The presence of technology in today’s digital era provides an opportunity to transform farmers’ mindsets in cultivating crops.
The technological transformation in land management has significantly changed how farmers plan, maintain, and monitor their farming activities.
Dr. Bayu Dwi Apri Nugroho, a lecturer at the UGM Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP UGM), stated that simple technology is ideal for the agricultural sector. This technology can support farmers, most of whom manage small plots of land.
“Farmers with less than 2 hectares of land are best supported with simple technology,” he said Tuesday at FTP UGM (Apr. 22).
As an agricultural and climate change observer, Dr. Nugroho acknowledged that many farmers in Indonesia still do not own Android-based mobile phones.
Many also live in 3T areas (underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost), where access to stable mobile signals remains challenging.
Therefore, he argued that the most appropriate technology to implement is Short Message Service (SMS).
He said this technology can be introduced in pilot areas and could provide a solution for farmers in remote regions.
“Especially in the field, we often find elderly farmers with limited understanding of technological advancements. The implementation of simple technology should be prioritized given these conditions,” he explained.
Dr. Nugroho noted that SMS, as a simple technological tool in agriculture, had previously been tested in research settings in Indonesia.
This method involved sending farming recommendations to farmers via text messages (SMS). These recommendations were generated from data analysis collected by automated field monitoring systems installed in farming areas.
The success of this technology relies heavily on intensive assistance. Based on real-time field data, the information delivered to farmers has proven to significantly influence farming practices.
Dr. Nugroho emphasized that the development of this technology should begin with the simplest stage—SMS.
Once this is established, more advanced systems like mobile applications could follow.
“This approach addresses the limitations of human resources. Mobile app usage is still limited to younger individuals, whereas many older farmers continue to follow traditional practices,” he explained.
He suggested that the technology’s implementation begin with pilot programs using a cluster system or ecosystem, taking into account existing limitations.
A nationwide application would still be difficult due to challenges such as inconsistent planting schedules and patterns among farmers in certain regions.
He said such issues are obstacles that need to be overcome. The cluster-based program is expected to help create ideal farming conditions.
“Ideal conditions in agricultural land are essential for the successful application of technology aimed at increasing production and income,” he stated.
The expert recommended that cluster systems or demonstration plots used as pilots for technological implementation should follow the farming practices previously adopted by local farmers, such as preferred crop varieties and soil treatment methods.
These efforts would help build a database of technology applications tailored to each region’s characteristics.
“That way, if the technology is scaled up for broader implementation across regions, the database from clusters with similar characteristics can be used as a reference,” he added.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Illustration: Harapan Rakyat