BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 24. Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program will address food security and increase incomes in rural areas of its member states, Trend reports citing the CAREC.
This is envisioned in the strategy to promote digitalization in CAREC member countries.
The report said that most people in the CAREC region depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Digital solutions that increase farm yields by introducing efficient production management will benefit large populations.
“Digital platforms can improve value chains and agricultural trade. This will address food security and increase incomes in rural areas. Agriculture can be made more resilient to climate change and other risks when farmers can share best practices among networks of other farmers via web-based knowledge-sharing platforms,” the plan said.
For example, Pakistan, in October 2021 launched a pilot program “Digital Dera,” which enables farmers to remotely access free information and guidance from agricultural experts, on a range of issues relevant their livelihood, in their local language.
“Through Digital Dera, farmers can be empowered with information about the latest research in the agricultural sector, from crop improvement techniques to practices for adapting to climate change. Such initiatives can be shared across CAREC countries to expand knowledge and experience in digital solutions for the agriculture sector,” the plan added.
The CAREC Program is a partnership for countries in Central Asia and beyond, to promote sustainable development through regional cooperation.
Last year, ministers from CAREC’s member countries endorsed the CAREC Digital Strategy 2030 which identifies areas where they can collaborate to enhance digitalization across the region.