ePest Surveillance

App to collect and share real-time information on pests of crops in Bhutan.

The ePest surveillance application uses an android tablet that has the combination of various cutting edge technologies (GPS/GPRS/GSM) for the real time geo-referenced data to capture and transmission via internet. It is connected to a central server that will allow rapid data entry, collation and analysis, and makes the data reports available in real time to the participating Gewogs, Dzongkhags and Research Centers. Any desired combination of qualitative and quantitative outputs can be generated, that may be used to develop strategic pest management plans. As this system can gather and store information for any given time period, it will allow us to study the trend of pests occurrence with reference to contributing factors such as climate change and changing crop production system. The trend in pest occurrence under variable climatic conditions will enable us to develop pest Forecasting and Early Warning system.

Timely collection and availability of pests information will not only assure the necessary preparedness for providing prompt plant protection services, but also contribute significantly to the realization of the phytosanitary obligations under Regional and International Agreements like BIMSTEC (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation); SAFTA (South Asia Free Trade Agreement); and WTO (World Trade Organization).