RYAN CHIGOCHE
TelOne has launched the first greenhouse as the telecommunication giant expands into the agriculture sector.
The launch of the greenhouse by TelOne Centre for Learning (TCFL) was done concurrently with the 7th graduation where a total of 166 ICT diplomas were conferred and 34 from the maiden Telecoms degree class.
Speaking of the launch TelOne board chairman Douglas Zimbango said the development of new farming technology would be key to the economy.
“TCFL is poised for rapid growth even in the face of the Covid-19-induced limitations. As we have witnessed today with the launch of the first greenhouse under the Smart Agriculture initiative, the centre is being driven to be a true leader in innovation and ICTs. Today heralds a new area of exploration that TCFL is venturing into…’’ Zimbango said.
He said the new era would entrench TCFL’s relevance to the national economy through developing much-needed farming technological innovations that will be deployed to bring more efficiency to smart agriculture.
“Beyond the innovations, the centre will also be training users in the use of such technology as well as providing on-site support to the farmers,” Zimbango said.
ICT, Postal and Courier Services minister Jenfan Muswere lauded TelOne for an “excellent innovation towards smart agriculture.
“‘I am positive that this is a viable initiative and we would like to be invited at some point to celebrate your results from your own farming venture and your impact on your clients who are the farmers. I am optimistic that with the thrust, you will affirm your relevance will contribute to our country’s agriculture through produce sales which have been promised to be all year round,” Muswere said.
“More importantly, however, is the opportunity to bring up to date skills to support smart agriculture. We look forward to this trajectory being aggressively pursued at that level and of course, we wish you the best with your own production.”
TCFL partnered with Easiseeds for the smart agriculture project.
TCFL is expecting to generate at least US$10,000 per month in revenue through a revenue share plan with Easisseeds, with revenue coming from the selling of the Internet of Things solutions, training of farmers and technicians as well as selling of actual produce.
