Guyana Empowers Farmers with AI-Powered ‘AskGov’ Tool for Real-Time Agricultural Support

In a bold step toward digital transformation and agricultural modernisation, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced that Guyanese farmers will soon have access to real-time support through an AI-powered platform, allowing them to get instant advice on crop and livestock issues from trained experts.

Speaking to residents at a community meeting in Hubu on the East Bank of Essequibo, President Ali revealed that a dedicated agricultural module is being developed within ‘AskGov’, an artificial intelligence chatbot originally designed to facilitate citizen access to government services.

“If you have a problem in your field, you ask the question, and our information system and intelligence will then provide the answer and send it back to you instantly,” President Ali said.

Farmers will be able to snap photos of crop pests, plant diseases, or livestock issues and submit them via their mobile devices. These will be processed by the AI and routed to a ‘Centre of Excellence’, where trained extension officers and agritech systems will provide immediate, tailored advice.

The initiative aims to bridge the gap between rural farming communities and expert agricultural knowledge, ensuring rapid responses to challenges in the field—especially those caused by changing weather patterns, pest outbreaks, or animal health risks.

It is part of a larger government strategy to digitise the agriculture sector, improve yields, and increase national food security. The tool is also expected to enhance communication between farmers and extension officers, traditionally limited by geography or slow manual processes.

To ensure inclusive participation, President Ali confirmed that training sessions will be rolled out to help farmers understand and use the new system effectively. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring that older or less tech-savvy farmers are not left behind.

This AI-enabled support platform comes at a critical time for Guyana’s growing agri-sector, as the country seeks to become a regional leader in food production. With real-time problem solving and improved access to expert guidance, the government is confident this innovation will increase productivity, reduce losses, and enhance resilience in farming communities.

President Ali reiterated his administration’s commitment to leveraging technology as a development accelerator, stating, “Every single person will be directly linked to an extension officer.”