Biobest - Natural solutions to optimise global sustainable crop yields

Summary

The video discusses the challenges of feeding a growing global population, projected to reach 9-10 billion by 2050. Biobest, a company focused on sustainable agriculture, helps greenhouse growers maximize yields while minimizing pesticide use through Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM incorporates natural methods like beneficial insects and bio-pesticides to manage pests and diseases. Biobest also leverages technology such as crop monitoring software and AI-powered scouting robots to improve decision-making and sustainability. The company is committed to environmental and community welfare, ensuring safe, eco-friendly farming practices and supporting local communities.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The global population is growing rapidly, expected to reach between 9 and 10 billion by 2050, creating a challenge for food production.
• 🌱 Biobest's mission is to help greenhouse growers maximize their yields while reducing the use of chemical pesticides.
• 🔬 Biobest focuses on specific crops, tailoring integrated pest management (IPM) programs to the needs of the user based on crop and location.
• 🦟 IPM integrates non-chemical techniques like the use of beneficial insects, mites, and bio-pesticides to control pests and diseases.
• 🧪 Bio-pesticides, including fungi, viruses, and bacteria, can be diluted in water and applied similarly to conventional pesticides.
• 🌍 Biobest's sustainable farming initiatives in Kenya have improved product quality, increased production, and provided safer alternatives to chemicals.
• 🚫 Natural solutions, such as biologicals, eliminate problems like pesticide resistance and reach hard-to-access pests, improving overall pest control.
• 🌿 Biological solutions ensure better health and safety for workers and the environment compared to chemical alternatives.
• 🤝 Biobest also supplies software like Crop Scanner to help growers organize observations and make better decisions for pest management.
• 🤖 Advanced technology, such as scouting robots using AI, helps predict pest outbreaks more precisely, allowing for more efficient pest control.

Q & A

What challenge is highlighted in the video regarding the growing human population?

The challenge highlighted is how to feed a rapidly growing human population, expected to reach between 9 and 10 billion people by 2050.

What is Biobest's mission in addressing agricultural challenges?

Biobest's mission is to help greenhouse growers maximize their yields while minimizing the use of chemical pesticides.

What is IPM, and how does Biobest apply it?

IPM stands for Integrated Pest Management, which integrates non-chemical techniques to manage pests and diseases. Biobest tailors IPM programs to the needs of specific crops and areas.

What are some types of biopesticides mentioned in the video?

Biopesticides can include fungi, viruses, or bacteria, which can often be diluted in water and applied similarly to chemical pesticides.

How has IPM impacted farming practices in Kenya?

In Kenya, IPM has increased the marketability and quality of products, improved production per meter squared, and provided a safer alternative to chemical pesticides.

What are some of the advantages of using natural solutions and biologicals in farming?

Natural solutions and biologicals prevent pests from developing resistance, can reach pests in hidden areas, and are safe for workers and the environment.

How does Biobest support farmers beyond providing biopesticides?

Biobest provides farmers with knowledge and technology, including the Crop Scanner software and scouting robots, to help them make better decisions and predict pest outbreaks.

What role does technology play in Biobest's pest management approach?

Technology, such as AI-based scouting robots and crop scanning software, helps predict pest outbreaks and improve decision-making, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

How does Biobest contribute to community welfare?

Biobest supports the community by paying school fees for children, providing water, maintaining access roads, and promoting vertical gardening in places like police stations and schools.

What does Biobest see as the future of pest management?

Biobest envisions a future where pests are detected more quickly and precisely, reducing the need for both beneficial insects and chemicals, while applying advanced technology to ensure profitable farming.