Today, farmers in Serbia need education for choosing and working with modern machines and devices, especially in the context of digitization and new technologies. In recent years, there has been much discussion about the future of agriculture and rural areas, as well as a possible shift to the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. In this sense, there is concern that agriculture may lose importance due to the growth of the ICT sector, which has already exceeded agriculture in gross value added.
According to agroeconomist Milan Prostrano, agriculture has a strategic importance for the nation’s food security. However, as Prostran claims, it is highly dependent on climatic conditions and geopolitical factors. In the current context, it is necessary to develop a new agriculture strategy for the period 2024-2034. year. This new strategy, Prostran points out, will provide the necessary conditions for food production and food sovereignty.
The education of farmers in digital agriculture is becoming more and more important, given that changes in production due to technological progress are everyday. Modern farmers have to come up with new products, properly price and sell through online channels. Experts predict that new technologies will become increasingly dominant in the fields, which can have a positive effect on agricultural production.
Education is terribly lacking
However, research shows that about half of the owners of agricultural farms are not technically literate enough to switch to digital business. In this sense, farmers need education and professional help in choosing technological solutions that will facilitate their production. Also, it is important to change the awareness of the importance of digitization in agriculture. Examples of successful companies such as “MK Group” and “Delta Agrara” show that this is already underway.
In order for farmers to become familiar with digitization and understand its advantages, the cooperation of all actors, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, is needed. Also, it is necessary to increase funds for digitization and education of farmers. Experts emphasize that greater state investment in agricultural infrastructure is key to progress.
Competent state bodies, primarily the Government of Serbia and the Ministry of Agriculture, face challenging tasks. In addition to the implementation of the eAgrar system, a radical change in agricultural policy is needed, which will be defined in the new agriculture strategy. Investment priorities and development projects of general interest to agriculture and farmers should be clearly defined to ensure success in this sector.
Source: AgroTV
Source: boljazemlja.com
