The implementation of E-Agriculture is focusing on the enhancement of agricultural and rural development through improved information and communication process. More specifically e-agriculture involves the conceptualization, design, development evaluation and application of innovative ways to use information and communication technologies in the rural domain.

How will it be implemented in Mongolia in order to fulfill the goal it sets for?

-       Initiated by FAO, the E-Agriculture Strategy of Mongolia was developed in cooperation with organizations such as ITU and widely discussed by the MoFALI and other stakeholders. The strategy has been endorsed by the Ministry and now under implementation. In the case of Mongolia, the demand for digitalization of the agricultural sector is very high. The main advantage of digitalization is to increase the efficiency of the industry. Agriculture was the only sector to grow during the recent COVID-19 embargo. As far as I understood the Agriculture sector of Mongolia is based on domestic demand and necessity for 100%, therefore, this demand is real demand will not fall and continue to grow in the future. We see the digitalization of this sector as an important component to support the further growth of the sector and increase the efficiency of the sector. Therefore, in my understanding the FAO is putting great importance on digitalization and further increase efficiency of the agricultural sector.

Although the Internet access in rural areas of country is improving, we still have remote areas that have lack of connectivity. How will it be addressed in these areas?

-       In general, connectivity is one of the most important issues in the ICT sector in Mongolia. In terms of telecommunications, Mongolia has its own very special situation. The main reason I am saying this is that Mongolia has a large territory, a sparse population, and a small number of people live relatively far away due to semi-nomadic pastoralism. In other words, if there are so many islands in the middle of the ocean, connecting all those islands will not be an easy task. In the same way, the vast territory of Mongolia is like a small island with a small population scattered in every corner, so connecting them all becomes a huge and costly task. So it is more realistic to establish a wireless connection in Mongolia as much as possible. However, wireless connection is not 100% wireless also. There is a fiber optic cable, and digital devices installed to make wireless connection available. So you can imagine, if there are less population, it is not very wise to lay down fiber optic cable all over the places, which is also costly. Space connectivity is not feasible sometimes, as it requires a lot of initial investment too. Over the last 30 years, all 330 soums and settlements in Mongolia have been successfully connected to digital technology in some way. However, due to the sparse population of the vast area, there is no connection in some remote areas. Essential works are being done by the relevant ICT Authority. We understand that we will continue to work on digitalization and increase efficiency in the areas where the agricultural sector is connected. There is a lot of work that needs to be done our sector, agriculture.

How does the Mongolian nomadic herder lifestyle affect the digitalization here in Mongolia?

-          As I mentioned earlier, it is a difficult task to fully connect a large number of small-group herders, and this situation is likely to continue for some time. But there is a project called Elon Musk's Starlink. A project to connect the world to the Internet. I think this is a very important project and I hope it will be very useful for many developing countries like Mongolia. If the Starlink project is successful, we believe that we will be able to connect herders 100 percent and solve the fundamental problem of digitizing herders' lives. I hope there are not many different views on this issue. Of course, this technology must be affordable for herders living far away. Personally, I'm looking forward to Elon Musk's project eagerly.

What kind of impact will it have on hunger and malnutrition as well as food waste and loss in Mongolia?

-       I am not a professional to answer this question precisely, so I can’t directly say. However, I am certain that ICT can increase productivity by making the industry more efficient by utilizing the underlying technologies that will be introduced in all sectors and support the automation in all field. It is important that all stakeholders have a common understanding of what is going on in Mongolia's agricultural sector, especially in the food sector, hunger and malnutrition, and I have no doubt about that people will be able to make a significant contribution to discussing and resolving the issue. For example, many people do not know the problem of food waste and loss, they do not know where the problem is and how to solve it. If we approach this issue through the digitalization of agriculture, it will be possible for everyone to have clear information about it. If everyone knows the exact cause of the problem, a solution can be found.

What are the improvements and implementation so far in Mongolia?

-       From an ICT perspective, Mongolia has been a dynamic country for more than 20 years. Mongolia is ranked 12th-13th in Asia and Pacific in terms of ICT sector development according to ITU study. That's a good number, considering that the Asia-Pacific region covers 38 countries. You also know that the Asia-Pacific region is one of the leading area in ICT development. These include Japan, Korea, China, India, Hong Kong and Singapore etc. In general, Mongolia is slightly above the world average in terms of ICT development. We should understand that the world average is a very high indicator indeed. We are below the world average in economic and many other ways. Efforts are needed in these areas. For me, if we reach the world average in any way, we can say that we have achieved our first goal. And of course we will aim higher after that. In terms of agriculture sector development, definitely we need to do a lot and learn from other advanced countries experiences and good practices. Again digitalization is one of the most important ways to progress or speed up the development of the overall sector.

What is your opinion in terms of gender inequality in the herder livelihood; will the implementation and development of ICT improve the gender inequality?

-       In my opinion, this is one of the most difficult questions. I'm also no expert in gender equality, so I may not be able to answer correctly. However, ICT enhances the efficiency of an industry and is an invaluable aid and tool in identifying the good and the bad of the sector. In short, it supports transparency. Therefore, it can be understood as a very useful tool to bring up issues that are lacking in any field and to discuss and make decisions together. The role of women in the Mongolian agricultural sector, especially in the livestock sector is very high and important, and has a long tradition. Personally, I believe there is no doubt that the role of ICT will important in ensuring gender equality in rural Mongolia. This is a complex issue, so it is difficult to give a direct answer. We need to work with professionals on identifying the issues and how to help on this matter particularly. However, in my personal opinion, the issue of gender is a matter of development, and if there is something unfair, we must solve it. Mankind has been constantly correcting many injustices throughout its history. This is equally important in eradicating poverty and hunger.

How will it fulfill the demands of different groups of people?

-       Again, a very difficult question. Personally, I see that emerging technologies such as ICT, the Internet, mobile phones, and social networks are increasingly becoming an integral part of human rights. In other words, it is an indicator and component that must be considered in order to ensure human rights. Thus, people have a common right that applies to all, even if they belong to different groups. This must be protected and respected. This is a fundamental principle of liberal democracy, and in this sense, ICT and modern technology are integral to human rights and human development. In particular, I believe that the introduction of modern technology into the agricultural and livestock sectors of Mongolia and all people living and working there should be a matter not only for the government but also for all. Of course, these new technologies will play a significant role in transforming the lives of those living in rural and remote areas.

What kind of burden does Mongolia face in this sector?

-       Of course, if we look at this question from the ICT perspective, we need to intensify digitalization in all sectors. This is especially true in the Mongolian agricultural sector. It takes a lot of effort and money. The main challenge of digitalization is the complexity of the work, which requires a very detailed analysis and professional solution. The hardest part is how to do it, how to solve the problem of manpower and money.

How can this be improved?

-       Leadership is very important in this matter. In other words, you have to be very willing to do it. Money and manpower can also be found if there is a will. Manpower can be concentrated. I see a leadership in Mongolia. The leadership of the FAO is also very high. So I personally see this work going on. This is the most important part of the success.

How do you see the ICT Implementation in the next 5 years?

-       I hope that in the next 5 years, a lot of work will be done in the field of digitalization in Mongolia’s agricultural sector. The most important thing is leadership. We do have strong leadership in the Government as well as in FAO.We do have a strategy. Now all that is left is to concentrate and make efforts. I understand this my part including others.