Technical Assistance to Establish Solar Energy Based E-Pest ...

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO ESTABLISH SOLAR ENERGY BASED E-PEST SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

October 2021

SDGs:

Bangladesh

TCP/BGD/3701

USD 296 000

1 April 2019 – 30 September 2021

FAO Representation in Bangladesh

[email protected]

Country:

Project Code:

FAO Contribution:

Duration:

Contact Info:

©FAO Bangladesh


T C P / BG D /3701

Implementing Partners

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Ministry of

Agriculture.

Beneficiaries

1 524 farmers and extension workers.

Country Programming Framework (CPF) Outputs

Country Programming Framework Priority 4: Further

improve technology generation and adaptation through

better producer-extension-research linkages.

Output 4.1.1: Capacity of relevant institutions to deliver

integrated extension services strengthened.

IMPACT

The project has enabled DAE officers and farmers to use

a new and technologically advanced e-pest surveillance

system that collects field information more rapidly and

efficiently than the previous system. Extension workers

can now make suitable decisions on pest management

approaches more swiftly. The use of the automated

Trapview device for insect monitoring and forecasting,

and of the SATIVUS application for disease and insect pest

monitoring, and information collection and management,

has proved effective for both officers and farmers. The

e-pest clinics established under the project bring plant

protection personnel to farmers’ fields and provide instant

suggestions for the management of pest problems. The

implementation of these new techniques will reduce crop

losses caused by insect pests and diseases in farmers’

fields.

ACHIEVEMENT OF RESULTS

The project made a notable contribution to pest

surveillance and stakeholder capacity with regard to digital

insect pest and disease management. The digital pest

surveillance system introduced made it possible to

perform rapid and accurate actions against insect pests,

reducing the massive and injudicious use of pesticides

caused by the delayed monitoring and forecasting of the

traditional system. A total of 1 524 government officials

and farmers gained knowledge of the new system and

its different tools through training in the importance

and working principles of the system.

As well as developing the digital pest surveillance system

for DAE, the project provided ten sets of the Trapview

automated device for e-pest surveillance to farmers’

fields, and a disease and insect pest monitoring

application (SATIVUS) in both English and the local

language (Bengali). Ten smart phones with the SATIVUS

application were delivered to the Sub-assistant Agriculture

Officers (SAAOs). The project also established 20 e-pest

clinics for insect pest and disease diagnosis and

management, and produced a field guide to the major

insect pests and diseases of crops in Bangladesh

(2 000 copies), a video documentary on the status of

insect pests and diseases in the country, and two training

modules on the SATIVUS application for the training of

extension officers and farmers. The project trained a total

of 150 SAAOs and 900 farmers in the SATIVUS application,

imparting the techniques required to diagnose and

manage disease and insect pests of crops.

1

BACKGROUND

The agriculture sector in Bangladesh makes a significant

contribution to the country in achieving self-sufficiency

in food, contributing over 15 percent to the Gross

Domestic Product in 2017-18 and employing 41 percent of

the labour force. However, pests and diseases cause

significant (from 15 to 25 percent) damage to crops. In

order to enhance crop production, the National

Agriculture Policy 2018 stressed the need for innovative

improvements in e-agriculture and the use of information

and communications technology (ICT) in agricultural

extension. These improvements included the use of

solar energy as a source of power for an automated

system of e-pest surveillance and pest management.

Although the existing Pest Surveillance Unit of the

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has a

nationwide network based on human resources, the

system is outdated, inefficient and lacking facilities for

local diagnosis and rapid information analysis and

transmission, resulting in delayed forecasting and an

inadequate control of pests and diseases. Considering

these weaknesses, an e-pest surveillance system based on

solar energy was proposed. The aim of the current project

was to develop such a system, enabling: i) faster and more

accurate monitoring of plant diseases and insect pests;

ii) quick analysis for decision-making; iii) the instant

communication of reports; iv) suitable action; v) reduced

pesticide use; and vi) enhanced crop production. The

system would comprise sensor nodes, cloud computing, a

communication system, the Internet, an information

service terminal and monitoring software and hardware

systems.

