SIP Leader: Simonas Audickas (ART21)
Sector: Arable / Industrial Hemp
Countries Involved: Lithuania
Partners involved:
ART21: SIP leader, ADS provider
AFL: Farmers/DIH
Farmers involved: Jasiukaiciu ukis, Bagdanonis Lazdiju raj. ~10ha
Nurturing Hemp's Potential for a Sustainable Future
Cultivating hemp is a task that demands precision, as this sensitive plant relies on the careful orchestration of sunlight, nutrients, and water to thrive. Achieving the perfect balance of these elements not only serves to reduce production costs but also allows for the optimization of fertilization, ultimately leading to increased productivity. Small-scale farms often find it challenging to stay afloat, and while precision agriculture offers significant assistance, it is often financially out of reach. Traditional soil sample collection and laboratory analysis are time-consuming, delaying timely interventions. Gathering soil samples manually demands extensive human labor and incurs significant expenses
What will SIP 4 do to improve hemp’s potential?
Implementing digital technologies such as UAVs, hyperspectral imaging, weather and soil sensors, data logging systems, artificial intelligence, and decision support mechanisms can enhance farmers’ digital literacy, reduce costs, and offer valuable data that can be shared with other farms.
The business and governance model outlined for SIP 4 aims to provide a cost-effective service, undercutting competitors who rely on laboratory-based analysis. It targets a continuously growing market and concurrently assists farmers in adhering to market requirements and policy objectives. Governance matters in this context encompass aspects such as data ownership, the farm’s involvement in co-developing intellectual property, and the sharing of data with external entities.
The measurable results expected from SIP4 are reduction of irrigation costs: 40-60%; reduction of fertilizers/pesticides use: ≥15%; increase of productivity: ≥8%