The ManicaPost
Farming Reporter
FARMERS in Manicaland have been urged to adopt smart farming technology as an effective way of monitoring and managing their operations.
Smart farming refers to the use of modern day technology like Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and drones, among others, to efficiently manage farms.
In an interview, Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union (ZCFU) president Dr Shadreck Makombe said farm automation or smart farming is essential in optimising production efficiency and improving the quality of the agricultural products.
“We are encouraging farmers to use smart farming technology in their operations. Using agricultural equipment that is computer compatible, like in irrigation, helps increase efficiency as these can be operated from homes or offices while linking up with people on site.
“These technological innovations in traditional farming can become part of the farmer’s daily work. It reduces the labour required during production, enhances work efficiency and and saves time. As farmers become more precise in their operations, it leads to increased yields with improved quality,” said Dr Makombe.
He added that farm automation allows farmers to determine the best use of scarce resources while managing them in an environmentally and economically sustainable way.
