There is a need for constant innovation and technological inputs in the value chain elements to raise productivity, reduce costs, and stay competitive...

Through the aid of technology in agriculture, the EU has invested in smart farming tools and innovations to improve crop yield, reduce water consumption, and increase profits. Over the past five decades the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which accounts for around half of the EU’s budget, has encouraged the agricultural sector to become rapidly modernised and has increased production and competitiveness.

In Africa, there is a need for constant innovation and technological inputs in the value chain elements to raise productivity, reduce costs, and stay competitive. With its immense benefits, there’s no question that technology agriculture is critical to Africa’s development and can address some of the issues affecting Africa’s agriculture like - weather changes, poor storage facilities, transport, processing practices, lack or poor access to markets, poor coordination in the supply chains, etc.

At Farmforte, we understand that consumer preferences for food and ingredients are rapidly evolving with greater emphasis on health and nutritional value, supply chain visibility, and sustainability. These preferences are driving a rethink towards products that are ‘right-for-me’, ‘right-for-the-planet’, and ‘right for-producers’. And we have revised our strategy to meet the changing consumer demands by continuing to invest in innovative mechanisms.

We ​believe that technology-based farming is a game changer that can boost Nigeria’s agricultural productivity and resilience. We address these issues by utilizing innovative models to create the most efficient and affordable methods to best reap quality products, meet global standards and add value.

For instance, in our sweet potato farm, after the land clearing, we run soil augmentation by the adding specific quantities of muriate of potash and triple superphosphate in the soil to ensure quality in the plant growth. Afterwards, tractors are deployed to site for ploughing, harrowing and bed making. To ensure the best yields and appearance - a critical component for exportation, we deploy Integrated Pest Management methods (IPM) to control pest, while minimizing environmental risk. Through the modern irrigation method, we are able to farm all year round. At the postharvest stage, the sweet potatoes are packed in boxes and cured using humidifiers at an adjusted temperature number of then reduced afterwards. Afterwards, shipped in temperature control containers.

At Farmforte, we believe that efficient use of agriculture technology could help monitor crops from sowing to harvest and beyond, enable growers to control crop-destroying pests and reduce the use of crop protection chemicals while maintaining a commitment to producing safe and sustainable farming.