Israeli agtech company, Edete, has developed a groundbreaking precision pollination technology that is revolutionizing the agricultural sector. Their Pollination as a Service solution (PPaS) has proven to improve risk management, enhance resilience, and increase yields for farmers. By addressing issues such as pollination synchrony, climate change, and the shortage of natural pollinators, Edete's technology is making a significant impact.
In a successful trial conducted in Bakersfield, California, Edete utilized their precision pollination technology on approximately 2,000 acres of pistachio orchards for one of the largest agricultural companies in the United States. The trial took place during the flowering seasons in both April 2022 and April 2023, resulting in impressive yield increases.
"The results of the precise pollination are truly remarkable," says Idit, the developer of the autonomous Maverick used in the process. "We compared the yield in the orchards that received our precise pollination to adjacent control orchards with similar characteristics, such as size, varieties, and year of planting. The difference was significant."
Despite challenging weather conditions, including multiple cold spells, the year 2023 proved to be a record-breaking year for pistachio yield, estimated at 680 tons. Nevertheless, the plantations that underwent Edete's precise pollination still surpassed expectations, with an average 19% boost in yield. These promising results were also observed in the same plantations during 2022.
"The impact of our precise pollination technology on farmers' income is substantial," explains Idit. "We estimate that farmers can expect an additional $254-322 per dunam on average, providing them with a significant financial advantage."
In a separate study in the Sacramento region, Edete showcased their technology's success. Over a 20-dunam area encompassing plantations of various ages (6, 15, and 24 years), an average increase of 24% in yield was achieved in 2021. These impressive results further demonstrate the effectiveness of Edete's precision pollination solution.
Edete's innovative approach to pollination is not only increasing yields but also revolutionizing the way farmers manage their crops. With its potential for widespread adoption, Edete's precision pollination technology is set to transform the agricultural industry, improving sustainability and profitability for farmers worldwide.