High-quality seeds and the right knowledge are crucial for better yields. In 2023, we have been more intentional in strengthening our advisory capabilities, including investing in digital channels, to cater to the evolving needs of our farmers.

In-Person Agronomy Advisory

Our approach to agronomy advisory is hands-on and personalized. We understand that each farm is unique, and our services are tailored to meet these specific needs. Here are a few facets of our in-person agronomy advisory:

• Full Crop Cycle Support: From soil preparation to harvesting, our experts work closely with selected farmers to identify and address challenges they are facing in production
• Crop Protection: We conduct two to three field visits per cropping season to inspect for pests and diseases, providing targeted recommendations for on-field management and preventive measures
• Farmer Community Training: We organize group training sessions focusing on crop production and integrated pest and disease management

“Less is More” in Tomato Planting in Myanmar

In the region of Inle Lake in Myanmar, traditional tomato farming typically involves planting three mixed-variety plants per hole. Our Myanmar team initiated a transformative trial. They introduced a one-plant-per-hole approach using the ‘Princess’ variety to demonstrate its benefits. This trial not only showed significant agronomic improvements but also gained acceptance among key local farmers, who have adopted this method and are now advocates within their communities. Ko Linn and Ko Toe, who have been growing tomatoes for over 20 years, adopted this practice and reported a 30-35% increase in yield with minimal farm inputs, along with a 20% rise in their profits.

 

Connecting Digitally

To reach more farmers, we harness digital platforms and share various guides:

• Crop Growing Manuals: Detailed guides on specific varieties, offering best practices for planting, cultivation, and harvesting to optimize yields.
• Troubleshooting Guides: Variety-specific advisories that address common challenges and provide actionable solutions to improve crop health and productivity.

SmartAcres: Digital farmer support via WhatsApp

With the increasing integration of technology in agriculture, we launched SmartAcres in India. This multi-lingual, WhatsApp-based interactive bot delivers critical information on pest and disease control and weather forecasts. With tailored advice to growth stage and location respectively, SmartAcres is assisting farmers in making informed decisions promptly. In 2023, we served over 1,000 selected tomato and bitter gourd farmers via SmartAcres, with this number expected to grow to at least 3,000 in 2024.

Our team in Nigeria also ran a similar farmer support portal via WhatsApp, serving 2,000 farmers across the country with agronomic and commercial advice unique to their individual needs and situations.