Verdi’s AI-powered devices are designed to transform existing farm infrastructure into smart systems, leading to significant water savings and sustainable farming. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

NEC X, the innovation accelerator from Silicon Valley, supported by the advanced technology portfolio of NEC, has announced its latest investment in Verdi Expeditions Inc., the pioneer in scalable farm automation and bespoke plant health care solutions 

In addition to the financial commitment, NEC X will work in tandem with Verdi to further develop its technology and extend its reach geographically, while also supporting NEC’s CropScope initiative. This joint endeavor aims to advance irrigation methods on Portuguese farms in collaboration with Kagome Co., Ltd, and concurrently, CropScope will enhance Verdi’s farm automation technology and increase its support for agricultural production.

This partnership and collective effort are in line with the objectives of NEC X’s Elev X! programs, which aim to create strategic partnerships that bridge technological divides, foster innovation, and expedite the global adoption of pioneering startups.

Furthermore, this marks Verdi’s inclusion in the Elev X! Boost program, which offers startups poised for substantial growth a tailored mix of capital, strategic partnerships, and integration with NEC’s vast technological ecosystem.

Shintaro Matsumoto, president and CEO of NEC X, emphasised the necessity for innovative and sustainable agricultural infrastructure in light of the growing severity of weather conditions and global resource shortages. He reaffirmed NEC X’s commitment to this critical issue through the strategic investment in Verdi, whose cutting-edge solutions are expected to revolutionise farming practices. He is confident that Verdi will have a significant and lasting impact as part of the Elev X! Boost and the CropScope initiative.

Arthur Chen, CEO and Co-founder of Verdi, expressed that the strategic partnership, collaboration, and integration with NEC X are invaluable as they enhance their AI capabilities and expand their platform to new markets. With NEC’s global presence and deep industry knowledge, he believes they are well-positioned to become a global leader. He views NEC X’s support as more than just an investment; it is a partnership dedicated to the success of startups.

Established in 2020 by Canadian entrepreneurs Arthur Chen and Roman Kozak, Verdi is at the forefront of developing modern agricultural automation tools and addressing the scalability challenges that have historically impeded the widespread adoption of farm automation.

Verdi’s smart devices upgrade existing agricultural infrastructure, such as irrigation systems, into intelligent systems capable of AI-driven automation. This enables farmers to increase the productivity of crops and workforce while substantially lowering the costs of adopting new technologies. Verdi has also made a sustainable impact on its clients, which include some of the largest food brands globally, saving them over 30 million liters of water in 2023.

This recent investment aligns with NEC’s longstanding dedication to promoting sustainable and profitable farming practices. This commitment is exemplified by the development of the AI-powered agricultural ICT platform “CropScope,” and the formation of joint ventures like DXAS Agricultural Technology LDA with Kagome Co., Ltd.

With this investment, NEC X joins an esteemed group of investors in Verdi, including SVG Ventures, a key player in NEC X’s expanding partner network that provides startups with essential expertise, resources, and opportunities for growth. SVG Ventures played a pivotal role in introducing Verdi at the THRIVE accelerator demo day in Calgary, a highlight of Stampede 2023.

JBQ Africa & Agricolleges unite to revolutionise African agri-education and empower the workforce. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

JBQ Africa LLP, an agribusiness advisory firm, has formed a strategic alliance with Agricolleges International, an online provider of agricultural education to transform agricultural education and training throughout Africa by providing essential skills and knowledge to elevate the continent’s agricultural sector 

As per the Memorandum of Understanding, both entities will work in tandem to create and implement agricultural education programs that are both high-quality and accessible, specifically designed to meet the needs of African communities.

This joint effort aims to bridge the skills gap in Africa’s agricultural workforce, thereby fostering economic growth and societal advancement across the continent.

Empowerment through education: 

The partnership is dedicated to offering accessible, top-tier agricultural education programs, thereby enabling individuals to engage in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and agribusiness. This initiative is expected to contribute to the sustainable and profitable expansion of Africa’s agricultural industry.

Bruce Hillier and Quentin Rukingama, partners at JBQ Africa, shared their enthusiasm for the partnership, remarked, “This partnership represents a significant milestone in our mission to promote social transformation through sustainable agricultural growth in Africa. By joining forces with Agricolleges International, we aim to open access to agricultural education and upskill individuals across the continent, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s agricultural development.”

