According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the annual loss in crop production due to pests and diseases ranges between 20 and 40% globally. Each year plant diseases cost the world’s economy around 220 billion USD, and invasive insects around 70 billion USD.
To address this challenge in the Middle East and North Africa region, ICBA partnered with the University of Barcelona to develop an AI-powered mobile app to help smallholder farmers to detect and deal with crop disorders.
The app uses image processing and machine learning to identify disorders based on symptoms such as color, shape, and spectral signatures. It takes advantage of a data collection and processing platform developed by the University of Barcelona.
The app is designed to spot crop disorders at early stages, help to minimize yield losses, and improve incomes. It can provide guidance to farmers on how to address crop disorders effectively.
It can identify 20 different common disorders affecting tomato, capsicum, and cucumber. These cash crops are considered important for smallholder farmers who practice protected agriculture.
Crop improvement and sustainable production
Dr. Henda Mahmoudi (HMJ@biosaline.org.ae)
University of Barcelona
