In the field with SmartCane: How satellite images help farmers
During my visit to a 700-hectare sugarcane plantation in Kenya, I experienced firsthand how crucial good information is for successful crop management. On a property that
size, inspecting every field every day is simply not possible. But as a farmer, you still need to know where the issues are and that’s where SmartCane comes in.
SmartCane uses satellite imagery to track how sugarcane is developing across the plantation. With clear maps, growers can quickly identify where things are going well and
where attention is needed. As I toured the plantation, I was struck by how accurately the maps reflected the situation on the ground. A field showing lower values on the
map? Sure enough, there were signs of poor growth, weed pressure, or early-stage crop damage.
What stood out most to me is how these maps help set priorities. You don’t have to do everything at once but you know exactly where to start. That’s incredibly valuable,
especially when resources like labor, machinery, or spray inputs are limited.
One major example is weed control, a constant challenge on this plantation. SmartCane’s maps clearly highlight where weeds are gaining ground. This makes it possible to
spray or weed selectively, saving time on fields that don’t need immediate attention. That’s especially important for younger plants, which are more vulnerable to chemical
damage. And beyond efficiency, this targeted spraying contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming approach less waste and lower pressure on
the soil mean benefits on multiple levels.
During the morning rounds across the fields, I also witnessed other challenges. For example, monkeys near the trees lining the river can cause serious crop damage.
Interestingly, those trees were deliberately planted as a nature-based solution they help reduce the force of the river during the rainy season and protect against flooding. It’s
a great example of how natural elements can support both protection and sustainability in agriculture.
What I took away from this visit is that the combination of technology and farmer know-how truly makes a difference. Satellite images don’t replace your own eyes but they
do tell you where to look. SmartCane is a smart way to save time, money, and effort while keeping a close watch on crop health.
For farmers who want to grow more efficiently and contribute to a more sustainable agricultural sector, SmartCane isn’t a luxury, it’s a valuable tool.
by Joran de Lange, Kenya 2025
Curious how SmartCane could help your farm? visit www.smartcane.ag or reach out to info@smartcane.org