Joint effort to develop E-Agriculture strategy

An E-Agriculture strategy has been suggested for PNG.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) are joining forces to develop it.
E-Agriculture is an emerging field focusing on the enhancement of agricultural and rural development through improved information and communication processes. It involves the conceptualisation, design, development, evaluation and application of innovative ways to use ICT in the rural domain, with a primary focus on agriculture.
Country representative of FAO Ken Shimizu said the E-Agriculture strategy was is expected to help downsize financial and human resources and holistically address ICT opportunities and challenges for the agricultural sector in a more efficient manner while generating new revenue streams and improving the livelihoods of the rural community.
Shimizu said E-Agriculture would also guide stakeholders to capture and better utilisation of ICT opportunities in PNG to promote agriculture.
He said improved access and better linkages between research, extension services and the farmer through information remained a priority, thus, the agriculture sector needed to be targeted with sound policies and strategies and adequate support to improve livelihoods and foster rural development.
Shimizu said the agriculture sector in PNG had the potential to improve food security, nutrition and income-earning opportunities, create employment, reduce poverty and enhance socio-economic development and the E-Agriculture strategy would only eventuate if players in responsible sectors participated in establishing a conducive environment which could allow agriculture development.