The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) has developed an App to contribute to food security in South Africa. According to Matodzi Phaswana, Unit Team Leader, the Maize Information Guide app was developed to assist farmers to increase their harvests and contribute to food security.
The App provides scientifically proven data on maize production; insect identification and disease management; and weed and nematodes control. Farmers can download the app from Google Play Store.“The app is user friendly and also has the capability to identify pests and weeds on crops based on information inputted by users,” said Phaswana.
“Maize is one of the top staple foods in South Africa and globally. Due to its affordability, it contributes significantly to food security and nutrition. As the ARC, we are committed to providing farmers and industry with technological solutions aimed at enhancing good-quality food production,” she added.
Phaswana understands the importance of food security and farming all too well, following her rural upbringing in the village of Muswodi Tshisimani in Venda, Limpopo.“Most maize farmers experience challenges, including plant diseases, pest attacks and weeds. This has a huge impact on the production yields of crops. We are well aware that agriculture contributes to the GDP of the country and the continent and it is of utmost importance that farmers are given tools to assist them in maximising their production yields,” she said.
