NISS updates mobile App to Improve farming production

The Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS), has unveiled the updates version of its mobile application platform, NISSAGRO mobile app (version 2.0), to help researchers, scientists, and other stakeholders provide appropriate services to farmers.

The South West Zonal Coordinator of NISS, Prof. James Alabi Adediran disclosed this during a training for southwest farmers tagged: “Training The Trainers,” at the Institute of Agriculture Research & Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Zonal Coordinator explained that the app was designed to collect and analyse data, proffer solutions and give advice to farmers, extension workers, agro dealers and other stakeholders in the sector to promote good agronomic practices.

He added that through the app, farmers will have regular linkage with scientists and other stakeholders warehoused into the application.

“Scientists, researchers and other stakeholders will give the right services to the farmers that need them. This will improve agricultural production and ensure food security in the country.

“It would also enhance the livelihood of farmers,” he stressed.

Speaking on the training, he noted that it was aimed at enhancing the participation of farmers and extension workers in knowledge-driven information technology that will improve the linkage between scientists and stakeholders.

Adediran, also advised farmers and extension workers in the region to make use of the upgraded NISSAGRO version 2.0 mobile application.

“If farmers do not have access to the app, they may end up in the hands of quacks who would demand money from them. The purpose of this initiative is to ensure farmers have direct linkage with NISS, either at the headquarters in Abuja or in the Southwest region.

“Secondly, they need to have adequate knowledge by updating themselves on how to use the application. They also need to use data, which farmers may not be able to get regularly because of funds, that’s why we have the extension agents, who are also knowledgeable to assist the farmers.

“However, without using data, automatically you cannot access the NISSAGRO application. Most of these disadvantages automatically are not insurmountable, they require further enforcement and constant access to that application.”

“The few ones that are already trained are supposed to be knowledgeable enough and should be ready to assist other farmers,” he added.