Precision agriculture

What we do

Precision agriculture

Precision agriculture

We specialise in digital solutions that enhance crop production and yield. Our precision agriculture information system supports farmers with accurate yield predictions, optimised input costs and effective pest and diseases surveillance. 

Precision agriculture

Precision agriculture

We specialise in digital solutions that enhance crop production and yield. Our precision agriculture information system supports farmers with accurate yield predictions, optimised input costs and effective pest and diseases surveillance. 

Precision agriculture

Precision agriculture

We specialise in digital solutions that enhance crop production and yield. Our precision agriculture information system supports farmers with accurate yield predictions, optimised input costs and effective pest and diseases surveillance. 

Precision agriculture

Precision agriculture

We specialise in digital solutions that enhance crop production and yield. Our precision agriculture information system supports farmers with accurate yield predictions, optimised input costs and effective pest and diseases surveillance. 

Contact information:

Prof. Moses Cho
Research Group Leader
@email

Sibahle Tile
Business Development Manager
@email

Highlights

presidential visit

Precision agriculture platform gains ground

The CSIR, in collaboration with the Limpopo Department of Agriculture, South African Grain Association and Eastern Cape Development Corporation, is testing its Precision Agriculture Information System to strengthen precision agriculture adoption in a year-long, multi-province pilot project. The system supports data-driven crop management, equipping users with tools for soil preparation, crop monitoring and yield estimation. It integrates satellite data, artificial intelligence-powered analytics and user-friendly interfaces to support informed, real-time decision-making. The system was demonstrated to President Cyril Ramaphosa during a visit to the CSIR.

Empowering every farmer – a digital leap

Empowering every farmer – a digital leap

The CSIR, in collaboration with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and Agricultural Research Council, is developing a precision agriculture information system that uses drones and other transformative technologies to support farmers with near real-time information to enhance on-farm decision-making. Watch. Following the system’s launch and the completion of the first phase of the project, the DSTI has announced funding for a four-year initiative to digitally transform South African agriculture.

Capabilities

We are building end-to-end capabilities in precision agriculture that integrate data, technology, and specialised expertise to drive smarter, more sustainable farming.   

Data collection, processing and analysis
Data collection, processing and analysis

Our work begins with robust data collection using field-based, airborne and satellite sensors, supported by sensor developers and skilled drone pilots. This data is then processed and analysed using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain and cloud computing. Remote sensing scientists and agronomists play a key role in translating this data into actionable insights for agricultural decision-making. To ensure efficiency and scalability, we are developing automated data processing platforms and cloud-based systems.

IoT-enabled apps and data visualisation
IoT-enabled apps and data visualisation

Our capabilities also include developing internet of things-enabled desktop and mobile applications, along with data visualisation tools that make complex information accessible to end users. In parallel, we focus on data commercialisation, equipping business development and marketing experts in bringing innovations to market. These efforts culminate in the application of precision agriculture technologies – such as variable rate application and drone spraying – enabled by our teams of robotic and mechatronic engineers.

Our facilities

 

Precision Agriculture Information System
Precision Agriculture Information System

The Precision Agriculture Information System empowers precision farming by monitoring soil variability and crop health, enabling early detection of threats and accurate yield predictions. Farmers gain actionable insights to optimise inputs, boost productivity and make informed decisions ahead of the harvest.

Botanical supply unit
AgriDrone

Our AgriDrone is a precision agriculture support tool that utilises drone-based remote sensing and imaging technologies to improve farm productivity, crop health monitoring, and resource management. It provides researchers, farmers and agribusinesses with real-time, data-driven insights for sustainable agricultural practices through aerial imaging, mapping, land use and field analysis.

Supercritical CO₂ extraction facility
Mobile display screen

Our mobile display screen is a portable, high-resolution digital communication platform designed to support our precision agriculture system during outreach and awareness campaigns, and stakeholder engagements in rural and urban settings. It is ideal for showcasing agricultural remote sensing and imaging with real-time data visuals during events and field demonstrations.