An agricultural expert, Emmanuel Okogbenin, says digital agriculture has the potential to revolutionise farming practices in Nigeria. 

Mr Okogbenin, director, programme development and commercialisation, Africa Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), said this during an interview with journalists in Benin on Friday.

He said that digital agriculture has helped to enhance farm productivity, reduce wastage, improve farm management and promote more sustainable farming practices.

He, however, noted that Nigeria was yet to fully embrace the application of digital technologies in its agricultural practices.

“Digital agriculture involves using technology to control farming operations, and it is gaining international traction, especially in countries like the United States. 

“In the USA, when it comes to large-scale farming, covering hundreds or thousands of hectares, you can’t employ enough people to handle the harvesting. 

“You would lose your crops before they’re harvested. Machines equipped with digital technology are used instead, ensuring harvesting is done with less damage to the crops.”

He noted that post-harvest losses were one of the causes of food insecurity in Nigeria that could be reduced by using technology.

He highlighted other advancements in digital agriculture to include the use of drones for field management and Global Positioning System (GPS).

“The use of GPS-guided tractors, for instance, allows farmers to apply precise amounts of nutrients to the soil, following assessments of its nutrient levels. 

“Drones help identify areas of the farm that are exposed to drought, diseases and provide real-time images, improving overall farm management,” the expert added.

He also said that digital agriculture offered opportunities for youth to become digital service providers. 

“It helps you understand your agricultural environment and provides warnings ahead of time, allowing you to apply the right agricultural practices.”

He added  that with proper investment in technology and infrastructure, the country could witness a significant transformation in its agricultural sector.

 (NAN)