Impact assessment of mobile app using Economic Surplus Model

Abstract

This article assesses the economic benefits of mobile app that provides real time information as well as forecasting about weather, pest and diseases of the grape crop in Maharashtra, India. Results of Economic Surplus Method (SME) showed that over the period of 16 years (2007–2022), 20% adoption of mobile app would generate total surplus of ` 9140.85 million and Net Present worth of ` 9111.94 million. Internal Rate of Return (IRR) would be 316%, Mindicating higher economic return from the technology of mobile app. At 50% level of adoption, it would generate total surplus of ` 13271.42 million with IRR of 317 per cent. The size of these returns implies that mobile based app for the grapes has high potential of economic return; returns on investments in extension services are quite attractive and there is scope for increasing outreach of information to realize the potential of technology in agriculture sector.