By Blessings Mpinganjira:
The Ministry of Agriculture has reiterated the need to enhance the use of digital technology in the agriculture sector to boost farming activities in the country.
This came out yesterday during a workshop on the Role of Digital Technology in Climate Adaptation in Agriculture in Lilongwe.
Director of Planning in the Ministry, Rodwell Mzonde, said digital technology is important as it helps farmers and policy makers adapt to climate change, which is currently a challenge in agriculture productivity.
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He said the ministry is working on countering the effects of climate change through the development of sustainable and appropriate programmes for both crops and livestock production.
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“Through the use of digital technology, we will be able to promote advanced farming systems while strengthening early warnings systems of climate, which has undeniable impacts on agriculture”, Mzonde said.
Senior International Researcher at International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Greenwell Matchaya said good and reliable electricity and internet can assist farmers to be knowledgeable about climate change before the planting season and be knowledgeable on the appropriate time to plant seeds.
“The impacts of climate change highly affect the agriculture sector, which is the backbone of the country’s economy. Familiarising our farmers with digital technology will assist us to increase awareness among farmers on the effects on climate change,” he said.
The 2022-23 farming season was affected by Cyclone Freddy, which had a negative impact on food productivity.
