TPHPA advocates drone technologies for agriculture
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) has strongly advocated integrating advanced technologies in agriculture to boost productivity, enhance sustainability and effectively address emerging sector challenges.
The TPHPA Director General, Prof Joseph Ndunguru, said that technological advancements, such as drones, offer innovative solutions for pest control and other challenges that impact crop yields, providing farmers with more efficient and sustainable ways to manage their crops.
“To bring transformation to the agricultural sector, investment in research and the use of modern technologies are required,” Prof Ndunguru said on Wednesday during the 9th Science, Technology and Innovation Conference and Exhibition (STICE).
The government in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) set to provide 20 drones that will bolster the capacity of TPHPA in strengthening plant health hence enhanced food safety.
The fair, ended yesterday, were organised by the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) to showcase innovators’ products.
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The TPHPA head, presenting his paper, said modern technologies like drones can help control pests, including locusts and saying that collaboration between the government, private sector and researchers is crucial for creating an enabling environment for their adoption.
“The innovations not only address current issues but also present new opportunities for young people to engage in agriculture in more modern and efficient ways,” said Prof Ndunguru.
Additionally, the shift towards science-based farming could lead to improved agricultural outcomes and increased economic benefits for farmers.
The exhibition and the conference provided a platform for various stakeholders to discuss and showcase how science, technology and innovation can be used to modernise agriculture, which is seen as vital for economic development and food security.
Through the government’s efforts, Prof Ndunguru expects the agricultural sector to undergo significant transformation, improving livelihoods and contributing to the overall growth of the economy.
