Egyptian farmers are getting a call center to help integrate the agricultural sector into the mainstream telecommunications economy, Vodafone Egypt said in a press statement. The move is being seen as a positive move in the direction in improving overall telecom penetration and access for groups traditionally on the outside of technological advances. The call center is a partnership initiative between the Agricultural Research Center (ARC) and Vodafone Egypt. The agreement puts agricultural guidance services via mobile as well as providing the framework for launching a Call Center for Egyptian farmers, with investments of up to 15 million Egyptian pounds, the American Chamber of Commerce said in a report. The new center will “provide specialized guidance to Egyptian farmers through the ARC, in cooperation with Quick Serve. As Vodafone's principal partner, Quick Serve will be responsible for implementing the project as well as providing technical assistance throughout all phases of operation.” In a media announcement, Vodafone announced the distribution of one million mobile phone lines, free of charge, to farmers across Egypt to provide them with guidance and tips on the various types of crops in order to yield the highest possible productivity per acre of land. Eng. Hatem Dowidar, CEO of Vodafone Egypt, expressed his contentment with this pioneering initiative, indicating that it will open up new horizons for Egyptian farmers enabling them with the latest in mobile communication services. BM
