Countering crop viruses with technology

THREATS TO LIVELIHOODS AND FOOD SECURITY
Asia Pacific’s agricultural industry is not only a significant economic powerhouse that sustains the livelihoods of more than 400 million people, but farmers like Rosita, are also the bedrock of the region’s food security. The population in Asia Pacific is set to reach 5.2 billion by 2050, and farmers are expected to meet the challenge of producing sufficient food for the region. But climate change and its erratic weather patterns are making it increasingly difficult to make this a reality.

INTRODUCING TECHNOLOGY FOR BETTER CONTROL
Technology can make our lives easier, and here’s an example of how it could massively benefit the lives of farmers in Asia Pacific. Syngenta, a specialist in seeds and crop protection, released the Tiwala app in 2019 to help farmers get fast access to reliable agronomy information, Syngenta products and market prices of produce.

She’s also enjoying her independence. “I like that I can be more self-reliant when it comes to identifying the virus or disease that is affecting my crops,” said Rosita, adding that she no longer needs to depend solely on other farmers and retailers for advice. Rosita has also seen the benefits of the one-stop farming solution that is effective in increasing her crop outputs. In addition, she has managed to save on costs thanks to the app’s reward system.

“I’ve not only witnessed a stark increase in my crop outputs, but I’ve also gained more knowledge about growing my crops in a more sustainable and efficient way. I will invest in digital products that help me and I look forward to knowing what’s next,” shared Rosita