Almost 4,000 farmers across Guyana have registered on the Farmers Connect application, as the Ministry of Agriculture continues to expand digital access to agricultural support services.
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha disclosed on Monday that the platform is also being used by more than 2,000 persons who are not registered as farmers.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Farmers Forum at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Mustapha said Farmers Connect allows persons in the agriculture sector to communicate directly with the ministry and its agencies, including from remote communities.
Through the application, farmers can seek assistance with drainage and irrigation, marketing, extension services and pest and disease problems.
“You can be with your smartphone in Orealla, and you can send a message to the Ministry of Agriculture to get help in terms of extension services, to get help in marketing, drainage and irrigation, look at problems with pests and diseases and other things like that,” Mustapha said.
Reports submitted through the platform are monitored by personnel from agencies under the Agriculture Ministry and directed to the relevant body for attention.
This includes the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) for drainage and irrigation matters and the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) for marketing assistance.
Farmers Connect also provides access to weather information, market prices and pest and disease alerts. Farmers can receive guidance on suitable crops based on soil conditions and connect with buyers, exporters and agro-processors.
Another feature provides AI-assisted crop diagnostics, allowing farmers to identify possible plant diseases and receive recommendations on treatment.
According to Mustapha, farmers from all regions of Guyana are already using the platform, giving the application nationwide reach.
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