Samosir Regency Implements AI Technology to Boost Agricultural Productivity

The Samosir Regency Government in North Sumatra is implementing artificial intelligence (AI)-based agricultural technology to enhance productivity and strengthen the sector. ‘Digital transformation in agriculture is inevitable, as part of the sector’s shift towards data-driven and digital technology systems,’ said Hotraja Sitanggang, Samosir Regency’s Second Assistant Secretary, during a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) in Samosir on Friday. Mr Sitanggang added that the regency government is committed to making Samosir a digitally literate area, including in agriculture. He stated that the local government is using the Juma AI application to bolster agricultural performance by enhancing the capabilities of farmers, extension officers, and government officials in the region. ‘Juma AI is an AI-based agricultural ecosystem developed by the Del Institute of Technology (IT Del) to assist farmers and government in digital management of agricultural data, including planting patterns, production, weather conditions, and pest and disease outbreaks,’ he said. Mr Sitanggang said the application would enable the government to formulate more effective and optimal policies for the agricultural sector. ‘Data collected via Juma AI will be used by local authorities to develop agricultural policies, including supporting regional inflation control,’ he added. Therefore, he said the FGD was held to involve relevant policymakers, farmers, and agricultural extension officers to optimise the use of the Juma AI application. ‘No matter how advanced the application is, if stakeholders are not active and do not update the data, the results will not be good,’ he noted. The head of Samosir Regency’s Food Security, Agriculture, and Fisheries Office, Tumiur Gultom, explained that the event aimed to introduce the Juma AI application, with technical training to follow. ‘Juma AI can forecast and synchronise planting patterns, enabling more coordinated planting efforts. FGD participants are also expected to become local tutors to expand the technology’s adoption,’ said Tumiur.