Artificial intelligence helps in crop management
THE adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms can boost agricultural production by assisting in analysing large datasets, optimising crop management and predicting agricultural trends, the Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Vangelis Haritatos has said.
Government, development partners and stakeholders in the agriculture sector were expected to come up with solutions on how the sector can leverage technology to boost production across its value chains.
Smart farming is an emerging concept that refers to managing farms using technologies like the internet of things, robotics, drones and AI to increase the quantity and quality of products while optimising the human labour required by production.
The introduction of smart farming enables increased yield through more efficient use of natural resources and inputs, and improved land and environmental management.
Speaking during a smart farming indaba in Harare this week, Deputy Minister Haritatos said the use of advanced monitoring systems, such as drones and satellite imagery, could provide valuable insights into crop health, soil moisture levels and pest infestations.
By using these technologies, farmers could detect problems early, take timely action, and prevent yield losses.
Technologies could empower farmers with knowledge and enable them to make informed decisions for sustainable agricultural practices.
‘’To ensure the successful adoption of smart farming techniques, it is essential to provide farmers with the necessary knowledge, training, and support. Capacity-building programmes, farmer training centres and the dissemination of best practices are vital in enabling farmers to embrace these transformative technologies.
“The adoption of smart farming practices requires a shift in mindset and skills set.
“As the Agriculture Ministry, we are committed to providing farmers with the necessary training and support to embrace these innovations confidently.
“We must also work hand in glove with research institutions, private sector partners, and international organisations to promote innovation, develop affordable technologies, and provide financial incentives for farmers to adopt smart farming practices.
“In addition to technology, we must invest in the education and training of our farming communities,’’ he said.
Another crucial aspect of smart farming was the integration of climate-smart agricultural practices.
The practices involved the use of resilient crop varieties, soil conservation techniques and the implementation of agroforestry systems.
“By diversifying agricultural landscapes and implementing sustainable soil management practices, it could enhance soil fertility, reduce erosion, and build climate resilience.
This, in turn, would improve crop yields and ensure food security, even in the face of climatic uncertainties.
Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) board chairperson and Agriseeds sales and marketing director
Mr Ivan Craig said technology played a pivotal role in farming, adding that drones were crucial for selecting sites for borehole drilling and analysing deficiencies in nutrients from the crops.
“Most farmers spend a lot of money drilling boreholes.
“They try more times but with this technology, the use of drones in the water survey shows you what exactly is in the soil.
“It also shows the capacity of the water and it shows the depth of the borehole and what you can do with that water so that technology is very important and welcome.
“It is also used to spray the crops at very minimum cost and also the planting of small grains. It also analyses diseases and deficiencies of nutrients in the plant,’’ he said.
Just before the present rains started falling, Kutsaga public relations and communications officer, Mr Tatenda Mugabe urged farmers not to panic, adding that more rains were expected and new tobacco climate smart varieties which they introduced were doing well.