Corteva Agriscience and Plantix introduce free pest, disease and weed identification app

Corteva Agriscience has announced the launch of a new mobile application (app), Corteva™ FarmFundi, which provides a digital pest and disease identification guide for farmers across Africa and the Middle East (AME). Once threats are accurately identified using the app, farmers can consult with Corteva’s expert crop scientists and local agronomists for treatment recommendations via e-mail or the web links provided.

“Researchers estimate that invasive species alone cost Africa’s agricultural sector $74.3 billion each year, compounded by an approximate $21.5 billion worth of crop losses inflicted by insects and other pests,” says Linda van der Merwe, Marketing Lead, Corteva Agriscience. “As such, we are excited to bring our first-to-market digital tool to farmers in Africa Middle East. Our collaboration with Plantix allows us to combine the very best of innovative mobile farming technology with the keen insights and vast expertise of our technical teams; helping to mitigate potential impacts to livelihoods and food security."

The most critical part of managing crop exposures is correctly identifying the cause so appropriate solutions can be implemented and costly mistakes that threaten sustainable and safe management practices can be avoided. The user-friendly platform empowers farmers to upload or scan pictures, along with a short description of symptoms and accompanying notes, enabling timeous risk management and prevention. Experts are also able to update and transfer the latest information on new, emerging pests and trends in real time.

“The best part is that internet access is required for downloading the app as well as subsequent updates, but essential information can be accessed offline,” said van der Merwe.  “This is an important feature for users who do not have access to a quality mobile connection while out in the field.”

“Supporting farmers (and gardeners) all over the planet to secure their crops and contribute to food security has always been one of the main drivers of our efforts. We are now even more delighted to be able to provide our cutting-edge technology solution, while partnering with Corteva; making it accessible to a broader range of users across new regions", says Rob Strey, Co-Founder and CTO, Plantix.

The Corteva™ FarmFundi app is available for download (at no cost )from the Apple^® iOS and Google Android™ App stores in English, Swahili, Afrikaans, and French, and Arabic.

With the increasing demand for healthier, quality food, against the backdrop of COVID-19, the Corteva™ FarmFundi app also delivers on Corteva’s sustainability commitments; ensuring progress for generations to come.