News Release

BASF launches free xarvio® SCOUTING app in South Africa to help farmers optimize crop production

• Free access to world’s number one in-field agronomic problem identification
• Instant image recognition of local weeds and diseases for key crops using a smartphone application (app)
• Supports better agronomic decision-making, improving crop health and yield
   

Cologne, Germany / Midrand, South Africa – May 16, 2022 – BASF Digital Farming GmbH, part of BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division, has officially launched its xarvio® SCOUTING smartphone app to support South African farmers and agronomic advisors. It was launched at Nampo, South Africa’s largest agricultural trade show, and was incorporated into BASF South Africa’s stand, as part of its complete offer to the South African farmer. The launch also represents the first commercial market entry in Africa for BASF Digital Farming and smart farming products from its xarvio Digital Faming Solutions range.

The unique xarvio SCOUTING app is free to download and use and has been specifically configured to local agronomic conditions. It enables the fast and accurate identification of significant local weeds and diseases impacting key crops such as maize soybeans, citrus and cereals.

Developed by agronomists and farmers, xarvio SCOUTING uses an advanced plant modelling platform powered by live algorithms that continually improve precision and functionality through machine learning and data sharing. It can instantly detect in-field stress and calculate leaf damage by simply taking a picture with a smartphone. A unique community-based radar function also allows growers to see threats in surrounding fields and notifies them once a threat is close, so they can act

“xarvio SCOUTING is developed for farmers to easily and conveniently identify and document in-field problems. You simply take a photo with a smartphone, then submit to instantly receive the result. With this information in-field issues and problems can be more precisely identified, supporting better, more timely decisions for appropriate treatment,” says Andre Pretorius, Marketing Manager, BASF South Africa.

Saving time spent on scouting expeditions and increasing growers’ and advisors’ access to detailed and beneficial information, xarvio SCOUTING is widely recognised as the most comprehensive, automated, agronomic problem identifier available globally. The app can identify more than 400 weed types and recognise damages caused by more than 400 different diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies in over 60 different crops worldwide. 

“We are confident that xarvio SCOUTING will be well-received and used in South Africa. The app’s accuracy will continuously improve the more often farmers use it and share images of weeds, diseases, and insect pests affecting their crops. This will ensure that faster and more relevant results are delivered, helping growers optimize crop production,” added Andrew Achille, Regional Commercial Lead APAC & Africa, xarvio Digital Farming Solutions.

To download the free xarvio SCOUTING app, visit Google Play or the App Store.

For further information, please contact:

BASF South Africa

Email: prince.maseko@basf.com

Mobile: 076020 8537

About xarvio® Digital Farming Solutions – a brand by BASF Digital Farming GmbH 

xarvio® Digital Farming Solutions is at the forefront of the digital transformation of agriculture, optimizing crop production. xarvio® offers digital products, based on a global leading crop modelling platform. The technology delivers independent, field-zone-specific agronomic advice that enables farmers to produce their crops most efficiently and sustainably. The products - xarvio® SCOUTING, xarvio® FIELD MANAGER and xarvio® HEALTHY FIELDS are used by farmers in more than 100 countries worldwide. More than 90,000 farmers and consultants have signed-up for xarvio® FIELD MANAGER, setting-up a field area greater than 12 million hectares in 18 countries. xarvio® SCOUTING has been downloaded by more than 7 million users. For more information please visit xarvio.com or any of our social media channels.

About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division

Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population while reducing environmental impacts. Working with partners and agricultural experts and by integrating sustainability criteria into all business decisions, we help farmers to create a positive impact on sustainable agriculture. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, connecting innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our portfolio comprises seeds and specifically selected plant traits, chemical and biological crop protection, solutions for soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we strive to find the right balance for success – for farmers, agriculture and future generations. In 2021, our division generated sales of €8.2 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.