Latest news with #smartfarming
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Beekeepers in rural Zimbabwe embrace technology to unlock progress
Fadziso Mudzingwa sighed in frustration. It was June 2024, the middle of winter in Zimbabwe, and the low temperatures were killing her bees. She was tired, too—she'd spent the day trekking between her home and her hives in the forest, checking them frequently in the hope of saving both the colonies and her barely profitable honey business. Despite her protective gear, Fadziso had been stung twice, and she was falling behind in her other tasks. The sun was setting, and her children were waiting for dinner. She didn't know it yet, but everything was about to change for the better. She was about to take part in a pilot project in her hometown, Marondera, led by the Internet Society Zimbabwe Chapter, learning to monitor hive conditions remotely and in real time using a mobile app connected to smart sensors. This technology would truly make a difference—one year later, Fadziso's work is much easier and her hives are thriving, as is her business. While she sold just 50 liters of honey in 2024, before the project began, she has already produced 130 liters in the first half of 2025. An Industry in Need of Solutions Beekeeping can be profitable in Zimbabwe, especially as people commonly use honey and other apiary products—beeswax, pollen, propolis, and royal jelly—for medicinal purposes. The industry is also a positive force for the environment, acting as a catalyst for forest renewal and biodiversity conservation through plant pollination. Yet things weren't always positive for Marondera beekeepers, most of whom faced challenges similar to Fadziso's. Chamunorwa Rupiya also struggled to juggle multiple responsibilities. 'As the owner of a tuck shop, I needed to pay someone to fill in for me while I was away inspecting my hives,' he said. Many struggled to find time to sell products. 'I spent most of my days tending to my bees,' said John Chivamba. 'I worried about them constantly. Then, when I had the chance, I would go and sell honey on the road leading to Harare.' And when poor conditions or predators harmed their colonies, the resulting drop in yields meant greater financial hardship for beekeepers. Monitoring Beehives Remotely In late 2024, the Zimbabwe Chapter launched a project designed to solve these challenges and safeguard the beekeepers' livelihoods as well as the community's food security. Partnering with Shift Organic Technologies and the Harare Institute of Technology, they developed an Internet of Things (IoT) solution comprising hive sensors and a user-friendly mobile app. Beekeepers can use this app to check factors such as temperature, humidity, and bee activity at a glance, from anywhere, without having to open up their hives or disturb the bees. The data collected can also predict potential health issues and environmental changes, enabling farmers to take proactive measures. This project, called IoT for Apiary Analytics, included training for the beekeepers. The 20 initial participants not only learned to use the technology but also received instruction in advanced techniques, such as protecting hives from winter temperatures. 'The trainers taught us which flowers to plant around our hives so our bees can always get their favorite pollen,' said Fadziso. 'We also learned to set up water points to maintain the hives' natural humidity.' Technology Changes the Game Being able to monitor their hives remotely has revolutionized beekeeping for Fadziso, Chamunorwa, and John. 'Now, instead of hiking into the forest first thing every morning, I simply look at my phone for hive updates,' said Fadziso. 'I can check on them in minutes, not hours, so I have more time for my children, household chores, and developing new products like floor wax.' This IoT solution has been a game changer! I can now keep an eye on my bees while selling honey on the road. I make more money and enjoy peace of mind.' John Chivamba Meanwhile, Chamunorwa saves money by relying on hired help less often, since he can manage his hives from his shop. The project has yielded undeniable improvements in bee health and hive productivity. 'My production has risen 30 percent and the wax quality is better too,' said Fadziso. Chamunorwa has seen similar improvements, noting that his colonies have grown since the installation of the devices. Benefits for the Whole Community This solution's arrival has been transformative for the entire Marondera community. 'Local markets now resell our honey, since people have seen that it's pure, not mixed with brown sugar,' said Fadziso. 'This is vital when people take honey as medicine.' This improvement in honey quality has also attracted out-of-town bulk buyers, leading to higher sales for everyone. And with their additional income, the beekeepers can more easily pay their children's school fees, an advantage for the community over time. 'Seeing what we've achieved, our neighbors are becoming curious about beekeeping and technology in general,' Fadziso said. She has shared her experience at public events organized by the project leaders. This remote-sensing technology's benefits are clear, demonstrating the potential of technology in agriculture. 'Joining in this project has opened my eyes to new things,' said John. 'Today, I'm constantly advising people to learn about technology.' Charting the Path Forward Looking to the future, the beekeepers plan to invest their extra earnings in more sensors to expand their businesses. 'My new aim is to sell in major cities, like Harare and Bulawayo, and even to export my honey!' Fadziso said with a smile. They hope to see further tech innovations in areas such as pest management and honey harvesting. Learning to build the IoT sensors locally to bring down their cost is another goal. All agree that embracing technology has been life-changing. Being part of this project means a lot to me. It's empowered me to take control of my work and improve my family's quality of life.'