Wynand Espach, chief operating officer of Agricolleges International, also reflected on the alliance, emphasising its potential to enhance agricultural education in Africa. “We are thrilled to work with JBQ Africa in our shared vision of advancing agricultural education and training across Africa. By combining our expertise in online learning with JBQ Africa’s deep understanding of the agricultural industry, we can reach a wider audience and equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the agricultural sector.”

The DAC will be responsible for coordinating all drought response interventions to save lives in the immediate-term and build climate-resilient livelihoods and agrifood systems in the longer-term. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The El Nino Drought Action Committee (DAC) was set up by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture Water, Fisheries and Rural Development (MLAFWRD), to develop mitigation strategies to combat the devastating impacts of El Nino-induced drought

To set up the DAC, a multi-stakeholder meeting was conducted in the first week of May, attended by more than 60 key stakeholders representing all provinces and sectors in Zimbabwe. The DAC will be responsible for coordinating all drought response interventions to save lives in the immediate-term and build climate-resilient livelihoods and agrifood systems in the longer-term.

The committee’s primary interventions are to develop short- and long-term mitigation measures in the agriculture sector in particular areas on crops, water, livestock, fisheries, agriculture, and irrigation. Working in close collaboration with the FAO and key stakeholders, the MLAWFRD through the Food Security and Livelihoods cluster, the sectoral response strategy is aligned to the Drought Risk Management Strategy 2017-2025 and the El Nino Response Plan (April 2024). 

During the meeting, the MLAFWRD presented the proposed Terms of Reference (ToRs) of the DAC including the expected deliverables and timelines in alignment to the Drought Response Plan. Stakeholders had the opportunity to deliberate on the proposed ToRs with the objective to formulate co-owned realistic and measurable interventions that clearly spell out roles and responsibilities of the DAC. The meeting outlined the sectors that need specific response strategies and required resources as well as the proposed resource mobilisation strategy.

Sub-committees that will spearhead implementation of the El Nino mitigation strategy, were also agreed upon during the meeting. These include wheat, crops, livestock and fisheries, horticulture, irrigation, grain mobilisation, strategic grain reserve, water and WASH, mechanisation, data and knowledge management. Each sub-committee will be responsible for developing an action plan and implementing matrix with timelines and key deliverables, the progress of which will be continuously monitored and reported to the main committee. 

“We gathered as key stakeholders in the Agriculture sector to coordinate our efforts and create synergies as we address the ongoing El Nino-induced drought that is ravaging our country," asserted chief director, Business Development, Markets and Trade in the MLAFWRD, Clemence Bwenje. "Together, we have the power to overcome the challenges posed by drought and build a more resilient and sustainable future for all. The formation of the Drought Action Committee marks a crucial step forward in our collective journey towards a drought-resilient nation.” 

The initiative's success reflects the combined efforts of partners, collaborators, and the farming community. (Image source: ICRISAT)

Powered by research and data from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), farmers can quickly address numerous agricultural challenges by leveraging the strengths of the Plantix app's AI-driven diagnostics

Thanks to the seamless integration of technology and agricultural expertise, more than 30 million smallholder farmers in the semi-arid tropics have been empowered with real-time plant health management advice, significantly improving farming practices. 

The initiative's success reflects the combined efforts of partners, collaborators, and the farming community. CEO of Plantix, Simone Strey extended gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the decade-long initiative, while also encouraging like-minded entities to join the mission of transforming agriculture through science and technology. 

"We believe in the power of shared visions, combining science, innovation and technology to create effective solutions that truly benefit smallholder farmers,” stated director general of ICRISAT, Dr Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes. “Together, we have achieved over 30 million downloads of the Plantix app and analysed more than 100 million images, providing critical agricultural insights to millions of farmers worldwide.” 

In recognition of the 10-year milestone, ICRISAT and Plantix also unveiled a commemorative brochure, 'Sowing a Seed of Change'. According to Dr Srikanth Rupavatharam, senior Scientist-Digital Agriculture, Global Research Programme for Resilient Farm and Food Systems at ICRISAT, the brochure which is a testament to a decade of dedication and progress serves as a catalyst for conversations within agricultural networks worldwide. 

For more information, visit: https://plantix.net/en/