Farmer-friendly, practical guide for data collection models in agarwood cultivation, designed to be simple, actionable, and low-cost while still supporting traceability, compliance, and premium markets.
Farmer-Friendly Data Collection Models for Agarwood
Purpose: Capture essential information at the right time without overwhelming farmers, ensuring traceable, compliant, and high-value agarwood.
1. Paper-Based Field Logs
How it works:
- Farmers record key activities in pre-designed notebooks or log sheets.
- Use columns for tree ID, date, activity, notes, and photos (optional).
Pros:
- Low cost, no technology required
- Easy to understand and adopt
- Can be later digitized
Cons:
- Manual entry prone to errors
- Harder to share with buyers or auditors
Best For:
- Small plantations
- Initial adoption phase
- Farmers not familiar with smartphones
Example Table Format:
| Tree ID | Date | Activity | Notes | Operator | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPI-IL-001 | 2026-01-18 | Fertilization | 50g organic fertilizer | Juan Dela Cruz | 📷 |
2. Mobile App / Digital Logs
How it works:
- Use a smartphone app or tablet to enter tree/batch data directly.
- Can include QR scanning, GPS, and photo capture.
Pros:
- Immediate digital record → reduces transcription errors
- GPS & photo verification adds credibility
- Can integrate with AgriTrace / blockchain
Cons:
- Requires smartphone or tablet
- Needs basic digital literacy
- Internet may be needed for sync
Best For:
- Medium to large plantations
- Cooperatives or shared farms
- Farmers already familiar with mobile phones
Suggested Activities to Record:
- Planting & UTID assignment
- Inoculation (type & date)
- Fertilization, pruning, pest treatment
- Harvest weight & grade
- Photos of tree/batch for verification
3. QR Code-Linked Logs
How it works:
- Each tree or batch gets a QR code
- Farmers scan QR and enter data into simple forms (paper + app hybrid)
- Data automatically linked to digital ledger / AgriTrace system
Pros:
- Easy to identify individual trees or batches
- Works even in low-tech settings if QR + paper logs are combined
- Connects physical product to digital traceability
Cons:
- Requires initial printing of QR tags
- Some training needed for scanning & linking
Best For:
- High-value or export-grade plantations
- Farms participating in blockchain-based traceability
- Farmer cooperatives sharing processing facilities
4. Hybrid Model (Recommended)
How it works:
- Paper logs for daily field notes
- Mobile/QR app for periodic updates & batch verification
- Blockchain / ledger system at processing center for audits
Pros:
- Low cost for farmers
- Ensures full traceability without overwhelming daily work
- Supports both local and international buyer compliance
Workflow Example:
- Farmer enters daily care activities in paper log
- Weekly, farm supervisor enters key data into mobile app
- At harvest, QR-linked batch info uploaded to digital ledger
- Buyer or auditor scans QR → sees complete tree/batch history
5. Key Data to Capture (Farmer-Friendly Version)
| Stage | Data | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Seedling | Tree ID, planting date, location | QR + log sheet |
| Growth | Fertilization, irrigation, pruning, pests | Paper + app |
| Inoculation | Inoculant type, date, tree ID | Paper or QR form |
| Harvest | Weight, grade, batch ID, permits | Paper + QR scan |
| Processing | Batch yield, processing notes | App or cooperative ledger |
| Export | QR-linked documentation | Blockchain / AgriTrace |
6. Tips for Adoption by Farmers
- Keep logs short and simple: 1–2 lines per tree per activity
- Use symbols or color codes for activities if literacy is an issue
- Use weekly summaries for supervisors to enter into digital systems
- Reward compliance: traceable trees earn higher market value
- Train farmers on QR scanning and photo documentation
Message for Training
“Record what matters, when it matters. Simple logs, QR scans, and occasional digital updates protect your trees, prove your work, and earn you premium prices.”