By Alice McFarlane

New technology that predicts disease in lentils

Dec 3, 2024 | 3:27 PM

A consortium of companies has a groundbreaking solution aimed at revolutionizing lentil crop management.

Supported by Protein Industries Canada, Hawk’s Agro, and Three Farmers, Ukko Agro will introduce the first phase of an in-field platform powered by artificial intelligence technology, designed to predict anthracnose and Ascochyta blight — two major diseases affecting lentil crops.

The project will leverage Ukko Agro’s ForeSite platform to commercialize the phase one AI technology, which will be available to Western Canadian retailers, agronomists, and farmers in the spring of 2025.

Developed in Western Canada, the technology is poised to elevate the sustainability and productivity of the sector, ultimately contributing to a more robust ingredient supply chain.

Representatives from Ukko Agro, Hawk’s Agro, and Three Farmers expressed their excitement about the project. Ukko Agro Co-founder and CEO Avi Bhargava said this will address the unique needs of successful lentil crop production on the Prairies.

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“By deeply understanding local agricultural needs and collaborating with industry leaders, we are developing innovative, simple, and user-friendly solutions backed by comprehensive data sets that reflect the heart of the region’s lentil-growing areas,” Bhargava said. “This homegrown technology not only simplifies the process for growers but also solidifies Canada’s leadership in the global lentil market.”

Protein Industries Canada Senior Director of Programs Lisa Campbell said a strengthened food chain starts with a strengthened crop supply.

“The ability to detect and account for crop diseases earlier gives our ingredient processors access to a more consistent supply of feedstock, helping them develop the protein-rich, highly functional ingredients that food manufacturers across the country are looking for,” Campbell said.

Powered by machine learning, ForeSite is a leading Field Adaptive and Integrated Modeling (F.A.I.M.) system designed for agriculture. ForeSite provides retailers, agronomists and farmers with field-specific staging and disease information well in advance, up to 14 days. This information assists farmers in determining the optimal timing and locations for applying fungicides.

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG) supported the project through in-kind contributions, including agronomic support and enabling Ukko Agro to leverage an established network of agricultural research organizations in Saskatchewan.

With a total investment of $2.6 million, Protein Industries Canada’s support of $1.2 million underscores the government’s commitment to advancing artificial intelligence initiatives across various sectors.

The organization’s artificial intelligence stream, funded as part of the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy, aims to drive the adoption of AI technologies, optimizing processes, and enhancing the functionality, taste, and nutritional profiles of Canada’s plant-based food, feed, and ingredients.

The consortium of partners will continue developing the solution in 2025 for full phase two release in 2026.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW