The Eastern Regional Agric Extension Officer, Mr. Papa Allotey is excited about the use of modern technologies to in today’s agriculture systemhas said that the introduction of technology into the agricultural structure is really helping farmers and extension officers who provide extension services to them.
According to him, the introduction of smart phones among other gadgets has now enabled farmers to take pictures and videos of the problems and the difficulties that they faced and send them through social medium platforms for easy valuation.
Speaking in an interview with Captain Adabugar during the Akuafo Sesen segment of the morning show, the Extension Officer recalled past practices where extension officers had to visit the farmers on their farms and organize workshops before demonstrating and educating farmers.
“The onset of smart phones among other sophisticated gadgets has now enabled farmers to take pictures and videos of their challenges and the problems that they face and send them through social medium platforms for easy assessment.
“Initially, extension officers had to visit the farmers on their farms and organize workshops before demonstrating and educating of them. Because of technology, however, farmers and the extension officers are on the same social media platforms such as watsap, messenger, etc which is making it very easy for farmers to share their challenges with the extension officers and receive results through the same means,” Mr. Allotey asserted.
He also added that the onset of technology has also aided the demonstration of plants and fertilizer application by extension officers which farmers easily access through smart phones without necessarily going to the farms.
Rapid advancements in technology provide an opportunity to connect and serve a large number of farmers in emerging market countries. With the rapid adoption of smart phones, it’s possible to serve smallholder farmers and connect them to governments, large corporations and other resources.
Through smart phones and social media applications, farmers can access education and information about a range of agricultural topics. In addition, farming communities can exchange information with each other, and with agricultural experts, on best farming practices.
Translation services on web browsers can also help them access information in the language of their choice.
Source: Prince Paul Amuzu/www.ritefmonline.org/princeamuzu667@gmail.c
