Digital Farming-NITDA Partners with Three Universities

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Federal University Dutse (FUD) and University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) has launched a pilot project to advance the research and application of digital technology farming.

The development was disclosed in a statement released recently by the Director-General of NITDA, Mr Kashifu Abdullahi. According to him, NITDA is establishing Information Technology (IT) centres in communities and institutions of learning across the country, and also providing training for Nigerians to operate in line with the Federal Government’s policy on the digital economy.

Abdullahi noted that although agriculture makes up 24 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, the sector still faces issues of “low technology, high production cost and poor distribution of inputs, limited financing, high post-harvest losses, and poor access to markets.”

However, he argued that the application of digital technology in farming would reduce the quantity of water, fertiliser and labour required in farming, as well as increase farm yields. “Using technology in farming will help the country optimise this sector, improve production, reduce waste, facilitate access to markets, and thereby put Nigeria on the path of food security and substantial income generation,” the NITDA DG said.

He also noted that the agency hopes to attract more youths into farming and boost the country’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy through which it aims to become a leading player in the global digital economy.

source  Agro Nigeria