London - based Farmers International is using artificial intelligence and big data as part of its smart farming initiative , the Olam Farmer Information System ( OFIS ) . It aims to boost production and value for smaller cocoa , coffee and nut growers in Africa and Asia , as well as improve efficiency , quality and traceability across the global supply chain . The company also plans to launch an online platform under its Olam Direct programme , where farmers can sell crops , buy fertilisers and access insurance and other financial services . SINGAPORE/LAMPUNG -- On a sunny day in late July in Lampung, a rural farming town in the southern part of Indonesia's Sumatra Island, an employee of agricultural-goods trading company Olam International was busy making the rounds of cocoa farms, collecting data from farm owners. Olam is a major provider of foodstuffs such as nuts and cocoa beans to world agriculture businesses .
London - based Farmers International is using artificial intelligence and big data as part of its smart farming initiative , the Olam Farmer Information System ( OFIS ) . It aims to boost production and value for smaller cocoa , coffee and nut growers in Africa and Asia , as well as improve efficiency , quality and traceability across the global supply chain . The company also plans to launch an online platform under its Olam Direct programme , where farmers can sell crops , buy fertilisers and access insurance and other financial services . Olam is a major provider of foodstuffs such as nuts and cocoa beans to world agriculture businesses .