Agri-Technology Resource Center

In the Mato Grosso region, a joint initiative between Embrapa, Crops International, and local farmer associations introduced a comprehensive certification program focused on precision agriculture techniques. Over 3,000 soybean producers were enrolled in a year-long training cycle that included:

• GPS-guided tractor calibration
• Soil scanning and nutrient mapping
• NDVI image interpretation for early disease detection
• Water use optimization through IoT sensors
• Market price forecasting using AI models

By the end of the program, participants reported a 22% reduction in pesticide usage, 18% increase in yield, and improved buyer trust due to transparent data sharing. The program is now being scaled to cotton and coffee farms in Minas Gerais.

Additionally, the government began offering subsidies to certified farms, encouraging even more adoption of these tech-based practices.

In Western Kenya, AgNext partnered with local NGOs and the Ministry of Agriculture to roll out its Digital Farming Academy to over 5,000 smallholder farmers. The program included:

• Basic smartphone literacy and app navigation
• Soil moisture tracking using low-cost sensors
• Weather alerts and planting schedule optimization
• Digital land mapping and cooperative planning
• Tractor booking via SMS and app interfaces

The results were transformative. Farmers reduced post-harvest losses by 20%, increased average yields by 15%, and gained direct access to buyers via digital contracts. Women-led groups particularly benefited from mobile-first learning and peer networks formed during the training.

AgNext also introduced a microloan system tied to certification, allowing farmers to invest in certified tools and services at lower interest rates. The program is now expanding to Tanzania and Malawi.

A key outcome was the formation of regional digital hubs where farmers continue to share knowledge and troubleshoot issues together. These hubs are supported by local extension officers trained in precision tools.

In collaboration with state agricultural universities, ICAR launched the Precision Cotton Certification Program across Gujarat and Telangana states. The goal was to reduce water usage, improve fiber quality, and link certified farmers directly with textile companies.

The program ran over 6 months and included:

• Field visits by certified trainers
• Hands-on sessions with drip irrigation controllers
• Mobile app training for pest identification
• Use of UAVs for canopy density assessment
• Soil testing and AI-recommended seed selection
• Export market readiness training

Post-certification, farmers saw a 25% improvement in water efficiency and a 12% rise in cotton lint quality. Several farmer producer organizations (FPOs) were established to streamline collective marketing and logistics.

Participating farmers received preferential loans from NABARD and were prioritized for government subsidy programs. The success led to expansion into rice and wheat belts across Punjab and Haryana.