Country: Kenya
Lead organisation: Cropscan
CropScan is a revolutionary solar-powered smart farming Internet of Things device. Unlike traditional soil testing, which only indicates nutrient availability in the soil, CropScan devices directly measure nutrient content within plant tissue.
CropScan devices are powered by Computer Vision and AI algorithms to swiftly scan any crop leaf and, within 2-5 seconds, accurately identify the nutrient deficiencies in that crop and recommend the type and quantity of nature-positive fertilisers that need to be applied. This helps farmers reduce their fertiliser costs by 45%, empowers them to mitigate soil degradation and curbs greenhouse gas emissions associated with excessive fertiliser application, leading to more resilient agricultural practices.
CropScan devices also utilise an Early Warning Satellite System to predict high-risk weather events, such as heat waves and heavy rains, while providing timely text message alerts. This proactive approach minimises risks from unpredictable climate conditions, helping farmers protect their livelihoods and maintain productivity.