In the dynamic world of agriculture, AVA, Afrimash’s AI-powered virtual assistant, is transforming how farmers access expert advice. AVA is designed to provide instant, tailored responses to farming queries, making advisory services more accessible than ever. As a farmer, it is your go-to tool for confidently navigating the complexities of agriculture.

Why AVA is a Game-Changer for Farmers

Farming is filled with challenges, from choosing the right fertiliser to managing pests. It simplifies these by offering real-time, data-driven advice. Accessible via WhatsApp (wa.me/2347061350835), it allows farmers to ask questions about crops, livestock, poultry, or equipment and receive practical solutions instantly. This ease of access is particularly valuable for smallholder farmers in Nigeria, where traditional advisory services may be limited. With AVA, expert knowledge is just a message away, helping farmers save time and increase yields.

How to Use Advisory Services

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using AVA for advisory services:

• Open WhatsApp: Ensure you have WhatsApp installed on your smartphone.
• Start a Chat: Click wa.me/2347061350835 or save +2347061350835 and send “Hello” or “Start.”
• Access the Main Menu: It will respond with a prompt to select the Main Menu.
• View Options: Click View Options to see categories like crops, livestock, poultry, or farm equipment.
• Choose a Category: Select the relevant category for your query, such as “Crops” for planting advice.
• Ask Your Question: Type a specific question, like “What’s the best fertiliser for maize?” or “How do I control armyworms on tomatoes?”
• Receive Tailored Responses: It will provide clear, actionable answers, often including product recommendations from Afrimash.
• Follow Up: Ask additional questions or explore other categories for ongoing support.

This process ensures farmers can quickly access the advice they need, making AVA a seamless part of their daily operations.

Crafting Effective Questions

To get the most out of AVA, asking specific, detailed questions is key. For example, instead of asking “What’s good for crops?”, try “Which pesticide controls whiteflies on cassava effectively?” Specific questions help AVA deliver precise, relevant responses. Farmers can ask about anything from soil management to market trends. For instance, a query like “How can drip irrigation boost maize profits?” will yield practical tips on cost-effective irrigation systems. By being clear, users ensure AVA’s advice aligns with their unique needs.

Examples of Advisory Services

AVA’s versatility makes it a powerful tool for various farming scenarios. Here are some examples of questions:

Crop Management: “What’s the best planting schedule for yam in Oyo State?” It might suggest optimal planting months and recommend supergene seedlings available on Afrimash.

Pest Control: “How do I manage aphids on tomatoes?” It could recommend organic pesticides and application methods to protect yields.

Fertiliser Use: “Which fertiliser improves rice yields cost-effectively?” It may suggest NPK blends and provide usage guidelines.

Livestock Care: “What’s the best feed for broiler chickens?” It can recommend feeds and feeding schedules to enhance growth.

Benefits

Using AVA for advisory services offers numerous advantages. First, it’s accessible 24/7, so farmers can get help whenever they need it, unlike traditional consultants with limited availability. Secondly, its responses are tailored to local conditions, ensuring relevance for Nigerian farmers. Third, it integrates with Afrimash’s e-commerce platform, allowing users to source recommended products directly, streamlining the journey from advice to action. Finally, it promotes sustainable practices, such as efficient fertiliser use, which reduces costs and environmental impact, boosting long-term profitability.

Tips to Maximise Potential

To get the best results, consider these tips:

Be Precise: Include details like crop type, region, or specific issues for more accurate advice.

Explore Categories: Use the category menu to discover solutions across farming areas.

Save the Number: Bookmark WhatsApp contact for quick access.

Share Knowledge: Pass insights to fellow farmers to strengthen your community.

Act on Recommendations: Purchase suggested products through Afrimash to implement advice effectively.

READ ALSO: Afrimash AI: Revolutionising Farming with AVA