Revolutionizing Farming with AI: AgZen’s RealCoverage Technology
The Challenges of Conventional Pesticide Use
A 2021 study revealed a staggering statistic: if farmers didn’t use pesticides, they would lose approximately 78% of fruit production, 54% of vegetable production, and 32% of cereal production. While pesticide use is essential for maintaining crop yields, the current methods of delivery have significant drawbacks. The only way to ensure adequate pesticide distribution is to spray too much, which not only increases costs but also poses a threat to the environment.
Introducing AgZen’s RealCoverage Technology
AgZen, a company founded on over a decade of MIT engineering research, aims to revolutionize the way pesticides are applied. Its innovative solution utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize pesticide delivery, ensuring that plants receive exactly what they need, when they need it. The CEO of AgZen, Vishnu Jayaprakash, shared with TechCrunch that RealCoverage can detect droplets as small as 150 microns and make real-time adjustments to spray parameters such as pressure, rate, boom height, or speed.
The Benefits of RealCoverage
AgZen’s technology has the potential to significantly impact the farming industry. By reducing chemical usage by up to 50%, farmers can lower input costs while maintaining crop health and yield. The company has been testing its product through extensive field trials on various crops, with impressive results. In fact, last year AgZen conducted 12 successful pilots and trials across the U.S. and Europe with some of the largest growers in the world.
Environmental Impact
The implications of RealCoverage go beyond just improving crop yields and reducing costs. By reducing foliar pesticide usage by 30% to 50%, this technology can help mitigate the environmental impacts associated with pesticide runoff. Studies have shown widespread contamination of agricultural streams, wells, and aquifers due to pesticide pollution, putting soil at high risk. AgZen’s solution may prove to be a valuable tool in addressing these pressing issues.
Regulatory Compliance
RealCoverage also offers benefits for farmers looking to comply with regulations. As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to emphasize the importance of reducing pesticide runoff, this technology can provide precise data on pesticide volume reaching the target in real-time. This information can be used to improve tracking and reduce environmental impact.
Launch and Accessibility
AgZen is preparing to launch RealCoverage commercially later this year through a lease-to-own program, making it more accessible to farmers. The company suggests that by reducing chemical usage, the system pays for itself within a season.
The Future of Farming
RealCoverage represents a significant step forward in the field of agricultural technology (agtech). By leveraging AI and real-time data analysis, AgZen is enabling farmers to optimize their pesticide application methods. This innovative approach has the potential to transform the way we grow our food and ensure a more sustainable future for agriculture.
AgTech’s Role in Addressing Environmental Challenges
As concerns about environmental sustainability continue to grow, agtech companies like AgZen are stepping up to provide solutions. By developing technologies that improve spray efficiency, reduce chemical usage, and promote data-driven decision-making, these innovators are helping to mitigate the environmental impacts associated with pesticide use.
Conclusion
AgZen’s RealCoverage technology is poised to revolutionize farming practices worldwide. With its ability to detect tiny droplets and adjust spray parameters in real-time, this AI-powered solution has the potential to reduce chemical usage by up to 50%. As the demand for sustainable agricultural practices continues to grow, AgZen’s innovative approach may prove to be a game-changer for farmers, the environment, and public health.
About the Author
Haje Jan Kamps is a journalist and TV producer with a strong background in covering general tech news. He has founded several companies and spent time in the VC world, making him an ideal fit to cover the intersection of technology and agriculture.
