FarmSense device launched to boost smallholder farming and digital agriculture in Ghana

DIPPER Lab, in partnership with Sesi Technologies, has launched the FarmSense Commercialisation and Capacity-Building Programme, an initiative aimed at equipping smallholder farmers and agribusinesses with innovative tools to enhance farm productivity and efficiency.

The FarmSense device integrates three key solutions into a single soil intelligence platform, providing real-time soil analysis, crop recommendations, and nutrient management planning. The technology is designed to help farmers increase yields, reduce input costs, and make data-driven farming decisions.

The launch, themed “From Research to Action: Advancing Agriculture in Ghana Through Industry-Academia Collaborations,” brought together government officials, researchers, and private sector stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. John Dumelo, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the rollout of FarmSense nationwide. “To ensure this technology reaches those who need it most, the Ministry will support collaboration between the developers of FarmSense and our agri-extension agents. We will provide a platform to scale its impact nationwide,” he stated.

Deputy Director General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Mr. Salifu Suleman, expressed the Authority’s readiness to work with KNUST, DIPPER Lab, and Sesi Technologies to expand digital inclusion in agriculture. “Together, we can ensure that every farm, from the northern savannah to the coastal plains, is connected to this digital future. Innovation must be inclusive, and our task is to ensure farmers in remote areas benefit equally,” he said.

Provost of the College of Engineering at KNUST, Prof. Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko, called for stronger support from the NCA to protect and scale local innovation. “If we cannot manufacture the product here, we must protect it. The NCA must support our engineers when they come up with designs so we can print and build them locally,” he urged.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Khalidi, Co-Lead for AI Safety & Security at MMU, highlighted the importance of applied research, saying, “FarmSense reminds us that research must not remain in journals or labs. This technology turns academic knowledge into practical tools that improve productivity and support food security.”

Mr. Gameli Adzaho, Country Lead for The RISA Fund, reaffirmed the Fund’s continued support for the FarmSense initiative, noting that a strong foundation had already been built to drive its commercialisation.

The official launch was jointly performed by Prof. Nyarko and Hon. Dumelo. The current phase of the FarmSense project is supported by the Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) Fund, with funding from UK International Development.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye