Description
RAMAS by AgFutura is a digital extension service that makes use of the Internet of Things (IoTs) as well as external data sources, supporting decision-making in farming and facilitating real-time monitoring and the provision of advisory services via the app and a mobile app. The experts and specialised software of RAMAS analyse the data received from IoT sensors installed on farms and generate evidence-based reports and recommendations for farmers. The testing phase of RAMAS started in 2019, and the initial market launch is expected in 2023.
Technology
RAMAS operates based on IoTs, weather stations, soil sensors, pheromone traps, etc., and also makes use of external data provided by drones and satellites. RAMAS has several key layers (including farm, monitoring, data processing, analysis and reporting layers) and two data streams – field (upstream) and advisory data (downstream). The farm layer is where IoTs are deployed, while the monitoring layer includes IoT devices that record soil quality and other plant production details, crop management activities and harvest data. The monitoring layer provides data to the data processing layer (RAMAS algorithm), which provides information on crops, including their health, hydration and nutritional statuses. The data for these parameters are analysed by experts and/or specialised software (e.g. plant development algorithms and disease modelling). Reports are then created and recommended actions are streamed to farms. The flow of data from the farm level up to the data analysis layer represents the upstream side of the system, while the expert advice and reports delivered to the farms via the app and mobile app are the downstream component.
Target
The target users of RAMAS are producers of crops of all kinds. For the testing phase, the developers engaged several large corn producers (with 500 hectares of crops) as well as a group of five smallholder farmers engaged in red pepper production.
Business model
Two options are being considered. Government agencies can acquire a RAMAS license and provide free access to final users (farmers), or the system could be offered as a private subscription-based service through a freemium model with three subscription levels: basic, intermediate and professional.
Impact
RAMAS supports accurate monitoring and facilitates the provision of prompt advice as a professional agricultural support tool, optimising agricultural inputs and processes at a farm level. The system may also contribute to the responsible use of natural resources by controlling the application of inputs, such as water and chemicals, according to the plants’ needs.
Partners
National Fund for Innovation and Technological Development; Ag Leaderi; Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (COMU); BioSense Institut; Pessl instruments; Chamber of Commerce for Information and Communication Technologies – MASIT of North Macedonia; Analytika; Foundation Agro-Centre for Education; ABACO; Culture and Education Association; WIRELESSINFO
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
