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SporeSense, a UK-based start-up led by Afghan refugee Niaz Rayan, is pioneering an AI-powered spore detection device that could save farmers millions by identifying crop diseases like yellow rust in real time. This technology, developed with support from partners like Sony and BASF and backed by a £2.2 million Innovate UK grant, promises to reduce pesticide use and increase yields, with each device covering up to 100 hectares. SporeSense plans to expand its application to other crops and integrate additional features such as nutrient sensing, aiming to offer farmers comprehensive crop health insights. Rayan's journey from refugee to agtech innovator underscores the success of collaborative partnerships and the potential for technological innovation in agriculture.

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault has received its first significant deposit of African opportunity crops, marking a historic moment for the preservation of the continent's vegetable heritage. Over 3,000 seed samples from 109 crop species, essential for nutrition and climate resilience, have been deposited from more than 30 African countries. This effort is part of the African Vegetable Biodiversity Rescue Plan, supported by global institutions, aiming to secure Africa's food security and promote traditional crops. The genebank actively distributes seeds for research and farming, reinforcing the importance of biodiversity and global cooperation in safeguarding food systems.

AgZen is helping growers save on crop inputs one drop at a time.