Technology

E.L.Y. Crop Protection is based on Microsoft’s Phi-3 SLM and is available on the Azure AI model catalog. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

GenAI presents itself as an invaluable tool in modern farming due to its ability to drive innovation and efficiency

With passing years, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly engrained in our everyday life. This is the case in agriculture too, where the integration of AI technologies is helping to solve real-world challenges through automation. Among the different types of AI technologies available, generative AI, also known as GenAI, presents itself as an invaluable tool in modern farming, due to its ability to drive innovation and efficiency.

Besides automating tasks like crop monitoring and disease detection, GenAI also helps farmers cut costs by optimising resource allocation and reducing waste. It also empowers farmers to make data-driven decisions regarding planting schedules, pest control strategies and harvesting times. GenAI is also capable of predicting climate patterns, allowing farmers to customise their farming practices to suit local conditions. This in turn makes it easy for them to prepare for and adapt to numerous climate change challenges.

Boosting productivity with E.L.Y.

German multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, Bayer’s crop science division in collaboration with Microsoft, recently launched Expert Learning for You (E.L.Y.) Crop Protection, aimed at simplifying crop management and supporting farmers in their success. The GenAI model helps navigate complex agronomic information, while delivering faster and more accurate results to farmers and customers who are seeking detailed information about Bayer’s agricultural products.

Global business lead for GenAI, Dan Kurdys argued against the common misconception that GenAI could inadvertently contribute to unemployment by displacing jobs. "GenAI is not about replacing people or taking away jobs," Kurdys emphasised. "It's about augmenting our everyday work and providing easy access to information that would otherwise be locked away in the minds of a few agronomists and their laptops. It's about saving institutional knowledge when someone retires or leaves the company, and I strongly believe it's a tool that can be used by Bayer and others to better serve farmers."

E.L.Y. Crop Protection is based on Microsoft’s Phi-3 SLM and is available on the Azure AI model catalog. Its ability to offer an affordable, bespoke and scalable foundation for agricultural entities irrespective of their size, makes it a game-changer for farmers. GenAI has a great potential for future growth in the agriculture sector, with its market size projected to reach US$2.19mn by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 30%.

Despite its numerous benefits however, deploying GenAI in agriculture comes with two main challenges that have a restraining effect on market growth. These include high upfront costs and privacy concerns, both of which can be addressed through efficient collaboration among farmers, technology developers and policymakers.

With ease of use being the main focus, this advancement ensures that smart lighting strategies are intuitive and accessible for growers at every level. (Image source: Heliospectra)

Heliospectra AB, a global leader in smart LED lighting for controlled environments, recently announced the launch of its Dynamic MITRA X multi-channel LED solutions 

Featuring advanced 3-channel and 4-channel configurations, the new lighting systems bring unmatched precision and customisation in combination with the new Spectrum Design Tool and Dynamic Zoning, allowing growers to optimise crop growth, quality, and operational efficiency.

The new MITRA X C3 and C4 multi-channel systems seamlessly integrate with Heliospectra’s HelioCORE software, which enhances light management capabilities for both professional growers and researchers. The launch of these systems has been a stepping stone for the company to introduce its proven dynamic lighting technology to greenhouses, empowering growers with greater flexibility while maintaining the efficacy that defines their solutions.

With ease of use being the main focus, this advancement ensures that smart lighting strategies are intuitive and accessible for growers at every level.

“The modularity of MITRA X allows growers to customise installations and adapt to their unique needs, whether they require static, flex, or dynamic lighting solutions, said CEO Heliospectra, Bonny Heeren. “As we have supplied the Agtech and research segment with the dynamic spectrum for more than 10 years, it was a natural next step for us to introduce it also in our MITRA X platform to bring control and flexibility also to greenhouse growers.”

This partnership represents a significant step forward in the application of advanced GPS technology in agriculture. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Agricultural robotics leader, Burro has announced a strategic partnership with GEODNET, a blockchain company providing precise GPS positioning solutions, to integrate GEODNET's cutting-edge RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS technology into Burro's autonomous robots

This partnership represents a significant step forward in the application of advanced GPS technology in agriculture, enhancing the capabilities of robotic systems that are already transforming farming practices.

Through this agreement, GEODNET will provide RTK corrections and base stations to Burro, enabling their robots to operate efficiently in regions lacking current GPS coverage. The ability to rapidly deploy new base stations will ensure greater flexibility for Burro's customers, allowing them to scale operations quickly and effectively.

"We are pleased to partner with Burro, whose innovative robotic solutions are redefining modern agriculture,” commented founder of GEODNET, Mike Horton. “By integrating GEODNET’s RTK technology, we’re not only ensuring precision and reliability for Burro’s robots but also advancing the accessibility of high-performance GPS for the agricultural sector. This partnership underscores our commitment to enabling transformative applications of GPS technology."

Sahit Muja, Albanian Minerals. (Image source: Albanian Minerals)

Harnessing the power of the world's largest green magnesium reserves, Albanian Minerals is unlocking a mineral blend capable of transforming billions of tons of CO₂ into vital nutrients for biodiversity

By reducing land and ocean acidity, this innovation paves the way for a healthier planet, fostering fertile soil, vibrant ecosystems, and improved human health. Green magnesium promises enhanced plant growth, superior soil quality, and a boost to global food security. Furthermore, including it in health supplements also offers numerous benefits. 

“Our approach to solving the planet's greatest challenges is centred around eco-friendly green magnesium, which has already demonstrated remarkable results in restoring both land and water,” said Albanian Minerals’ CEO, Sahit Muja while summing up the company’s mission. “As we face the ongoing crises of climate change and environmental degradation, green magnesium's role in carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem stability is more critical than ever.”

Beyond being a mere product, green magnesium represents a catalyst for a sustainable future.