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Farming at Fingertips: Do Mobile Apps Really Help in Crop and Fodder Management?

The rapid penetration of smartphones and affordable internet in rural India has created new opportunities for disseminating agricultural knowledge directly to farming communities. Mobile applications have increasingly been recognized as practical tools for bridging the technical gap in fodder production, which underpins livestock productivity. This article examines the contribution of mobile apps to crop and fodder management, with emphasis on their roles in varietal choice, sowing practices, pest and disease monitoring, ration balancing, and access to market information. At the same time, persistent challenges must be addressed. Strengthening localization, enhancing offline and voice-based features, integrating artificial intelligence, and fostering stronger research and extension linkages will be key to maximizing their effectiveness. Overall, mobile applications represent a promising, scientifically validated pathway for reducing fodder deficits, enhancing livestock productivity, and contributing to sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture in India.