• To encourage and support the modernization and commercialization of the operations of the key sub-sectors of the agriculture sector • To ensure effective and efficient export diversification by making the agricultural sector more pricecompetitive and export-oriented • To promote and facilitate the development of an agro-business industry • To strengthen the development, application and transfer of agro-based technologies, both soft and hard, to support sustainable agriculture production • To increase crop, livestock and fisheries production and processing through the use of more efficient methods and inputs • To promote the supply of adequate raw materials at competitive prices for the manufacturing sector • To improve the quality and value addition to agricultural produce • To ensure the availability, affordability and utilization of food in sufficient quantities all year round The Strategies • Promote the deployment and exploitation of ICTs to support the activities of the agriculture sector including, the production, processing, marketing and distribution of agriculture products and services • Facilitate the commercialization of the key sub-sectors of the agricultural sector and industry to improve their competitiveness • Improve current agriculture practices, which remain predominantly traditional and rain-fed • Encourage market research through the use of ICTs to improve access to established foreign markets and to break into new markets for both traditional and non-traditional exports • Develop Geographical Information Systems (GIS) applications to monitor and support sustainable environment usage in areas like land and water management, offshore resource exploitation, yield assessment and livestock management • Develop food insecurity and vulnerability information and mapping systems to assemble, analyze and disseminate information on who the food insecure are, where they are located, and why they are food insecure • Revitalize agriculture extension services by empowering and equipping farm extension service workers with relevant ICT skills • Establish an agriculture information system to provide support for the planning, production, storage and distribution of horticultural crops, livestock, and fisheries products • Create ICT awareness for all types of farmers at all levels nationwide 54