This paper aims to discuss the development of smart farming in the context of agricultural transformation and is supported by the advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has formulated the strategy to develop an independent, self-reliant, and modern agriculture through combining precision agriculture with digital information technology and is defined as smart farming. Currently, there are several types of digital farming that have been initiated and implemented by the MoA in some areas of Indonesia. Among other things are Integrated Cropping Calendar (Katam) and Agriculture War Room (AWR) platforms. The country is well-positioned to take advantage of the ICTs since a large majority of farmers have reliable access to the internet and use it daily. It can be linked to an electronic network-based finger which is called digital business technology. However, certain conditions are necessary for Indonesia’s innovation system to be efficient and thriving in the medium and long term basis to continue generating significant contributions to productivity, growth, prosperity, and the quality of life of the country’s population. Hence, it is required a government policy to promote further development in terms of expanding investments in infrastructures, increasing the capacity of the farmers to access and utilize technology, developing a framework to provide confidence to all stakeholders, and facilitating potential users to the implementation of smart farming in the country. Since the implementation of smart farming as an initial practice in Indonesia, it is expected that young people become a pioneer in promoting smart farming in Indonesia through providing incentives, improving agricultural land credit accessibilities, expanding networks and information, and strengthening the capacities. This is strategically implemented through the Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) scheme.
Keywords: agriculture, digital technology, smart farming, business, Indonesia
This paper aims to discuss the development of smart farming in the context of agricultural transformation and is supported by the advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has formulated the strategy to develop an independent, self-reliant, and modern agriculture through combining precision agriculture with digital information technology and is defined as smart farming. Currently, there are several types of digital farming that have been initiated and implemented by the MoA in some areas of Indonesia. Among other things are Integrated Cropping Calendar (Katam) and Agriculture War Room (AWR) platforms. The country is well-positioned to take advantage of the ICTs since a large majority of farmers have reliable access to the internet and use it daily. It can be linked to an electronic network-based finger which is called digital business technology. However, certain conditions are necessary for Indonesia’s innovation system to be efficient and thriving in the medium and long term basis to continue generating significant contributions to productivity, growth, prosperity, and the quality of life of the country’s population. Hence, it is required a government policy to promote further development in terms of expanding investments in infrastructures, increasing the capacity of the farmers to access and utilize technology, developing a framework to provide confidence to all stakeholders, and facilitating potential users to the implementation of smart farming in the country. Since the implementation of smart farming as an initial practice in Indonesia, it is expected that young people become a pioneer in promoting smart farming in Indonesia through providing incentives, improving agricultural land credit accessibilities, expanding networks and information, and strengthening the capacities. This is strategically implemented through the Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) scheme.
Keywords: agriculture, digital technology, smart farming, business, Indonesia