Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture

Date:

July 4, 2018

Country:

Oman

Category:

AI/ML , GIS

Service:

Tree Identification and Mapping

Satellite Imagery, GIS and AI Boost Date Palm Production in Oman

Date palms are the primary agricultural crop in Oman. The country produces more than 250,000 metric ton of dates per annum, but is still ranked only 8^th in terms of production in the world. Oman wants to transform the way its date plantations approach the cultivation process in order to increase productivity, utilize resources correctly and efficiently, and improve quality. Therefore, it has initiated a ‘million date trees plantation project’ that will utilize Satellite Imagery, GIS and AI technology services offered by Hardcastle GIS Solutions for this purpose.

Most important and challenging facts about this project

Weathers, remote locations, rattlesnakes were some of the various factors which hindered regular in-person monitoring of crops.

Conducting a physical survey at a desert farm, with temperatures above 35°-50° Celsius, proved very challenging. In the desert, there isn’t much vegetation for the survey team to rest under. Also, desert snakes often take shelter beneath the few trees and the team encountered this situation at times. The team had to adjust to local timings to start the GIS surveys as early as 6 am and end before 10 am. The surveys were restarted post 3 pm to avoid the heat and sun as much as possible.
Capturing 20+ attributes of trees isn’t an easy job; counting girth, the number of offshoots, roots, and other parameters requires an understanding of date tree agriculture at a detailed level.
The use of AI/ML training datasets was challenging for the surveyors. For example, they could not find enough sample images to identify the red palm weevil. It was good learning for them, however, to use a Drone platform to manage and prevent agricultural pests, particularly the red palm weevil.

Benefits and outcomes of the project

Access to reliable and up-to-date crop production information is essential in the agriculture sector today. Whether one is managing a large agro-holding or running a farm, GIS offers satellite-based crop management products that provide detailed insights into the state of the crops and assist in decision-making throughout the season.

Tree data analyses and real-time insights on tree requirements concerning water, fertilizer, health, and other attributes provide agility to the system, which in return helps in making decisions actionable in real-time.
Total production has increased by 40% and the quality of the dates has also improved.