29/08/2016 Bangkok, Thailand - Recent advances in information and communication technology are leading to remarkable improvements in agricultural production and food safety in Asia and the Pacific, a UN forum of ICT experts meeting in Bangkok heard today.
From drones to smart phones, advances in ICT are bridging the extension gap, providing information on climate-smart technologies and practices, and helping to level the playing field by making these technologies more affordable, accessible and applicable for even the poorest smallholder and family farmer.
Following the recent launch of an E-Agriculture Strategy Guide, piloted in Asia-Pacific countries by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the two organizations have today convened a forum and exhibit that will help countries take the next steps in developing their national e-agriculture strategies.
Latest ICT developments are being applied to better assess food traceability. QR codes on food items helps shoppers monitor the safety of their food because it tracks the products from farm to supermarket check-out. This system of food traceability is being used by major retailers in Thailand such as Tesco and Central. Other private sector companies displaying their latest ICT applications include Thailand’s CP Foods and TRUE Corporation, alongside other big names such as Intel, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Progis, Sourcetrace Systems, Tene Agricultural Solutions and China Communication Services.
One developer is demonstrating aerial devices like drones that can quickly map large areas of agricultural land with GIS technology. This can help policy makers, producers and exporters predict the quality and quantity of a harvest in advance. A ‘bird’s eye view’ can also monitor the effects of climate change on large areas of arable land and their vulnerabilities to climate related disasters.
“Clearly the application of ICT developments in the food and agriculture sector is having a positive impact and will continue to do so as technology continues to advance,” said Kundhavi Kadiresan, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific. “The implementation of E-agriculture strategies will help us address challenges to our eco-systems while generating new revenues, improving the lives of people in rural communities and, ultimately, will help us achieve a food-secure world without hunger.”
“ICTs are driving across various sectors and contributing globally to socio-economic development,” said Ioane Koroivuki, Regional Director of ITU’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. “With ICTs in agriculture, this is no different and the transformative and innovative solutions that ICTs bring and will certainly enrich the exciting changes happening on the agricultural landscape.”
The three-day forum and exhibition has attracted more than 100 participants from across Asia and the Pacific. The exhibition is also open to the public.