by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – WOOLWORTHS, the retail group, has unveiled some of its suppliers’ groundbreaking use of drones to revolutionise farming practices worldwide.
The company has since launched the Farming for the Future campaign, embracing the power of technology to drive agricultural innovation.
Central to the campaign’s mission is the integration of drone technology to identify plants under stress, empowering farmers to make data-driven decisions and conserve water resources.
By utilising drones equipped with advanced sensors, farmers can precisely monitor the health of crops and detect signs of strain, allowing for targeted irrigation and resource management.
“Some of our farmers use drones to check for trees that are compromised,” said Latiefa Behardien, Chief Food Technology and Sustainability Officer at Woolworths at Farming for the Future.
Instead of watering all the trees all the time, the farmer can water only those who are thirsty and manage this precious resource better.
“This is just one example of how technology is transforming agriculture and paving the way for a more sustainable future,” Behardien said.
Using drone technology, Farming for the Future empowers farmers to optimise water usage, reduce waste and mitigate the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity.
By leveraging data-driven insights, farmers can enhance crop resilience, improve yield, and contribute to a more sustainable food system.
In addition to drone technology, Farming for the Future harnesses the power of science to protect and conserve water resources.
As part of the campaign launch, Woolworths has meanwhile introduced an immersive digital experience designed to showcase the transformative potential of technology in agriculture.
Through an interactive online platform, visitors can explore the innovative use of drones, learn about water-saving techniques, and engage with relevant information to deepen their understanding of sustainable farming practices.
“We believe that technology has the power to unlock new possibilities in agriculture and drive positive change for our collective future,” Behardien emphasised.
– CAJ News