Farmers Encouraged to Download and Use New RADA Mobile App

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is encouraging farmers to download its new mobile application, currently available in the Google Play Store for Android users.

The app, which was launched on November 24, offers a variety of features, including options for users to request farm visits from RADA Extension Officers, report issues experienced on farms and document farm information.

RADA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Winston Simpson, said the app, which is not yet available to Apple IOS users, is user-friendly and aims to empower farmers.

“Farmers are now able to obtain extension support services just by the click of a button using the RADA mobile app.

The app facilitates communication with the RADA extension service providers and supplies essential agricultural resources tailored to their needs,” the CEO informed.

Mr. Simpson, who was speaking during Thursday’s (December 7) Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ at the Agency’s Head Office in Kingston, also indicated that the app can be used by registered and unregistered farmers.

“The RADA mobile application encompasses six distinct modules, and these were designed to meet the needs of both farmers and non-farmers alike. These modules will foster communication and knowledge sharing. The app allows for real-time updates for farmers with relevant information on upcoming workshops and training. “Farmers can also access information on crop-management techniques, pest-control management and sustainable farming practices at their fingertips,” he outlined.

Meanwhile, RADA Senior Programmer and one of the app’s creators, Hartnell Campbell, said Android users can download the software easily from the Google Play Store.

“After you open your phone, once it is an android phone, you are going to go to the Play Store and search for RADA. In that listing, select the RADA App with our logo and instal it. We are encouraging the farmers and potential farmers to download the mobile app,” he said.

Though the RADA corporate mobile app offers a wide range of features for use by farmers for technical support and data management, it can also be used by householders.

“Right now, our RADA Guides module is an area persons can go into and search. We have a wealth of information there that we are adding to daily. We have information here from crops and livestock rearing, to home economics, which are household things.

“For the future, we are planning to put in a full section for home economics; this includes recipes and childcare. We also want to add information on upcoming projects,” he explained.

RADA, which is a statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, was established under the Rural Agricultural Development Authority Act of 1990.

The Authority serves as Jamaica’s chief agricultural extension and rural development agency.

For more details on the features of the app and plans for further development, persons can call 888-ASK RADA (275-7232).