An agritech expert, Dr Juliana Mbede, says the application of digital tools such as precision agriculture, smart irrigation systems, and drones can help farmers optimize crop yields.
Mbede made this known in an interview with reporters in Abuja on Monday.
She noted that these tools provide real-time data on soil health, weather patterns, and crop conditions.
“For example, a study found that the adoption of intelligent farming technologies like IoT and drones increased rice yields by about 15 per cent and reduced water usage by 25 per cent,” she said.
IoT (Internet of Things) refers, in agriculture, to connected sensors and devices that monitor soil, crops, livestock, and equipment in real time. It is a major pillar of precision agriculture or smart farming.
Mbede is the Managing Director of Ethreal Farms, an agritech firm that produces and distributes high-quality vegetables using sustainable practices.
She disclosed that digital tools also help farmers manage resources more efficiently, reducing waste and improving productivity.
She gave examples: smart irrigation systems optimize water usage, while digital platforms provide information on weather, soil health, and crop conditions.
According to her, digital marketplaces and mobile apps connect farmers directly with buyers, cutting transaction costs and improving market access.
“This can help farmers increase their sales and revenue,” she said.
Mbede explained that digital financial services—such as mobile banking and insurance—enable farmers to manage finances more effectively, reducing poverty and improving stability.
“Digital platforms can provide farmers with access to credit, insurance, and other financial services,” she said.