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Smart farming, model farms to raise Oman's grape output
Mudhaibi – A special academic session – held during the 2025 Grape Festival in Mudhaibi, North Sharqiyah – called for adoption of artificial intelligence and smart farming methods for better yields of grapes in the sultanate. The Agricultural Challenges Resolution and Investment Development Lab also recommended creation of e-marketing platforms to help farmers reach wider markets. The lab, which concluded on Tuesday, made recommendations aimed at strengthening grape cultivation and advancing the agricultural sector, officials informed. The session brought together experts and academics from the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources, along with representatives from other government bodies. Among the proposals was the allocation of at least 100 acres of investment land in the first phase for grape cultivation in regions with a competitive advantage. Papers presented during the lab encouraged the private sector to play a larger role in financing and promoting Omani agricultural products. Dr Abdulaziz bin Ali al Mashikhi, Director General of Agricultural Fisheries and Water Resources in North Sharqiyah, described the lab as an important outcome of the festival, covering topics such as improving grape varieties, pruning and harvesting methods, investment, marketing and technology use. Four main presentations were shared – the ministry outlined investment opportunities; the Development Bank presented available funding options; Oman Agriculture Development Company highlighted marketing services; and the Omani Agricultural Society's North Sharqiyah branch discussed smart agriculture and future plans. The festival also saw the launch of a 'Model Farms' project, adding 100 acres to the existing area under grape cultivation. The total area now stands at 127 acres, with an expected output of 635 tonnes and an economic return estimated at more than RO1mn. Six new international grape varieties were introduced to improve the quality, shelf life and market competitiveness of Omani grapes. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
NHK
5 days ago
- Business
- NHK
Demonstration of remote-controlled mowers held in Miyagi Pref.
Farmers toiling in terraced fields in northeastern Japan have been introduced to new technology that can help reduce their workload. The farmers in Kurihara City, Miyagi Prefecture, were given a chance to closely watch remote-controlled grass trimmers in operation at a terraced rice field. A regional agricultural administration office held the demonstration on Monday as part of its efforts to help farmers in mountainous communities in the region. The aging of farmers coupled with labor shortages have become acute problems in these communities. About 80 farmers gathered at a terraced rice field to see how nine mowers, manufactured by five different makers, work. One of the mowers consists of a base unit and a mobile unit linked together with wires. The base unit was placed at the top of the slope, and the mobile unit cut grass steadily while traveling down the slope. It was then pulled up the slope again with the wires. A farmer in his 50s said such a machine will be helpful, as mowing has been done manually until now. Another farmer said mowing has been the biggest headache for aging farmers. He said introducing such machines may become essential in a bid to shift toward smart farming.
Associated Press
13-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
CNH's Latest AI Sprayer Precision Tech Goes Beyond the Boom
An innovation from CNH uniting real time crop analysis and automated spraying now comes built-in for its Case IH, New Holland and Miller brands' sprayer portfolio. Machine learning and camera sensing technology are proving how powerfully AI supports agriculture by boosting efficiency, reducing input costs, and helping farmers grow more sustainably. This smart sprayer precision tech detects green on brown (weeds on soil) and then delivers the precise application of inputs such as water, herbicides and fertilizers – saving on resources and cutting down chemical use, resulting in more productive acres. The latest installment in CNH's 'A Sustainable Year' series delves into the technology behind this breakthrough and talks to an American farming family tending to 40,000 acres about the benefits they're already seeing on the ground. Read the full story at: Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from CNH
Entrepreneur
04-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
DeHaat Acquires NEERX to Boost Real-Time Agri Intelligence
Through this acquisition, DeHaat will now offer farmers real-time insights into soil health and weather conditions, aimed at improving agricultural decision-making. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Agritech leader DeHaat has acquired Ahmedabad-based NEERX, a smart farming solutions company, for an undisclosed amount. This strategic move integrates NEERX's advanced real-time soil and weather monitoring technology into the DeHaat platform, significantly enhancing its precision agriculture offerings. Founded in 2019 by Harsh Agrawal and Nikita Tiwari, NEERX is known for its flagship product, SHOOL — an ISRO-validated soil sensor that delivers vital data on soil and crop conditions. The sensor system merges on-ground data with satellite imagery and cloud-based analytics to optimise irrigation, nutrient usage, and crop productivity. Through this acquisition, DeHaat will now offer farmers real-time insights into soil health and weather conditions, aimed at improving agricultural decision-making. The SHOOL sensors and NEERX's analytics platform will be deployed across DeHaat's network, providing actionable recommendations to smallholder farmers. NEERX's founders will join DeHaat to support the scaling of this technology. The move aligns with DeHaat's broader goal of integrating cutting-edge tech into Indian agriculture. Founded in 2012, DeHaat operates from Patna and Gurugram and serves over 12 states with a wide range of agricultural services — including quality input delivery, farm advisory, financial assistance, and market linkages. Its network spans more than 18,000 DeHaat Centres and includes partnerships with over 1,000 agribusinesses. The NEERX acquisition follows DeHaat's purchase of AgriCentral from Olam Agri earlier this year, as the company continues to expand its digital agriculture ecosystem. The latest partnership underscores DeHaat's commitment to data-driven, sensor-based solutions to empower Indian farmers.
