4IRTA: Nigeria shortlists startups for grants in agriculture

Nigeria’s Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has shortlisted 10 startups that would be provided with grants under its Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Application (4IRTA) in Agriculture programme.

According to the Ministry, the startups whose projects were selected will receive up to N10 million in funding to deepen the application of 4IR technologies in their work.

The Communications Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who unveiled the selected projects, said the initiative is in support of President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to cultivate 500,000 hectares of land across Nigeria to boost food security.

The Ministry of Agriculture is expected to provide support to the selected pilot farms and navigate a path to scale and sustainability.

Tijani, who announced the shortlisted projects for the programme, said:

“I am pleased to announce the 10 shortlisted grantees for our Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Application (4IRTA) in Agriculture.

“In November last year, we invited applications from applicable market-ready innovations that leverage 4IR technologies (UAVs, IoT, AI, and Blockchain) to enhance productivity in Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector.

“In the 2 weeks of the application process, we received 2,329 applications, which then went through 2 rounds of reviews, supported by top 4IR Technology researchers and practitioners of Nigerian descent across the globe”

In support of President @officialABAT’s mandate to cultivate 500,000 hectares of land across Nigeria to boost food security, I am pleased to announce the 10 shortlisted grantees for our Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Application (4IRTA) in Agriculture.

In November last… pic.twitter.com/yvlPMR1Xd6

— Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani (@bosuntijani) January 26, 2024

Tijani said, “The reviews applied criteria such as the alignment of the proposed solution with the objectives of 4IRTA, solution readiness, and the quality of their video demonstration.

“Congratulations to the 10 selected projects, as we look forward to working with them in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture to support their path to scale and sustainability,” he added.

The selected projects are:

Aerial Precision (|APrecision): It proposes a solution for smallholder maize farming utilizing drone technology throughout the maize farming cycle to collect real-time data and provide tailored recommendations. It will also use UAVs for fertilizing and applying crop protection products, aiming to address challenges such as pest outbreaks, labour scarcity, and health risks, with a focus on stakeholder engagement for widespread adoption and scalability in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Also Read: Communications ministry empowers 1,500 students with tech skills

Ranch.ID LivestockPro: This is a farm management tool that utilises loT technology and the National Animal Identification and Traceability system, providing real-time data on livestock activities, location, health, and vaccinations to enhance productivity and decision-making processes, with sophisticated devices ensuring continuous monitoring and prompt medical intervention for optimal livestock management.

Precision Farm Management: The solution employs precision farming technology, specifically drones and sensors, to implement organic farming techniques by monitoring soil and crop data, including soil health, elevation, water level, nutrient level, pH, and crop health. The implementation ensures improved crop performance through climate-smart, precise application of agricultural inputs like fertilizers using spray drones, minimizing waste and increasing yield.

Automated loT-Based Irrigation System: The Automated loT-Based Irrigation System utilizes sensors to monitor soil moisture and weather conditions. This data is then transmitted wirelessly to a central hub where it is analyzed by a microcontroller or microprocessor. The system automatically adjusts irrigation based on real-time data, ensuring precise and efficient water usage.

Geospatial Intelligence model for enhanced prediction of crop yield and crop stress assessment: The solution deploys are in loT isotopic table and UAV radiometer radar L-band to monitor water tables and assess soil health, guiding decisions on land fertility and planting times. It provides real-time status assessment, harvest predictions, and insights on pest and weed control.

AgriTrust Solutions by Ledger Labs Ltd: This solution utilizes the blockchain to ensure transparency and make deliveries more efficient. It also intends to eliminate fake products from the market.

Alfor Livestock Diseases and Health Reporting: The project aims to empower livestock farmers through a geospatial-enabled mobile app for reporting instant livestock anomalies, utilizing Artificial Intelligence to predict vulnerable zones and disease spread, and storing data securely on a blockchain to provide farmers with comprehensive information on common diseases, enabling informed decisions regarding insurance, credit, and relief.