The aim of its new app is to put useful production information, solutions and guidelines on a variety of agricultural commodities at the fingertips of farmers, says South Africa’s (SA) Agricultural Research Council (ARC). The organisation launched its ARC Hub application at the recent Nampo Harvest Day near Bothaville in SA’s Free State Province, following 2 months of extensive testing. 

Having access to the ARC’s extensive database of scientific research through the app marks an integration of digital and farming systems that will enable farmers to improve their yields, says ARC CEO Dr. Shadrack Moephuli. It will also better communication within the agricultural sector and can guide farmers towards making better business decisions, increasing profits and ensuring food security, he adds.

Production manuals covering a large variety of crops, livestock, animal health, plant health and agro-processing, as well as an early warning system, provide a wealth of very useful information.

The ARC’s laboratory-gathered research data is made accessible through a user-friendly system and interface, which should be of great value to farmers, as well as to those outside of the agriculture sector who would like to expand their knowledge and understanding of farming.

The app also offers access to the ARC’s experts, who can share their experience and knowledge with users, as well as information on training courses and extension services offered by the organisation.

The ARC Hub app was developed in collaboration with the SA Department of Science and Technology and mLab Southern Africa, and is available for free download in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for mobile phones and desktop computers.

Click on these links to download the ARC Hub app: 
App Store
Google Play Store