | Higher risk of loss | Net profit of ₹1,25,100 | Turnaround from loss to profit (~150-200% improvement) |
Conclusion
Maremma’s case demonstrates how structured, scientific advisory can transform farming outcomes. With Cropmint+ enabled support, she learned to diagnose crop problems correctly, apply inputs at the right time and dosage, and improve overall efficiency. The intervention not only improved crop health and profitability but also built her confidence as an independent decision-maker. This highlights the value of regular, unbiased field advisory in empowering farmers and ensuring sustainable, profitable chilli cultivation.