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Online Reporter
GOVERNMENT has intensified the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agriculture as part of a broad plan to fully digitalise the sector by 2025.
Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) chief director Professor Obert Jiri said: “The objective is to develop a smart agricultural system to boost growth in the sector and integrate it closely into the wider economy.
“Critically, the roping in of ICT tools is of value to farmers and the overall food security of the country through provision of crucial data on these pertinent aspects.”
Digitalisation of the agricultural sector is envisaged to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance productivity.
Last year, Government took delivery of a consignment of 26 automated weather stations, 10 automatic rainfall stations and 10 real-time gauging stations.
To date, over 5 000 internet-connected mobile tablets and laptops have been handed over to extension officers to enable them to access new agronomic practices and relay them to farmers in real-time.
Government is also implementing the online AgricTips365 and the Agricultural Information Management System (AIMS), which focuses on technical aspects of crop and livestock production, as well as product marketing.
Online Reporter