AI Technology Sentinel X Fights Fall Armyworms, Cuts Farmer Costs in Nigeria

Fall Armyworms pose a significant threat to Nigerian farmers, destroying crops and diminishing returns on investment. Martha Solomon, General Manager of Prexea Technologies Limited and Project Lead for Sentinel X, introduces an innovative solution from the United States designed to tackle this challenge.

“

they destroy the crop, maize and ensure farmers don’t get expected returns from their investments and labour.

Sentinel X, developed by Informiton, is a cutting-edge crop protection technology. It works by detecting early signs of crop stress and stimulating the plant's inherent defense mechanisms. This approach offers a sustainable alternative to conventional methods that often rely on repeated pesticide applications. By strengthening the crop's natural defenses, Sentinel X aims to reduce damage, lower production costs for farmers, and minimize environmental impact.

“

Sentinel X is an innovative crop protection technology to help farmers protect crops from Fall Armyworm (FAW) through early detection of crop stress and activation of the plant’s natural defense mechanisms.

To address potential farmer resistance to new technologies, Prexea Technologies conducted trials in Kaduna and Kano states, following successful deployments in Kenya. The monitoring and evaluation reports from these trials demonstrated the technology's efficacy, with "so, so glaring" results. Solomon emphasized the "seeing is believing" principle in the agricultural sector, highlighting the importance of proven results before commercialization.

“

Unlike conventional approaches that rely heavily on repeated pesticide applications, Sentinel X supports healthier crop development by stimulating the plant’s own protective response, helping to reduce crop damage while lowering production costs and minimising environmental impact.

The Sentinel X technology comprises two distinct products: Sentinel X Pest Control, which serves as a direct replacement for insecticides, and Sentinel X Crop Booster, functioning similarly to a fertilizer. Farmers will have the option to purchase either product individually or as a combined package. While offering flexibility, the company strongly advises farmers to acquire both products together for optimal results, suggesting a synergistic effect between pest control and crop enhancement.

“

So in the agricultural sector, seeing is believing. You can’t just bring a model or product in which you have not confirmed to be working.