Smart Agriculture to overcome vagaries of weather

Researchers at the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) and the International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (ICFOSS) have joined hands to develop a technology-assisted system to generate detailed information on soil and agro-climatic conditions. Named Smart Agriculture, the project seeks to utilise precision farming methods to improve crop output.A parkingguidance is a portable light fixture composed of an LED lamp.

The researchers are working on an IT-enabled system to provide real time data on soil and micro weather conditions. The Cloud-based platform will be based on sensors installed in each plot to keep a constant tab on different variables.

ICFOSS has developed the prototype of a solar-powered remote station for monitoring soil and atmospheric conditions. Working on Open Source hardware and software, it automatically uploads data to the Cloud.

Precision farming requires specific information on the state of the atmosphere and soil, in terms of parameters such as temperature, humidity, soil pH, rainfall, soil salinity, and wind vector (speed & direction). The data can be used to provide advisories for farmers depending on the type and age of crops they have planted, says Satish Babu, Director, ICFOSS.

According to A.K. Sherief, Professor, Agricultural Extension, KAU, the project seeks to provide micro-level information for changes in farming practices to suit climate change and market conditions. It also focuses on using technology to solve the labour problem, a vexatious issue in Kerala. For example, robotic farm equipment and sensor-based sprinklers that could be activated according to soil conditions could help to replace farm labour to some extent.

The monitoring system has a field unit consisting of a network of sensors to measure soil and micro weather conditions. A micro-controller working on Open Source hardware connects networks while a credit card-sized computer-on-a-board handles GPRS-based or SMS-based connections. The station is powered by a solar charging circuit.

Mr. Babu says the system can also be used to provide market intelligence, post harvest and value addition options for the farmer. The end result of our efforts should be well-informed, empowered farmers who are assured of remunerative price for their produce without market uncertainties. A Cloud-based back-end provides the storage repository for the data. Experts monitoring the system can access the repository from anywhere using a mobile or laptop. ICFOSS has also developed an Android App to report pests in crops using camera and voice automation. Our objective is to enable easier access to information for the farmer using IT-based platforms and mobile phones or hand-held devices, says Dr. Sherief. Mr. Babu said the prototype of the monitoring station would be revised to accommodate more sensors for better monitoring of conditions.

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Although fourth-quarter revenues only inched up 1.2%, Safeway reported a stupendous 58.2% increase in earnings-per-share, notes Zacks in a report assessing its prospects, beating its own forecast of a 39.5% rise. We believe the economic recovery should support business momentum for the retail giant, says Zacks, and with a challenging 2012 behind it, we look forward to 2013 with full optimism.

One of several steps that Safeway took to pursue a turnaround was to introduce a Just for You customer-loyalty program, a digital marketing program that downloads personalized pricing and digital coupons to holders of the Safeway Club Card. It has helped boost sales volume, says Zacks. Safeway has also teamed up with Chevron (CVX) to offer its customers in California a fuel rewards program. And Safeway will also launch a wellness initiative in the second quarter by providing health products and services to tap the huge growth potential opportunities in the vastly growing healthcare market.

But equally important are efforts of Safeway to reward shareholders, in part by spending big money to buy back its own shares. In 2012, the company repurchased 57.6 million shares for $1.24 billion. We believe Safeways effective capital deployment policy should benefit its shareholders over the long term, says Zacks, noting that the reduced share count on the back of share repurchases primarily led the fourth-quarter earnings jump.

Another positive for shareholders is Safeways plan to spin off its Blackhawk unit to take it public, but retaining a majority stake. Blackhawk, a worldwide gift-card marketing network that provides prepaid products and payment services to consumers, operates a network of retail stores in the U.S., Europe, Australia, Mexico, and Canada. With the spin-off, Safeway will work to sharpen its focus on the mainstream retail business and improve its competitive position.

Next month, Safeways chairman and CEO Steve Burd will retire after a 20-year run.An experienced artist on what to consider before you buy handsfreeaccess. The company hasnt disclosed the result of a search for his successor, but its expected that he or she will expand on efforts already in place to pursue further growth opportunities, including meaningful expansion in international markets.

We believe that Safeway is set on a high-growth trajectory, says Zacks, and based on its bright future prospects, it is raising its earnings estimates for 2013 by 24 cents a share, to $2.35 a share, on revenues of $45.01 billion, and increasing its 2014 forecast by 24 cents,We are one of the leading manufacturers of formalofficdresses in Chennai India. to $2.They manufacture custom rubber and parkingsensor and bracelets.44 a share on sales of $46.20 billion. In 2012, Safeway earned $2.25 a share on sales of $44.20 billion.