Thousands of farmers across Trinidad and Tobago will have access to AgriConnect – a new digital tool which will allow them to more easily operate their farms, interact with buyers, and transact business.
Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Kazim Hosein, says the new digital tool streamlines procurement, reduces product spoilage, and cuts middleman costs.
“The launch of the AgriConnect is a manifestation of policy in action. This Government has long recognised that food security is national security, and true resilience in agriculture means empowering our farmers with tools for the future.”
The Minister said AgriConnect aims to connect consumers and other end users directly with the farmers.
“AgriConnect represents a leap forward and a practical solution that addresses deep-rooted inefficiencies in our local and regional agri-value. This platform is a product of thoughtful collaboration between the National Agricultural Marketing Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO), and the Trinidad and Tobago Financial Centre, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund.”
The Agriculture Minister believes that when it comes to technology, the agriculture sector has been left behind for too long.
“It integrates real-time pricing data from NAMDEVCO, simplifies procurement for institutions, and other digital tools for inventory and reporting, and opens up the world of e-commerce and digital finance to our farmers, many of whom are first-time users of this type of technology.”
Minister Hosein said the new platform will offer real-time pricing, direct buyer access, and secure payment systems for farmers and those who purchase their products.