Telecoms, multi-technology and media group Econet Wireless has launched a smart farming service called EcoFarmer Club, a platform designed to modernize farming methods across the country.
The Club offers farmers access to a rich bundle of services which include agricultural commodity prices, valuable farming tips, relevant local weather information and a mobile trading platform which links farmers to buyers.
Speaking at the launch of the EcoFarmer Club in Harare today, Econet CEO Douglas Mboweni said the launch of the EcoFarmer Club in an agro-based economy demonstrated the company's quest to offer relevant products and services that meet the needs of ordinary Zimbabweans where they are.
"We are excited to launch this service that will serve millions of farmers and consumers of farming services throughout our country," Mboweni said.
Douglas Mboweni further explained that the EcoFarmer Club would come with a transactional personalized EcoFarmer Club Card, which entitles farmers to discounts on vital farming inputs and implements from approved suppliers.
The card is linked to a bank account and can transact on ZimSwitch. Farmers will also be able to link their bank account with their EcoCash wallet, thus enabling bank to wallet transactions, and vice versa.
Mboweni added that Econet's aim was to create shared value by providing a platform to connect millions of farmers directly with buyers, as well as offering them the convenience to check market prices from municipal markets throughout the country, along with the ability to check current weather updates in their registered farming locations.
"Besides having a virtual 'exchange' where farmers directly connect to buyers of their produce, EcoFarmer Club members will be able to purchase farming inputs at a much lower cost and great convenience", Mboweni added.
"EcoFarmer Club members will be able to access seed, fertilizers, agrochemicals, stock feeds, animal health products, farming implements and inputs from selected agro-businesses - such as seed companies, fertilizer companies, poultry suppliers, as well as crop and livestock outlets - at special, discounted prices," Fayaz King said.
He said approved outlets included Windmill, Agricura, Tanaka Power, Agriseeds, Farm Shop, National Tested Seeds, Graniteside Hardware, Seedridge and Arda Seeds.
The EcoFarmer Club card would also give farmers access to special farming events, over and above access to exclusive products, such as an exclusive Steward Health Farmers package, Mr King said.
Source: https://allafrica.com
