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  • Free access to world’s number one in-field agronomic problem identification
  • Instant image recognition of local weeds and diseases for key crops using a smartphone application (app)
  • Supports better agronomic decision-making, improving crop health and yield

 

BASF Digital Farming GmbH, part of BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division, has officially launched its xarvio® SCOUTING smartphone app to support South African farmers and agronomic advisors. It was launched at Nampo, South Africa’s largest agricultural trade show, and was incorporated into BASF South Africa’s stand, as part of its complete offer to the South African farmer. The launch also represents the first commercial market entry in Africa for BASF Digital Farming and smart farming products from its xarvio Digital Faming Solutions range.

The unique xarvio SCOUTING app is free to download and use and has been specifically configured to local agronomic conditions. It enables the fast and accurate identification of significant local weeds and diseases impacting key crops such as maize soybeans, citrus and cereals.

Developed by agronomists and farmers, xarvio SCOUTING uses an advanced plant modelling platform powered by live algorithms that continually improve precision and functionality through machine learning and data sharing. It can instantly detect in-field stress and calculate leaf damage by simply taking a picture with a smartphone. A unique community-based radar function also allows growers to see threats in surrounding fields and notifies them once a threat is close, so they can act

“xarvio SCOUTING is developed for farmers to easily and conveniently identify and document in-field problems. You simply take a photo with a smartphone, then submit to instantly receive the result. With this information in-field issues and problems can be more precisely identified, supporting better, more timely decisions for appropriate treatment,” says Andre Pretorius, Marketing Manager, BASF South Africa.

Saving time spent on scouting expeditions and increasing growers’ and advisors’ access to detailed and beneficial information, xarvio SCOUTING is widely recognised as the most comprehensive, automated, agronomic problem identifier available globally. The app can identify more than 400 weed types and recognise damages caused by more than 400 different diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies in over 60 different crops worldwide.

“We are confident that xarvio SCOUTING will be well-received and used in South Africa. The app’s accuracy will continuously improve the more often farmers use it share images of their crops, weeds, diseases, and insect pests. This will ensure that faster and more relevant results are delivered, helping growers optimize crop production,” added Andrew Achille, Regional Commercial Lead APAC & Africa, xarvio Digital Farming Solutions.

To download the free xarvio SCOUTING app, visit Google Play or the App Store.

About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division

Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population while reducing environmental impacts. Working with partners and agricultural experts and by integrating sustainability criteria into all business decisions, we help farmers to create a positive impact on sustainable agriculture. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, connecting innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our portfolio comprises seeds and specifically selected plant traits, chemical and biological crop protection, solutions for soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we strive to find the right balance for success – for farmers, agriculture and future generations. In 2021, our division generated sales of €8.2 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 111,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €78.6 billion in 2021. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.