©FAO Bangladesh

IMPLEMENTATION OF WORK PLAN AND BUDGET

Almost all project activities were implemented on time. A

few activities faced challenges as a result of the COVID-19

crisis. These were solved through discussions with the

stakeholders. Despite an extension in the project duration,

all activities were implemented within the planned

budget.

With regard to risk management, limited risks were

encountered during project implementation. Sudden

COVID-19 pandemics caused interruptions during the

latter part of the implementation phase. However, as

mentioned above, these were resolved through

discussions at stakeholder meetings and the incorporation

of the necessary amendments. Frequent meetings of

project stakeholders and the reporting of the progress

made at these meetings helped to manage risks.

In terms of environmental and social risks, the project

contributed to improving the food and nutrition security

of large population groups. Rather than causing

environmental and social risks, the project dealt with

activities that emphasized the use of eco-friendly

management techniques that are both environmentally

safe and socially acceptable.

FOLLOW-UP FOR GOVERNMENT ATTENTION

It is recommended that DAE facilitate beneficiaries by

continuing to provide regular extension support. The

Ministry of Agriculture should also develop its own

strategies on the extension of the e-pest surveillance

system for its integrated pest management (IPM)

programme.

2

SUSTAINABILITY

1. Capacity development

The project respected the country priorities as laid out

in the CPF, National Agriculture Sector Plans and National

Development Plans, and the National Agriculture Policy

2018. With a view to making results sustainable, national

systems, organizations and procedures were involved as

much as possible. Participating organizations included the

Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI)

and Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). The main

implementing partner was DAE, which also provided

the National Project Coordinator. The Department has

sufficient scope to keep the activities introduced under

the project sustainable in the field. The partnerships and

alliances established during project formulation and

implementation by FAO and DAE will also contribute to

project sustainability.

The project established a solid exit strategy by

collaborating with DAE in the target districts to ensure

continued regular extension support to the farmers.

2. Gender equality

Women’s participation in stakeholder training was

11.6 percent, below the target of 30-40 percent envisaged

at the project design stage. This was probably caused

by the low availability of women in the various stakeholder

categories. Every effort was made during project

implementation to benefit women and men equitably,

above all with regard to member selection in farmers'

groups and participant selection in various short-term

training activities. As guided by the project design, the

higher participation of women in groups was encouraged

with a view to gender integration in the productive

spheres and women empowerment.


T C P / BG D /3701

©FAO Bangladesh

3. Environmental sustainability

The Initial Environmental Review (IER) confirmed the

assigned environmental category of a project designed

according to FAO Governing Principles. The impact on the

environment in the project area was seen as positive

as the project adopted good agricultural practices, and

promoted the use of eco-friendly tools for monitoring

and early forecasting to manage pests in a timely manner

with a minimal use of chemical pesticides.

4. Human Rights-based Approach (HRBA) – in particular

Right to Food and Decent Work

The project adopted the HRBA by aiming at the

realization of human rights, applying human rights

principles (PANTHER: participation, accountability,

non-discrimination, transparency, human dignity,

empowerment, rule of law) and promoting the concepts

of rights and obligations. In particular, it contributed

to achieving the right to adequate food, in accordance

with international standards and based on the Right to

Food Guidelines adopted by FAO in 2004. It also promoted

decent rural employment, aiming at the progressive

realization of the right to decent work for rural people, in

accordance to the Decent Work Agenda endorsed by the

United Nations World Summit of 2005 and the Economic

and Social Council. Finally, the digital pest surveillance

system introduced by the project marked a significant

reduction in work hours when compared with those

required by traditional surveillance systems.

5. Technological sustainability

The technologies introduced by the project are flexible

and user friendly. The digital pest surveillance system

and working principles of the Trapview automated trap

were readily accepted by DAE officers. The project

significantly enhanced the development of local

resources through good practices, while the training of

stakeholders contributed to institutional development

and capacity-building. Participatory groups were trained

in the handling of technologies related to e-pest

surveillance. The project also supported the improvement

of existing practices used in pest monitoring, forecasting

and management for the sustainable pest management

of crops.

3

The project was implemented in coordination with DAE,

with the main aim of developing the existing pest

surveillance system for rapid decision-making in pest

management with a proper pest database. Most growers

have a low level of literacy and need to be trained

effectively in the appropriate technologies. Only a limited

number of farmers received the training provided by

the project. The majority of trainees came from DAE

and benefited in terms of knowledge and technologies. As

the active partner in project implementation, DAE has

the mandate and capacities to facilitate beneficiaries

to continue to use the project outcomes without

further technical assistance.

