ICT in Agriculture

Information and communications technology in agriculture

Introduction

Information and communication technology in agriculture (ICT in agriculture), also known as e-agriculture, focuses on the enhancement of agricultural and rural development through improved information and communication processes. More specifically, e-agriculture involves the conceptualization, design, development, evaluation and application of innovative ways to use information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the rural domain, with a primary focus on agriculture. ICT includes devices, networks, mobiles, services and applications; these range from innovative Internet-era technologies and sensors to other pre-existing aids such as fixed telephones, televisions, radios and satellites. Provisions of standards, norms, methodologies, and tools as well as development of individual and institutional capacities, and policy support are all key components of e-agriculture.

The Relevance of ICT in Modern Agricultural Technology

Understanding Modern Technology Used in Agriculture

The agricultural scene today requires the integration of sophisticated technologies such as temperature and moisture sensors, robots, GPS technology, and aerial images, to name a few. On this note, ICT helps meet the elevated demand for newer approaches. Such digital farming tech also aids in empowering rural farmers by allowing better access to effective production strategies, banking and financial services, etc.

Impact of ICT on Agriculture and Information Technology

When talking about modern farming technology, one needs to acknowledge the role of ICT as a decision support system for farmers. Through the assistance of ICT, farmers are able to stay updated with all recent information. This is inclusive of data about weather, agriculture, and newer and more advanced ways of enhancing crop quality and production.

APPLICATIONS OF ICT IN THE DEVELOPED WORLD

The use of ICT in modern agriculture technology has also significantly transformed agriculture and farming in developed countries at a different scale. Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing, and Big Data have all had a profound impact on the efficiency of current processes. Several farm holdings manage farms remotely using sensing technologies, drones, and other devices that gather vital data on soil properties, air, crop health, and weather conditions.

Regulatory policy and governance

The widespread adoption of digital technologies by agriculturists is resulting in an exponential increase in the availability of a wide range of big data that can aid better policy making and monitoring, as well as help transform the agriculture sector.

Agricultural extension and advisory services

ICT in the form of innovative media platforms bridges the gap between farmers on one end and agricultural researchers and extension agents on the other. It is a more cost-efficient method to improve smallholders’ knowledge of current agricultural practices and markets.

Enhanced market access

ICT-enabled market information services enhance farmers’ access to nearby markets and their awareness of current consumer demands through the transfer of information from the traders. ICTs also foster networking among the agri-stakeholders, which facilitates increased market access for inputs and product marketing and trade.

Environmentally sustainable agriculture

Budget-friendly mobile phones, internet, and other services to disseminate information and provide rural farmers with improved access to solutions for climate-smart agriculture and the appropriate knowledge to use them.

Food safety & traceability

A combination of simple and sophisticated technologies, such as mobile phones, software solutions, RFID tags, data input websites, and sensors using GPS technology, among others, enable producers to capture and monitor reliable data and also comply with international traceability and food.

Financial inclusion and risk management

ICTs strengthen rural and smallholder farmers’ access to financial services, enable them to find affordable insurance schemes and tools to better manage risk, and empower them with information regarding financial services that are available to them.

Conclusion

Agriculture extension is the "Heart and soul" of the knowledge base of the ministry of agriculture. It is the vehicle for agricultural sector transformation.

The proposed agriculture extension reforms above are aimed at rebuilding and revitalizing the national agricultural extension system and promoting efficiency in agriculture production and productivity and the contribute to the realization of vision 2040.

Once this reform is comprehensively implemented with full support of stakeholders it will spur and reverse the declining in agriculture growth in the years to come.

However, this growth will only occur if matched with increased budget allocation to the agricultural sector that is currently at about 3.4 percent.