Virtual City has developed a mobile app known as Agri Manager which is being used by selected co-operative societies in dairy farming strongholds of Rift valley and Central Kenya.
The app facilitates the automation of all processes in the milk supply chain.
In case milk is adulterated, e.g addition of water, butter or hydrogen peroxide, co-operatives are able to narrow down on guilty parties.
In dairy farming, just as other agricultural sectors, farmers often organise themselves in groups and form co-operative societies which help in identifying markets and boosting profit margins.
But the success of these societies is hampered by mismanagement and inability to satisfy farmers’ interests.
To tackle this problem, Virtual City has developed a mobile app known as Agri Manager which is being used by selected co-operative societies in dairy farming strongholds of Rift valley and Central Kenya.
Herbert Thuo, technology expert at Virtual City, said the innovation is helping the co-operatives to manage their operations effectively, interact well with members and enhance the quality of milk supplied to processing plants at competitive prices. The app facilitates the automation of all processes in the milk supply chain.
This makes it possible for managers to determine in real time production activities.
“It’s like virtually walking with the farmers from the beginning of their dairy farming journey until the end when they sell the milk and make profit,” said Thuo. Each individual is given a unique identity number which tracks all their dairy farming practises and interactions. “So if ever there is any complaint or query by a member, both parties can easily counter-check digital records of past engagements and come up with amicable solutions, without one party feeling cheated or short-changed,” he said.
After farmer registration agronomists employed by the co-operatives use the app to collect information about production activities undertaken by each farmer to boost the quality and quantity of milk produced by their cows.
In case milk is adulterated, e.g addition of water, butter or hydrogen peroxide, co-operatives are able to narrow down on guilty parties who are then dealt with accordingly.