6. Economic sustainability

The Ministry of Agriculture is motivated to develop its

own strategies on the extension of the e-pest surveillance

system for its integrated pest management (IPM)

programme. The regular activities of the IPM programme,

implemented by the Government, non-governmental

organizations (NGOs) and international organization,

have provisions for the mobilization of resources to the

sub-sector.

All products and services can reach beneficiaries and

stakeholders as DAE has a grassroot-level monitoring

system.


T C P / BG D /3701

©FAO Bangladesh

©FAO Bangladesh

©FAO Bangladesh

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DOCUMENTS AND OUTREACH PRODUCTS

CABI. Letter of Agreement (1506144) report on Technical Assistance to Establish Solar Energy-based e-Pest Surveillance System. 32 pp.

BAU Extension Centre. Letter of Agreement (1506764) report on development of an illustrated guide of major insects and diseases of different crops in six different hotspots of Bangladesh to manage the impact of surveillance risk. 58 pp.

Disease and insect pest monitoring application SATIVUS in English and local language (Bengali).

Field guide of major insect pests and diseases of different crops in Bangladesh (2 000 copies).

Video documentary on the status of insect pest and diseases of Bangladesh.

Development of digital pest surveillance system for Plant Protection Wing, DAE.

Two training modules (in English and Bengali) on SATIVUS application for training of extension officers and farmers.

©FAO Bangladesh©FAO Bangladesh

©FAO Bangladesh ©FAO Bangladesh

ACHIEVEMENT OF RESULTS - LOGICAL FRAMEWORK

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T C P / BG D /3701

Expected Impact

Effective pest surveillance in place and reduction of pesticide use in Bangladesh

Outcome

Farmers and extension workers are effectively using e-pest surveillance system in Bangladesh for early forecasting and controlling pests of rice crops

Indicator Number of sets of system developed in stipulated timeframe and piloted.

Baseline 0

End Target Ten sets of system for five blocks1 for six months.

Comments and follow-up action to be taken

Ten sets of system (solar power-based automated Trapview insect pest monitoring digital device) were set up at two pilot upazilas in two districts in Bangladesh.

Output 1

Solar power and sensor-based automated traps customized, and their refinement/updating continued for the pilot upazila

Indicators Target Achieved

Number of automated traps developed. Two units. Six months.

Yes

Baseline 0

Comments

Ten solar power-based Trapview devices were customized to the country context. An inception workshop was held on 2 October 2019, at which 120 participants from different organizations were sensitized to the e-pest surveillance project and its activities. On 19 February 2020, training was held at the FAO Office to demonstrate the process of deploying the traps and their technology. The Director, Plant Protection Wing, DAE, FAO personnel, CABI expert team and DAE officials from different upazilas were present at the training. A total of 20 participants attended the training programme. The discussion focused on the deployment and operation of the traps in the safe locations.

Activity 1.1

Assess the intensity of light energy

Achieved Yes

Comments

The solar panel of the Trapview devices must consume at least four hours/day full sunlight in a north-facing position to generate enough power to keep the battery suitably charged each day. Bangladesh is situated between 23.6850° N latitude, 90.3563° E longitude, which is a good location for solar energy utilization. The monthly average solar radiation was found to be 4.24 kWh/m2 and the daily average solar radiation varies between 4 to 6.5 kWh/m2, which is enough to run the solar-based automated trap in Bangladesh. (Secondary data collected from NASA.)

Activity 1.2

Hardware customization

Achieved Yes

Comments

Solar energy-based automated Trapview devices and sensors were customized in consultation with the insect pest and disease experts of DAE, Ministry of Agriculture, and experts from FAO to identify the appropriate light intensity for insect pests and diseases. From the consultation meeting it was also decided that these traps would be used for brinjal shoot and fruit borer, and Fall Armyworm in brinjal and maize fields, respectively, in two selected upazilas.

Activity 1.3

Software customization

Achieved Yes

Comments Software of the Trapview devices was customized with the support of a Trapview expert to retrieve data from traps and sensors, store these in the cloud, analyse and filter data, and map insect pest and diseases.

