Satellite-Enabled Intelligent Agriculture

Over the last century, global water withdrawal grew 1.7 times faster than population, aggravating concerns about sustainable water use. DryGro, based on EO and satellite communications services, aims to produce inexpensive, high-protein animal feed input using 99% less water than conventional agriculture.​

Source: FAO

The objective is to develop and demonstrate a new satellite-enabled technology to produce an inexpensive, high-protein animal feed input called lemna. This uses 99% less water than soy production and is produced an order of magnitude faster. The pilot involves developing 6 lemna growing units in Kenya to validate the use of space technology and economics for production: Earth observation is used to anticipate changes in ambient conditions of the growing units, monitor leaks, protect infrastructure (from natural elements, wildlife and thieves) and assist in site detection. Satellite communication is used to provide secure connectivity, as farms are located in remote regions. The team are targeting the global animal feed industry with specific focus on industrial farmers and animal feed producers in arid regions, who currently purchase imported animal feed inputs. CO2i are in discussions with Cargill, Louis-Dreyfus, Nutreco, and a number of other smaller feed mixers to discuss demand and offtake agreements.