Technology is driving revolutionary transformations in the agriculture sector. It is empowering farmers to access modern tools and techniques, and real-time information to farm smartly and boost farm productivity. However, millions of farmers across the world, especially in rural regions are still unable to harvest the benefits of technology.
One of the reasons is the lack of internet access. It could be due to any of the following reasons:
Imagine how much these farmers are missing out on the digital innovation opportunities to grow their yield and income! Hence, it becomes imperative to connect the unconnected farmers and level the playing field for them. Here are some ways to make this possible:
SMS Services
SMS service is a common feature of all mobile phones, irrespective of the brand and model. Farmers with basic mobile phones and 2G networks can get updates and alerts on weather, crop advisory, market prices, government policies, etc.
For instance, an SMS campaign helped 80% of farmers in Kenya and Uganda learn new ways to tackle fall armyworm attacks. A free peer-to-peer service helps small-scale farmers to share information via SMS, thereby enabling the dissemination of crowdsourced knowledge.
Voice-Based Helplines
Farmers with basic cell phones or landline phones can access information by dialing toll-free helpline numbers. These numbers connect them to agricultural experts who listen to their queries and provide appropriate advice.
Some farming solution providers also give the facility of a ‘missed call’ service so that farmers can save money on their phone bills. Gramophone, an Indian agtech startup, leverages this concept to reach the unconnected farmers.
Community TVs, Radios, and Computer Networks
Several rural and remote agricultural regions have community centers equipped with TV sets, radios, or computers with internet connection. These centers run by the locals or government can broadcast information at a mass level, especially during emergencies or weather crises.
A fine example is Farm Radio, an international non-profit organization that partners with radio stations to educate African farming communities.
Satellite Internet
Satellite broadband is proving to be a boon to agricultural communities in locations with zero or poor internet access. This facility doesn’t need local infrastructure. It uses a satellite in space to send and receive signals to an internet service provider who then routes the signal to a modem at the farmer’s home. It also doesn’t require any cable wiring.
A farm in one of the most off-grid locations in rural New Zealand has been able to do things faster and better after switching to satellite internet.
Digital Aggregation
On-field farming trainers or agro products dealers can be equipped with smartphones or any other portable handheld devices with an internet connection. These trainers or dealers can show pre-recorded audio-visual content on their devices to the farmers.
Conclusion
The future of farmers relies on connectivity. It is only then they can maintain a continuous supply of food and help the world tackle the challenge of food security. Hence, government, agtech startups, private enterprises, development agencies, agricultural communities, and other stakeholders should collaborate to establish last-mile infrastructure to bridge the internet connectivity gap.
Syngenta Innovation Dialogues is part of the Shoots by Syngenta Accelerator initiative
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