1 Pilot area: Number of upazilas: 1; blocks per upazila: 5; plots (50 decimal each) per block: 2; farmers per block: 2. Total for 1 upazila = 10 plots and

10 farmers, crop-rice year round.

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Output 2

Sub-system of hardware and software integration customized


Number of platforms (one hardware and one software). Two Yes

Baseline 0

Comments

Trapview, is an automated pest monitoring system that monitors all kinds of insects, using lures in insect traps. It works in any area covered by the GPRS or 3G network. The Trapview system consists of three fully integrated, automated and easy-to-use tools. FAO customized the hardware and software of the device for the surveillance of insect pests in Bangladesh, with technical support from the Trapview expert. Its application offers a detailed view of high-resolution images taken from the trap and includes analytical features for the comparison of data over time. It is also possible to connect temperature and humidity sensors for the collection of local weather data. Based on these, Trapview provides insight into historical data and a statistical presentations of pest counts for insect forecasting.

Activity 2.1

Development of hardware platform

Achieved Yes

Comments

The physical connection of different parts of Trapview was established for the end user through data transfer from field to cloud. For this purpose, FAO bought ten 3G SIM cards from a national mobile operator. After insertion of the SIM card into a smart phone, the device is activated through the GPRS system and data become available from any part of the world for registered users. For hardware customization, a remote training event was held on 14 October 2020 at FAO representation. FAO pest management experts and ICT team members participated.

Activity 2.2

Development of software platform

Achieved Yes

Comments

Outputs related to software tools or sub-systems were customized. The outputs comprised a data query sub-system for disease and insect pests, an information management sub-system, a mapping sub-system, a pest-density measurement sub-system, a data analysis and strategy design sub-system and an insect pest database. Software customization was performed via remote training by the Trapview vendor.

Output 3

Disease and insect pest monitoring application in English and local language and online real time cloud database and big data analytics developed


1. Number of mobile applications developed in two languages. 2. Number of online real time cloud database and big data analytics

developed.

1. One 2. One, six

months. Yes

Baseline 0

Comments

An India-based software company (Tene Agricultural Solutions Pvt. Ltd.) was identified for a customizable application for e-pest surveillance and the application tested. Following this, a customized prototype of the application for the specific context of the project (SATIVUS) was developed. The application was validated by an FAO national consultant, DAE officials and subject matter specialists from various agricultural universities in Bangladesh.

Activity 3.1

Applications developed in English

Achieved Yes

Comments An application named SATIVUS was developed to diagnose plant pests and diseases in the context of Bangladesh, with the support of DAE officials and an FAO pest management expert.

Activity 3.2

Applications developed in local language

Achieved Yes

Comments The SATIVUS application was translated into the Bangla language. The translations were made by the FAO pest management expert. The SATIVUS application is available for download from Google Play store in Bangladesh.

Activity 3.3

Collect real time database from field by applications

Achieved Yes

Comments

Twenty e-pest clinics (ten in Dhamrai upazila of Dhaka district and ten in Chudanga sadar upazila of Chudanga district) were developed for the diagnosis and management of insect pests and diseases, as well as for the collection of real time data from fields. In addition, a comprehensive survey on insect pest and disease status in six hotspots of Bangladesh, as mentioned in Delta Plan 2100, was conducted. A Field Guide of Major Insect Pests and Diseases of Different Crops in Bangladesh (2 000 copies) and a video documentary on the status of insect pests and diseases in six different hotspots in Bangladesh were produced.

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Activity 3.4

Store database in cloud and interconnect with Internet

Achieved Yes

Comments

A Digital Pest Surveillance System was developed, enabling DAE to replace the existing paper-based surveillance reporting system and to preserve pest surveillance-based data in the cloud. The project trained 28 master trainers (27 male and 1 female) from government officials and 420 (347 male and 73 female) government officials for the development of digital pest surveillance. FAO also trained 360 government officers (289 male and 71 female) from 14 DAE regions in major insect pest identification, IPM and safe food production.

Output 4

Farmers and extension officers are trained in utilization of mobile applications


1. Number of training modules developed. 2. Number of officials (SAAO and Plant Protection) trained in mobile

applications from selected blocks in two months. 3. Number of farmers trained in the mobile applications.

