IN CONVERSATION WITH YOLISWA MKHIZE Candidate Researcher Precision Agriculture Information System.
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From Monday, 24 November, to Thursday, 28 November, the Council for
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will present a range of cutting-edge
innovations at this year’s Science Forum South Africa (SFSA), aimed at
transforming the country’s agricultural sector and supporting the national goal
of Zero Hunger.
The event, hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation
(DSTI) at the CSIR International Convention Centre, carries the theme: “Igniting
Conversations about Science – Placing Science, Technology and Innovation at
the Centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society.” It provides a
platform for academics, researchers, and students to showcase technological
advancements and explore how science can drive societal progress.
Among the highlights is the Precision Agriculture Information System (PAIS), a
smart farming tool developed by CSIR in collaboration with the Agricultural
Research Council and funded by the DSTI. This data-driven crop management
platform offers near real-time insights into crop and soil health, using satellite
data combined with on-the-ground observations. By providing actionable
information on soil preparation, crop monitoring, and yield estimation, PAIS
empowers farmers to make informed decisions and forms a key part of the
government’s Fourth Industrial Revolution strategy for agriculture.
CSIR will also showcase biodegradable mulch films, currently being tested on a
pineapple farm in Peddie, Eastern Cape. Designed to perform like conventional
10:35
plastic mulches, these biodegradable alternatives help conserve soil moisture,
regulate temperature, suppress weed growth, boost crop yields, and reduce
environmental harm. Unlike traditional petroleum-based plastics, which often
contribute to microplastic pollution and are difficult to recycle, these
sustainable mulches offer an environmentally friendly solution. This project is
supported by the DSTI through its South African Circular Economy
Demonstration Fund.
In addition, the forum will feature the One Food Risk Tool prototype, developed
by CSIR to address a persistent national challenge: despite producing enough
food, South Africa continues to face high levels of hunger. The tool integrates
artificial intelligence to identify and mitigate risks across the food system,
offering a data-driven approach to improving food security.
The Science Forum South Africa continues to serve as a vital platform for
demonstrating how research and innovation can strengthen the ties between
science, industry, government, and society, highlighting the role of technology
in tackling real-world challenges.
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) will present a range of cutting-edge
innovations at this year’s Science Forum South Africa (SFSA), aimed at
transforming the country’s agricultural sector and supporting the national goal
of Zero Hunger.
The event, hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation
(DSTI) at the CSIR International Convention Centre, carries the theme: “Igniting
Conversations about Science – Placing Science, Technology and Innovation at
the Centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society.” It provides a
platform for academics, researchers, and students to showcase technological
advancements and explore how science can drive societal progress.
Among the highlights is the Precision Agriculture Information System (PAIS), a
smart farming tool developed by CSIR in collaboration with the Agricultural
Research Council and funded by the DSTI. This data-driven crop management
platform offers near real-time insights into crop and soil health, using satellite
data combined with on-the-ground observations. By providing actionable
information on soil preparation, crop monitoring, and yield estimation, PAIS
empowers farmers to make informed decisions and forms a key part of the
government’s Fourth Industrial Revolution strategy for agriculture.
CSIR will also showcase biodegradable mulch films, currently being tested on a
pineapple farm in Peddie, Eastern Cape. Designed to perform like conventional
10:35
plastic mulches, these biodegradable alternatives help conserve soil moisture,
regulate temperature, suppress weed growth, boost crop yields, and reduce
environmental harm. Unlike traditional petroleum-based plastics, which often
contribute to microplastic pollution and are difficult to recycle, these
sustainable mulches offer an environmentally friendly solution. This project is
supported by the DSTI through its South African Circular Economy
Demonstration Fund.
In addition, the forum will feature the One Food Risk Tool prototype, developed
by CSIR to address a persistent national challenge: despite producing enough
food, South Africa continues to face high levels of hunger. The tool integrates
artificial intelligence to identify and mitigate risks across the food system,
offering a data-driven approach to improving food security.
The Science Forum South Africa continues to serve as a vital platform for
demonstrating how research and innovation can strengthen the ties between
science, industry, government, and society, highlighting the role of technology
in tackling real-world challenges.
