Unearthing the IoT in Agriculture.
Increasing the world’s food supply is a major issue. Crop diseases can have a devastating humanitarian and economic impact and with sustained global population growth it is estimated that by 2050, a 70 per cent increase in food production is required to ensure the world is fed.
Against this backdrop global IoT cellular communications specialist Eseye is today announcing a new product partnership, with agricultural manufacturer Burkard Engineering, to fight against crop disease.
With 20-40 per cent of the world’s crop losses attributed to disease, the accurate prediction and prevention of diseases is a vital area to address. Burkard Engineering has developed connected real-time pathogen monitoring equipment to provide an early warning system of crop disease risk. The system uses Eseye’s AnyNet Secure global cellular data services to deliver data onto the AWS Cloud to provide farmers with tailored information from their own fields.
The Burkard Auto Sampler sits permanently within a farmer’s field remotely collecting DNA. Crop data is then transmitted back to the AWS Cloud where it is analysed and reported in a matter of minutes, enabling farmers to see exactly which fields are at risk and act accordingly to treat the crops. Once out of trials the product, which is part of the UK Government’s Innovate UK project, is expected to scale globally.
Stuart Wili, Managing Director at Burkard, says:
“We are finally giving farmers an answer to their concerns over the ramifications of crop disease. This not only provides peace of mind, but the solution also supports the environment, removes risk and saves precious time, resources and ultimately money.”
Paul Marshall, Chief Customer Officer at Eseye, says:
“Eseye’s work with Burkard and AWS is a prime example of the range of economic, social and environmental benefits which can be reaped through IoT. By using AnyNet Secure cellular and AWS Cloud solutions, the agricultural industry can harness the knowledge and foresight from accurate data in making informed decisions. We are delighted to be part of this project and look forward to seeing the benefits rolled out across the globe.”