1. Two 2. 150 3. 900

Yes

Baseline 0

Comments

Initially, a CABI resource person trained seven master trainers in disease and insect pest monitoring using the SATIVUS application. Subsequently, the master trainers trained 150 SAAOs in the two pilot upazilas. Because of Covid, the training of the master trainers was held on the virtual platform on 14 October 2020. The key resource person was the Managing Director of Tene Agricultural Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, responsible for the development of the mobile application, who explained the step-by-step procedure required to use the application.

Activity 4.1

Module preparation

Achieved Yes

Comments For the successful training of SAAOs and farmers on the SATIVUS application two manuals in English and local (Bengali) languages were developed.

Activity 4.2

Impart training

Achieved Yes

Comments

Altogether, 150 SAAOs (129 male and 21 female) were trained in six batches on the use of the SATIVUS application for e-pest surveillance. Each batch contained 25 trainees and the duration for each batch was three days. A training module was provided on the topics of pest monitoring and surveillance. Seven master trainers from DAE trained the selected SAAOs. The batch details are as follows: - Dhamrai upazila: 48 (6 female and 42 male). - Savar upazila: 27 (10 female and 17 male). - Chuadanga upazila: 18 (1 female and 17 male). - Jibonnagor upazila: 15 (1 female and 14 male). - Damurhuda upazila: 18 (2 female and 16 male). - Alamdanga upazila: 24 (1 female and 23 male). FAO provided ten smart phones with the SATIVUS application installed to the SAAOs of ten blocks in the two pilot upazilas. After successful completion of the training, each SAAO trained six farmers for his/her block. A total of 900 (78 female and 822 male) farmers was trained to use the SATIVUS application for surveillance. In addition to the target, 360 officers from all 14 regions of Bangladesh were trained in major insect pest identification, IPM and safe food production in Bangladesh.

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Output 5

System installed, commissioned and performance evaluated


1. Number of fields having system installed and commissioned. 2. Number of performance evaluation of the system: 80 percent higher

diseases and insect pests are monitored and reported in 80 percent less time compared to existing system.

1. Ten 2. One

Yes

Baseline 0

Comments

Ten digital automated pest surveillance devices – Trapview - were installed in farmers’ fields in Dhamrai and Chuadanga Sadar upazilas (5 + 5) in coordination with DAE. In Dhamrai upzila, five traps were used for the surveillance of Fall Armyworm; in Chuadanga Sadar upazila, five traps were used for brinjal shoot and fruit borer. An FAO pest management expert received weekly reports of the two respective insects, including daily pest count, weather parameters data, status of pheromone lure, pest pressure and pest forecast.

Activity 5.1

Installation

Achieved Yes

Comments

Ten Trapview devices were installed, as follows: - five in Dhamrai upazila of Dhaka district for Fall Armyworm surveillance in maize fields. - five in Chuadanga Sadar upazila of Chuadanga district for brinjal shoot and fruit borer in

brinjal fields.

Activity 5.2

Evaluation: Engaging independent performance evaluator

Achieved Yes

Comments

In order to evaluate performance, three separate training events on “Working principles of solar-based automated Trapview devices in the field” were held at Khamarbari Dhaka (18 January 2021), Dhamrai (3 March 2021) and Chuadanga Sadar (24 February 2021), respectively. The following personnel received training from the FAO pest management expert and ICT experts: - seven high-level government officials from DAE. - 60 SAAOs. - 20 farmers.

Activity 5.3

Evaluation Report

Achieved Yes

Comments

All activities (inception workshop, Trapview installation, training, application development, field guide development, etc.) were conducted in coordination with DAE through the National Project Coordinator. Project activities were evaluated at the closing workshop held on 27 September 2021 at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council, Dhaka. FAO and DAE jointly organized the programme for the final performance evaluation. A total of 82 (68 male and 14 female) participants from 31 organizations participated in the workshop. These included high-level government officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Economic Relations Division of the Ministry of Finance, university teachers, researchers from research institutes and NGO personnel.

Partnerships and OutreachFor more information, please contact: [email protected]

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United NationsViale delle Terme di Caracalla 00153 Rome, Italy

mailto:[email protected]

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