Information and Communication Technologies For Development - ICT For Agriculture

ICT For Agriculture

Traditional Farming use the land, rainfall, seeds, tillage methods and power sources they have to produce what nature offers. Conventional processes are used to till the land, select and plant seeds, protect plants from competing plants and animals and gather the harvest. Surpluses are marketed through nearby outlets. Such producers frequently report only limited capacity to change these processes—and some seek to avoid change. The productivity of such systems depends primarily on the natural fertility of the soils—enhanced by skillful care—and on the climate. The technology and management systems involved are often characterized by lack of access to, or reluctance to use new information about production and/or management, or public or commercial assistance. Their productivity tends to grow slowly, often in response to outside developments that reduce producer isolation, increase access to markets or support investment in water and land.

Traditional farmers constantly search for and promote novel variation in their crops. They acquire new varieties by exchange, while travelling, through purchase from markets and natural hybridization.This is actually one of the key features of traditional farming systems; the interaction between domesticated varieties and their wild relatives. The promotion of natural hybridization and introgression have, over time, increased the genetic diversity available to farmers. Traditional farmers also experiment with new varieties and breed plants purposefully to create new strains. They generally plant experimental plots first and only integrate new varieties into their main crops once a variety has proven itself to be of value. This constant experimentation and breeding has created the diversity of crops upon which we now depend.

Modern farming means farming using modern techniques and technology. That means farming with the facilities of modern science and technologies. Using modern science and technologies in farming increase the farming productions.In the past the farmers use plough to digg the soil. But now farmer use modern equipments like multi facilities tractor to digg the soil. In past farmer were dependent on natural condition and fertilizers and produce very low production. But now the farmers use synthetic fertilizers, high productive breeds, pesticides, proper water contamination, mechanization and farm subsiders which greatly increased the farming productivity.:

In modern agricultural systems farmers believe they have much more central roles and are eager to apply technology and information to control most components of the system, a very different view from that of traditional farmers. In contrast to the isolation inherent in traditional arrangements, modern agriculture tends to see its success as dependant on linkages—access to resources, technology, management, investment, markets and supportive government policies. As a result, much of the success of modern systems depends on the development and maintenance of soil fertility through the specific provision of nutrients when they are depleted; of machine power and technology to create soil conditions necessary to promote plant growth with minimal disturbance and minimal soil loss; of the use of improved genetics for crops and livestock to enhance yields, quality and reliability; and, on modern genetic and other techniques to protect plants and livestock from losses to competing plants, diseases, drought insects and other threats. This success also depends on access to efficient, effective irrigation to supplement rainfall in many climates; on advanced harvesting, handling and storage equipment and techniques to prevent losses and to market commodities efficiently. It depends, in turn, on both public and private investment to provide access to technology, equipment, information and physical facilities throughout the production-marketing system. And, it depends on well supported commercial and financial systems and broad public policies that support effective commercial markets at all levels that generate economic returns throughout the system.

Agriculture is one of the most important economic sectors wherein the majority of the rural population in developing countries like the Philippines is depending on agricultural production. To enhance food security is one of the roles of ICT. It is a great help on agricultural production and post-harvest activities through the extension of financial services, basic telephone access, providing conventional media such as radio and TV and empower individual by providing training. By ensuring availability and access to relevant information: it will enhance agricultural production, improve market access and build and empower capacity of individual and the community. The need for relevant agricultural information can be easily accessed through proper documentation and it can be implemented knowing its relevancy and lessons learned from previous implementation.