March 2023 was a month that has marked a significant milestone for Swift Lab Limited, as we successfully used AI to map and analyze crop aerial data for one of Kenya’s largest avocado farms. The main objective was to obtain accurate crop health data using our in-house AI product called SwiftAI, which has been specifically designed to perform tasks such as crop counting, line segmentation, gap analysis, crop health monitoring, weed detection, and species detection.
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CASE STUDY: Crop Health Mapping and Ground Truthing Data Overlay using drones
In December 2021, Swift Lab Limited successfully conducted crop health mapping for one of our large-scale avocado clients in Kenya. The main objective was to obtain crop health data (using NDVI data) and use the generated maps to identify areas (in this case trees) that had significant crop stress. As a second step, we would then do ground truthing and take phone images to verify and overlay on top of the NDVI map to generate a complete report.
Why validate through ground truthing?
– This is a new technology that we are introducing at scale in Kenya. Therefore, it was important for us to validate the accuracy of our drone-collected crop health data via ground truthing. In this case for our client, not only did our drones identify areas already known to the client, but also uncovered many more areas that were not known before
– This is a new technology that we are introducing at scale in Kenya. Therefore, it was important for us to validate the accuracy of our drone-collected crop health data via ground truthing. In this case for our client, not only did our drones identify areas already known to the client, but also uncovered many more areas that were not known before.
– We always recommend regular ground truthing exercises as a continuous avenue to validate our data, but also to help our data processing and algorithms to track farm performance and effects of response measures e.g., chemical spray that are done over time.
Example results obtained
– Pest Infestation
map showing a cell phone image taken after following the map to the highlighted red zone.
Revolutionizing Agriculture: The Powerful Impact of Drone Spraying in Kenya
Introduction:
In the realm of agriculture, drones have emerged as a transformative force, offering unparalleled speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Swift Lab Limited, a pioneer in the field, has been revolutionizing farming practices in Kenya through their drone spraying services.
In this article we explore the remarkable benefits and value delivered by drone spraying, showcasing the transformative impact it has had on farms across the country
Unleashing the Power of Drone Spraying:
A recent spraying exercise conducted by Swift Lab in Nakuru exemplifies the game-changing potential of drone spraying. The before-and-after images captured during the exercise showcase its incredible effectiveness.
Before
Figure 1: depicts the farm’s weed infestation prior to spraying with a non-selective weed killer.
After
Figure 2: portrays the same farm just two days after the drone spraying operation. Notably, the farm had previously relied on tractors and human backpack sprayers for their spraying needs.
The Unrivaled Effectiveness of Drone Spraying:
By utilizing drones for spraying, Swift Lab achieved an astounding 100% effectiveness in weed eradication while ensuring zero damage to the maize plants. In stark contrast, the traditional approach of using tractors fell short in comparison. This breakthrough demonstrates the precision and efficacy of drone spraying, delivering superior results while safeguarding crop health.
Unparalleled Speed and Efficiency:
The advantages of drone spraying extend beyond efficacy, as the technology offers unprecedented speed and efficiency. When compared to tractors, drone spraying was up to 12 times faster, enabling farmers to cover larger areas in significantly less time. Furthermore, when compared to manual backpack sprayers, drones showcased an astounding speed advantage of up to 50 times faster. This time-saving aspect allows farmers to optimize their resources and allocate their valuable time more efficiently.
Additional Benefits of Drone Spraying:
- Versatility and Accessibility:Drones are capable of operating in various ground terrain conditions, offering unparalleled accessibility across diverse agricultural landscapes. Unlike ground sprayers, drones are not restricted by movement limitations, making them an ideal choice for farms facing challenges such as restricted access or health concerns.
2. Precision and Resource Optimization: Drone spraying excels in precision application, delivering the exact amount of chemicals required for effective crop protection. This precision minimizes chemical wastage, resulting in significant cost savings for farmers.
According to a testimony by one of our clients, drone spraying reduces outsplash to other crops neighbouring the crops being sprayed. This also reduces damage to crops that often, inadvertently, get sprayed with the wrong chemicals when using tractors.