New agricultural app launched
THE Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) has introduced a new app designed to improve agricultural production in the Caribbean, by providing real-time information on such things as crop management.
The launch of the AgriExt App took place on Friday during the virtual Caribbean Regional Accountability Seminar 2021, where it was revealed that IICA, together with the ministries of agriculture in the Caribbean and the agricultural extension organisations in three of the countries, created the app to support agricultural producers, key players in the ministries of agriculture and extension services across CARICOM.
In a pre-recorded statement shown during the event, Assistant Secretary General for Trade and Economic Integration at the CARICOM Secretariat, Joseph Cox, said that CARICOM’s involvement in the launch of the app fits directly into its overall objective of achieving economic growth and prosperity for citizens in CARICOM.
“This App is a communication tool that will serve to enhance the exchange of information and communication between farmers, extension workers and relevant actors in the agricultural innovation mechanism within CARICOM. The App will allow for farmers in real time, to have access to technical information and solutions, which will contribute to better production planning, greater yields, improved productivity, and a better understanding of the market needs and requirements,” he said.
Cox further stated that the app – which is available in Android, Apple and Web versions – is expected to significantly reduce the wait time that farmers experience in accessing extension services. Moreover, the Assistant Secretary General said it demonstrates their commitment to being more responsive to the needs of the Caribbean community.
“With digitalisation being the new buzzword for the regional agricultural systems, the launch of this app supports the offering and dissemination of information products on agricultural production, agronomy, disease and pest management to our most important clients – our CARICOM farmers,” he indicated.
He continued, “We are encouraged that various member states, farmers’ groups, extension personnel and agricultural professionals ... have been involved in the development and trials of the App, and have provided positive feedback to date, as to the possibility and the far-reaching effect that it can have on the region’s farming systems.”
The Assistant Secretary General, as he expressed appreciation to IICA for its continued and unwavering support to the people of CARICOM, went on to say that the CARICOM Secretariat is especially grateful for the work done in respect of the app. The Secretariat sees it as a major step, as it moves towards the finalisation of its overall e-agricultural strategy for CARICOM. (JRT)