The Plateau State Government says that it sees Artificial Intelligence (AI) as one of the pathways to enhance its agricultural sector.
The Plateau Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA) says that Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly ChatGPT, has the potential to enhance Plateau State’s agricultural sector.
PICTDA has detailed how AI can support farmers in enhancing agricultural productivity across the state. The agency says that ChatGPT can provide farmers with access to necessary information, including weather conditions, market trends, soil types, pest management techniques, fertiliser applications, and soil health.
In the outlook captured in the state tech agency’s December 2024 bulletin, PICTDA says ChatGPT can offer diverse solutions to tackle major challenges in modern farming. The bulletin, a vital infromation resource targetted at farmers across the state, provides clear guidelines to help them make informed decisions and improve productivity.
“In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in various sectors, and agriculture is no exception,” PICTDA says in the bulletin.
“With the global population on the rise and demand for food increasing exponentially, innovative solutions are required to ensure sustainable and efficient farming practices,” according to the tech agency.
This ties into Plateau States broader strategy, according to information seen by Technology Times on its website that says that “the economy of Plateau State is still largely dominated by the primary production sector, with agriculture, which is predominantly subsistence, peasant, and characterised by low and declining productivity.”
This challenge led to the government’s three-point policy, which focuses on good governance, physical infrastructural development, and sustainable economic rebirth.
PICTDA’s call for AI-driven farming solutions aligns with the government’s sustainable economic rebirth initiative, positioning technology as a key driver of growth and efficiency in the state’s agricultural landscape.
ChatGPT empowers farmers to make informed decisions, Plateau State tech agency says
PICTDA has detailed how AI can support farmers in enhancing agricultural productivity across the state. The agency says that ChatGPT can provide farmers with access to necessary information, including weather conditions, market trends, soil types, pest management techniques, fertiliser applications, and soil health.
“By serving as an easily accessible knowledge base, ChatGPT empowers farmers to make informed decisions, even in remote areas with limited access to agricultural experts,” the agency notes.
PICTDA further explains that a farmer could take a photo of a diseased leaf, and through image recognition software integrated into ChatGPT, the tool could identify the disease and provide remedies and guidelines in a short time frame. “This not only saves time but also helps in reducing the spread of diseases by enabling swift intervention,” the Plateau tech agency says.
ChatGPT, the tech agency explains, can provide immediate answers to farmers’ questions without the need for physical visits from experts. The AI tool can address questions on plant diseases affecting crops, best irrigation practices, and tools to improve productivity while reducing costs.
PICTDA further explains that a farmer could take a photo of a diseased leaf, and through image recognition software integrated into ChatGPT, the tool could identify the disease and provide remedies and guidelines in a short time frame. “This not only saves time but also helps in reducing the spread of diseases by enabling swift intervention,” the Plateau tech agency says.
According to the agency, ChatGPT can also be utilised for capacity-building by providing tailored training materials to agricultural stakeholders, cooperatives, and non-governmental organisations, helping them implement best practices.
However, the agency acknowledges hurdles to adopting AI in Plateau’s farming community.
Digital Literacy: PICTDA observes that many farmers do not know how to operate digital tools, which could slow down their ability to use AI solutions. The agency underscores the importance of basic digital education to enable farmers to utilise smartphones effectively.
Language Barriers: While most AI tools operate primarily in English, the state tech agency says that many farmers in Plateau State are local language speakers. It stressed the need for integrating local languages into these tools for accessibility.
Internet Access: PICTDA says that reliable internet connectivity is crucial for AI tools, but access remains limited in many grassroots areas.
To address these challenges, the agency points to Plateau’s high smartphone penetration rate as evidence that the state is well-positioned to adopt AI tools like ChatGPT effectively. It wants farmers to acquire and learn to use smartphones. It also calls on agricultural stakeholders and non-governmental organisations to work together in using AI tools to train farmers on crop types, answer questions about modern techniques, and ensure that new technologies reach grassroots areas.
Moving forward, PICTDA reaffirms its vision for a digitally-transformed agricultural sector in Plateau State, saying “ChatGPT represents just one example of how AI can revolutionise farming practices. By leveraging this technology, farmers can increase productivity, reduce losses, and improve their overall quality of life.”
Home
