Trishwantie Persaud is a farmer who constantly faces pest control challenges in her backyard garden at Parika, East Bank Essequibo; a problem that can threaten weeks of hard work in a matter of days.
From unfamiliar insects attacking her cash crops to signs of plant disease she cannot immediately identify, Persaud says there are moments when she simply has to rely on guesswork or delayed advice.
“I am not fully knowledgeable about everything and sometimes you come across some things that you are not aware of,” she told the News Room.
But that could soon change.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), launched the Farmers Connect App — a digital platform developed within three months to deliver real-time agricultural information directly into the hands of farmers like Persaud.
One of the app’s key features is an integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) system that allows farmers to upload photos of insects or diseased crops and receive immediate guidance. For someone like Persaud, that means quicker intervention and potentially saving her harvest.
“They say you can flash stuff like if you have insects or a disease or anything, you can put it in the app and you will get a response right now so you will be able to save your crop in the long run,” Persaud told the News Room.
Beyond pest identification, the Farmers Connect App offers direct access to extension officers for advice on best practices, crop health and pest management. It also provides real-time market prices for various crops and livestock, enabling farmers to make informed selling decisions. Climate updates and soil data are integrated into the platform, giving farmers additional tools to plan their production.
Growing up in a farming family, Persaud told the News Room she developed a love for agriculture at an early age and later studied the subject in school. After getting married and not being allowed to go out to work, she remained at home and transformed what started as a small kitchen garden into a steady source of income.
“It was always a kitchen garden we started with,” she said.
Today, she utilises both her yard and a neighbouring space to cultivate cash crops, with much of her produce sold within her own community.
“My neighbours tend to buy me out,” she added.
At the launch, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said agriculture continues to take the “front seat” as one of the main pillars of national development.
“Our farmers have carried the nation forward through resilience, dedication and hard work. You feed our people, you support our export and you strengthen our economy,” Mustapha said.
He explained that the app was designed to close long-standing gaps in information, communication and market access, ensuring the sector keeps pace with a rapidly modernising world.
“For too long farmers have faced challenges accessing real time pricing, receiving timely advisory services and connecting efficiently with buyers and support agencies. This app will change that,” he said.
Mustapha added that the platform complements the Agriculture Information System launched in 2024 and positions Guyana as the only country in the Caribbean to introduce such a system.
“This is the app that will help to transform the agriculture sector,” Mustapha declared, urging extension officers to embrace the technology and respond promptly to farmers’ needs. He also encouraged farmers across Guyana to download and uutilise the app regularly.
The app is currently available on the Google Play Store and accessible via the Ministry’s website and social media pages through a QR code.
The post New app providing real-time advice, improved market access to local farmers appeared first on News Room Guyana.
