Dr. Z.P. Patel, Vice Chancellor, Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat, launched the mobile app 'Comprehensive Rubber Information System Platform (CRISP)' developed by the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) in collaboration with the Digital University of Kerala in a meeting held at RRII, Kottayam. Dr. K.N. Raghavan, Executive Director, Rubber Board, who presided over the function, launched the e-library of RRII. Dr. Saji Gopinath, Vice-Chancellor of the Digital University of Kerala, released the book 'Status report- Molecular and physiological markers for genetic improvement of natural rubber'.

Dr. Lalit Mahatma, Associate Director of research at Navsari Agricultural University explained the ongoing rubber cultivation trials in Gujarat. Mr. T. Radhakrishnan, Assistant Professor & Coordinator (Geospatial Analytics), Digital University of Kerala, detailed the efforts behind the development of 'CRISP', the new mobile app. Dr. M.D. Jessy, Director (Research) in-charge, RRII, welcomed the gathering and Dr. M.B. Mohammad Sathik, Officer in-charge, Botany Division, RRII proposed a vote of thanks.

The recommendations of RRII regarding production & productivity enhancement, reduction of cultivation cost, maintenance of soil fertility, disease control measures etc., are now reaching the farmers through traditional extension methods. Many of these recommendations are location specific and can be linked to geo-information systems and delivered directly to the farmers. As information technology now has access everywhere, the mobile app ‘CRISP’, launched by the Rubber Board, will allow the farmers to know recommendations related to rubber cultivation and get solutions online.