The Research and Innovation Coordinator at Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) Ukiriguru Center, Dr Deusdedit Peter Mlay, has emphasized the significance of the AKILIMO App in improving crop yields. He described how cassava farmers could use it to make informed decisions on the type and amount of fertilizer to apply in their fields to increase productivity. Mlay revealed this to Tanzania’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture Hon. Anthony Peter Mavunde (MP) and other guests during a visit to TARI Ukiriguru in Mwanza.
Mlay noted that farmers must produce more cassava to fulfill the demands of processing industries. They also need to follow good agricultural practices, including proper fertilizer application to enhance plant nutrients, restore soil fertility, and increase crop productivity.
According to Mlay, the AKILIMO App was designed to address the shortage of extension agents (EAs) in the cassava value chain. It was challenging for EAs to reach many farmers when disseminating farming technologies and training them on how to improve their farms to earn a higher income due to their relative scarcity. Thus, the AKILIMO App came in to support the critical function previously provided by EAs, particularly in assisting farmers in getting agronomic recommendations and advice.
The increased use of the AKILIMO App among cassava farmers contributes immensely to simplifying cassava growers’ lives. Many of them are benefitting from this digital service which has increased efficiency in production. The African Cassava Agronomy Initiative (ACAI) developed the App to provide site-specific recommendations for best planting practices, including intercropping and planting and harvest schedules.
“We advise farmers to use the AKILIMO App because, although a farmer can get all agronomic recommendations and advice, they will be able to know the yield quantity achieved since the App provides yield predictions,” Mlay said.
The App is available in the Google Play Store, where farmers can access it freely. Hon. Mavunde stressed the need to also have this App on the Apple App Store to allow all smartphone users to enjoy its benefits.
Contributed by Hadi Rashid
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