Embrapa, Agrosmart sign partnership to automate disease diagnoses

The Brazilian Agricultural Research Company (Embrapa) and Agrosmart have announced a partnership for the development of a diagnosis, forecast, and crop-disease monitoring system. The companies will conduct research to support the phytosanitary planning of crops, coordinated by Embrapa Agricultural Data Processing and Embrapa Natural Environment. Embrapa estimates that in Brazil, the value of annual losses caused by pests and diseases in agriculture is R$ 55 billion. 

 

The monitoring system tool is designed to help both small and large farmers. The researchers will have the chance to use data to develop the most efficient method of treating and eliminating diseases.

 

In the initial phase of the partnership, Agrosmart will install sensors on coffee crops in experimental fields owned by Embrapa Natural Environment, located in Jaguariúna, state of São Paulo. In this experimental field, Free Air CO2 Enrichment, which evaluates field conditions, has been installed in the field.

 

"The idea is to develop and introduce to the market technology that will benefit the sector, such as models of prediction and disease control, helping farmers with their day-to-day business, which will result in the benefits of savings for agricultural inputs and a reduction in losses,” said Mariana Vasconcelos, CEO of Agrosmart.

 

“We will always have great synergy with Embrapa and believe that our two companies will make a difference in the agricultural sector with this action. But we cannot forget that all of this is to help the rural producer fight agricultural diseases - a sensitive point that generates the most expenses for farmers,” stated Vasconcelos.