E-agriculture will drive sector growth – CS Linturi

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has said the use of technology is critical towards accelerating agricultural and rural development.

The CS said by adopting innovative means to improve the existing information and communication processes, the country will make strides in enhancing food security.

Speaking during the World Tea Day in Nandi on Tuesday, Linturi said that e-agriculture offers more opportunities for modern farmers and investors in the agricultural sector.

“Information on market prices for agricultural commodities, agriculture machinery, climate, value addition and early warning system will be packaged and disseminated through media outlets," Linturi said.

The CS said the Ministry of Information, Communications and Digital Economy will play a critical role in the delivery of government core priorities with the digital superhighway and digitalization as the key thematic focus areas.

“Information, Communication and Technology is an enabler across the Government through overall delivery of digital economy for sustainable economic development in Kenya,’’ he said.

Saying that today’s agricultural sector has undergone a massive digital transformation, Linturi said the new digital tools are reshaping how farmers grow crops and the way consumers buy them.

“The growth of mobile phones and other digital devices such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, commonly known as drones, have made it possible to monitor everything remotely, from soil health conditions to weather patterns," he said.

The CS said that ICT has also made it easier for farmers to monitor their crops, respond quickly to threats such as disease or pests, and increase yields while using fewer resources.

“From data analytics to drones, ICT is revolutionizing Agriculture, with improved productivity translating into increased earnings for our farmers," Linturi said.

He said, on the other hand, digitalization, the use of Mobile Technology and social media are reshaping the landscape in many sectors including Agriculture.

“The use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning makes it possible to recognize trends and carry out predictive analysis," he said.

On the tea subsector, Linturi lauded the progress made, saying tea is one of the leading foreign exchange earners for the country.

The earnings, he said, contribute approximately 4 per cent of the country’s Agricultural GDP.

“Thus, the tea industry is a key contributor to the socio-economic development of this country," he said.

According to the CS, the tea sector earned the country a total of Sh196 billion last year.

“Sh180 billion being exports and Sh16 billion in local sales," he said.

The CS said the milestone was achieved through concerted industry efforts and the government championed tea reforms.

In pursuit of making the tea sub-sector globally competitive, the CS said the government is undertaking a wide range of initiatives.

Key among the interventions, Linturi said, is promoting value addition and diversification into speciality teas and orthodox manufacture.

Linturi said this is in line with the Kenya Government's Economic Blueprint - The Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

The Beta is underpinned by five sectors that form the core pillars which include agricultural transformation and inclusive growth.

“Specifically, on Agricultural Transformation and Inclusive Growth - The Government aims to transform the economy from food deficit to surplus producers through provision of subsidized inputs as well as finance and intensive agricultural extension support," Linturi said.

The CS said the government in collaboration with relevant stakeholders will endeavour to disseminate research and worldwide knowledge-based information on food and nutrition to increase production and food security.