N10 Million Boost: FG Spotlights 10 Pioneering Startups in 4IRTA Grant Announcement

The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy spearheads transformative advancements in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape through its Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Application (4IRTA) in Agriculture program. A carefully curated selection process has identified ten startups poised to receive substantial grants, each amounting to a maximum of N10 Million, underlining the government’s commitment to fostering innovation in the agricultural sector.

At the forefront of this initiative is Dr. Bosun Tijani, the supervising minister for the Ministry, who unveiled the ten pioneering projects. The program aligns seamlessly with President Bola Tinubu’s strategic vision of cultivating 500,000 hectares of land nationwide, a pivotal step towards fortifying food security in Nigeria. The Ministry of Agriculture is set to play a pivotal role by providing comprehensive support to the chosen pilot farms, guiding them towards scalable and sustainable practices.

In an official statement, the Communications Minister enthusiastically announced the ten shortlisted grantees, shedding light on the meticulous selection process. The application window, open in November of the preceding year, witnessed a staggering 2,329 submissions within two weeks. Rigorous evaluations ensued by esteemed 4IR Technology researchers and practitioners of Nigerian descent globally. These assessments rigorously scrutinized factors such as solution readiness, alignment with 4IRTA objectives, and the quality of video demonstrations.

Now, let’s delve into the intricate details of the ten selected startup projects:

1. Agri-Wing Project: This groundbreaking initiative proposes an Integrated Aerial Precision (IAPrecision) system for smallholder maize farming. Leveraging drone technology throughout the maize farming cycle, it collects real-time data and offers tailored recommendations. The focus extends to addressing challenges such as pest outbreaks, labor scarcity, and health risks, emphasizing stakeholder engagement for widespread adoption and scalability.
2. Ranch.ID LivestockPro: A sophisticated farm management tool, this project utilizes IoT technology and the National Animal Identification and Traceability system. It provides real-time data on livestock activities, location, health, and vaccinations, ensuring optimal livestock management through continuous monitoring and prompt medical intervention.
3. Precision Farm Management: This solution integrates precision farming technology, employing drones and sensors to implement organic farming techniques. It monitors soil and crop data, including soil health, elevation, water level, nutrient level, pH, and crop health. The precise application of agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers using spray drones, minimizes waste and maximizes yield.
4. Automated IoT-Based Irrigation System: A technological marvel, this system utilizes sensors to monitor soil moisture and weather conditions. The data is wirelessly transmitted to a central hub, analyzed by a microcontroller or microprocessor, and automatically adjusts irrigation based on real-time data, ensuring precise and efficient water usage.
5. Geospatial Intelligence Model for Crop Yield Prediction: This innovative solution deploys IoT isotopic table and UAV radiometer radar L-band to monitor water tables and assess soil health. The gathered data guides decisions on land fertility and planting times and offers real-time status assessment, harvest predictions, and pest and weed control insights.
6. AgriTrust Solutions by Ledger Labs Ltd: This project leverages blockchain technology to ensure delivery transparency, aiming to streamline processes and combat the proliferation of fake products in the market.
7. Alfor Livestock Diseases and Health Reporting: This project empowers livestock farmers by introducing a geospatial-enabled mobile app to predict vulnerable zones and disease spread. Data is securely stored on a blockchain, providing farmers with comprehensive information on common diseases for informed insurance, credit, and relief decisions.
8. IoT Climate-Smart Device: The Penkeep Climate-Smart IoT device manages environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, air quality, water level, and water temperature in poultry and fish farms. Real-time adjustments based on advanced sensor data ensure optimal conditions, complemented by the FS Manager, an AI advisory platform offering analytics on climate trends, disease diagnostics, market dynamics, weather forecasts, and best farming practices.
9. Smart Pond (SP): In the prototyping phase, this solution utilizes pressure sensors for accurate fish growth rate assessments, motion sensors for anti-theft alerts, and automated feeders for precise feeding. The smart pond integrates cutting-edge technology for enhanced monitoring and cost reduction.
10. Future Fish Farms: Another project in the prototyping phase, the Smart Fish Farm, employs sensors for real-time monitoring of fish health and water. It offers instant access to farmers via a mobile app and stores data in a database, fueling a machine-learning algorithm. This innovation optimizes fish growth by determining ideal water conditions, feed amounts, feeding times, and brands. It integrates computer vision, automates tasks, and provides proactive notifications.

These ten selected projects underscore the Ministry’s dedication to fostering technological innovation within the agricultural sector, which is aligned with the broader objectives of ensuring food security and sustainability in Nigeria.