Day four of the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service, Youth Week 2024 celebrations, at NAPA on Thursday 22 August, featured a Youth in Agriculture (YIA) Expo with the launch of the Artificial Intelligence LetzFarm APP, by CEO of Carbon Zero Institute of Trinidad and Tobago (CZITT) Donald Baldeosingh. The CEO highlighted that, “this AI App was locally created and specifically designed for the YAHP students.” He added, “The app is currently accessible online and will soon be available on the Apple Store and Google Play Store.”
The YIA Expo included: a TED Talk, in which young farmers gained expert industry advice; and a Youth Agriculture Market, where young farmers from the MYDNS Youth Agriculture Homestead Programme and the Youth Agricultural ShadeHouse Project, sold their produce to the public.
Under the United Nations Theme for International Youth Day 2024, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development”, the MYDNS Youth Week underscored the significant role of digital technology in driving sustainable development and equipping young people with digital skills and opportunities to succeed.
Agri-economist Dr. Omardath Maharaj, during the Ted Talk, encouraged young people to get involved in farming, stating that “The digital age has opened opportunities for everyone to participate in agriculture, whether the focus is food security, entrepreneurship or Agri-business, get involved”.
CEO and Founder of WHYFarm, Alpha Sennon, advised the agri-youth to “choose the skill you are good at and love practicing, then apply it to the agriculture value chain to get involved in agri-business.” Owner of AriaPonics Limited, Alexis Jones advised the youth audience to “apply yourself, have a vision, an idea stay focused on the balance in using technological tools and you will be on the path to success.”
Another speaker, CEO of Qan’s Farm, LaQuan Perry, shared how he uses technology in agriculture, noting “I have used more complex applications of technology, such as drones and apps that monitor irrigation systems. You can also use technology as simple as, your phone in Agri-business.
Agri-entrepreneur Loraine Williams who left her corporate job to be a farmer shared, “Agri-entrepreneur has control of the produce they put on the market, which gives personal satisfaction, especially when others return to purchase again.”
The MYDNS Youth Week 2024, will conclude with the Finals of the Youth on Stage Talent Search and Competition at NAPA, on Saturday 24 August, 2024.
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service remains committed to bringing all stakeholders together to promote youth development and encourages civic-minded citizens to contribute to the National Service of Trinidad and Tobago.
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