ICT device boost for farmers
Herald 19 September 2017
Elita Chikwati Senior Reporter
FARMERS can now monitor their farming operations even when they are not on the farm, thanks to an innovation by a local technology company, Rubiem Group.
The company has developed a system, Murimi/Umlimi Farm Enterprise, that can be used to manage irrigation, tobacco curing and for security. It senses temperature, water levels, heat and moisture content in the field, among others and sends signal to the farmer through messages on mobile phones.
The system does not require smartphones, but ordinary cellphones. The gadget is powered by a battery. Farmers can buy the unit and service and pay unit subscriptions. Rubiem innovator, Mr Fact Musingarimi told The Herald yesterday, the system can work with any mobile network operator and does not require Internet connection.
“The gadget picks up a signal and sends notification to intended recipients. Murimi/Umlimi helps tobacco growers to cure their crop. “Most of the tobacco producers do not have standard barns and this affects the quality of the crop. “This system has a sensor that can help the farmer to manage the heat in the barn without having to open the barn.
“When the heat levels drop or pick up the system sends a text message to the farmer and he/she can adjust. The system can also be programmed so that it functions according to the type of tobacco being cured and the desired result,” he said. The system also captures and stores data and enhances record keeping. “The system easily tracks costs, revenue, profit, among other operations and dates.
“The farm manager can also feed in the data and the farm owner can receive the information. Rubiem director, Dr Dennis Magaya, said the system was developed locally using local resources. “Instead of importing software, Government can simply let locals develop software. “Why should we spend millions on importing software when locals can develop. “It is prudent that Government funds locals to develop software,” he said.