Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat and Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation ElSayed ElKosayer have met to discuss the digitisation of Egypts agricultural sector.

The high-level meeting, held in the presence of leaders from the two ministries, reviewed linking these services up to Egypt’s digital portal, whilst also expanding the use of modern technology in all agricultural sectors.

The agricultural sector digitisation plan would additionally see training provided to workers at the Ministry of Agriculture, before it moves to the New Administrative Capital (NAC).

ElKosayer emphasised that the cooperation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology includes the development of his ministrys electronic portal. This reflects the efforts the Ministry of Agriculture is undertaking, as well as the activities and services it provides to citizens.

The cooperation includes the digital transformation and expansion of agricultural services that need mechanisation, in addition to creating and updating an agricultural census.

He said that that cooperation with the Ministry of Communications will also include the development of agricultural guidance using modern mobile app-based technology. This will help farmers undertake agricultural transactions, and put in place effective pest control measures.

With the technology on board, farmers will find it easier to manage planting, irrigation, and harvesting dates. Artificial intelligence (AI) will also play a role in the new technology, providing an accurate electronic inventory of agricultural and animal activities. These programmes will contribute to providing the correct information for decision making.

The Minister of Agriculture said quick results are needed due to the short period of time available. He praised the excellent results that are currently being achieved regarding the development of the Meeza payment card system for farmers.

He added that the introduction and development of the Meeza card system will be completed by next year at the latest.

Talaat said that several projects are being implemented, in cooperation with various state sectors, to adopt the latest global technologies. The projects will develop the work systems currently in place, as well as those currently under development, whilst also building a digital Egypt.

He outlined the importance of and vital role Eygpts agricultural sector plays in the national economy.

Talaat indicated the importance of cooperation between the two ministries to modernise the agricultural sector by using IT, whilst also meeting the Ministry of Agricultures requirements on mechanisation.

He said that the joint cooperation has also led to the implementation of an experimental project, which will use AI technologies to develop the agricultural sector. The project was set up as a partnership between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technologys Applied Innovation Center and the Agricultural Research Center.

It will see AI technologies introduced to several key areas, including the creation of an agricultural inventory using the spectral footprint. Farmers will also be able to access weather forecasts, and increase the efficiency of irrigation water consumption.

2020 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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