Agriculture Ministry Open to Use of More IT Solutions

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Roger Clarke, says that with the technology applications (apps) developed last year, Government is paving the way for the creation of more innovations that can resolve other issues within the sector.

“We have developed the framework for open participatory technology development, that is, our databases are now open to allow for the development of other information technology solutions to solve concrete problems in the sector,” he said.

The Minister was making his contribution to the 2014/15 Budget Debate in Parliament on Wednesday, April 23.

Mr. Clarke noted that the administration has been working to better support the nation’s 220,000 farmers, by re-inventing its extension services through greater use of technology.

This is evidenced in the computer tablets that were provided to all extension officers, as well as the creation of two apps, in partnership with the Mona School of Business and Management – the CLIP App and the Harvest API App.

The Minister pointed out that the Harvest API App will enhance the information exchange among players in the agriculture value chain with respect to farm-gate prices and volumes.

“This will increase transparency, empower our farmers and provide the kind of information that will improve the management of the marketing of goods,” he said.

In relation to the CLIP App, Mr. Clarke noted this will enable the police to have instant and mobile access to the Rural Agricultural Development Authority’s (RADA) Farmer Registration database via cellular phones.

“This will make a critical difference to our capacity to combat praedial larceny,” the Agriculture Minister said.