By Saskia Warrick | October 8, 2024
A new Digital Agriculture Platform, known as the Agriculture Information System (AIS), has been officially launched in Guyana, aimed at boosting productivity, improving decision-making, and strengthening accountability within the agricultural sector.
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, highlighted that this initiative is part of a broader effort to position Guyana as a leader in both agriculture and digitalization.
The AIS is set to revolutionize the way agricultural data is collected, managed, and utilized, facilitating a transformative shift in the food sector.
Once fully operational, the system will provide farmers, extension officers, and media personnel with access to real-time agricultural information, enhancing their capacity to respond promptly and effectively to various challenges.
During the launch event, Minister Mustapha announced that AIS hubs will be established in eight of the country’s ten administrative regions.
These hubs will be equipped with tablets to ensure easy access to the necessary data.
In addition to the AIS, the Ministry is developing a Regional Data Center that aims to generate real-time and accurate data for CARICOM member states, further enhancing regional collaboration and risk management in agriculture.
The implementation of the AIS project has been made possible through funding from the Inter-American Development Bank, under the Ministry’s Agriculture Sector Development Unit’s Sustainable Agricultural Development Program.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in leveraging technology to support the agricultural sector in Guyana.