What we do
Precision Agriculture
We specialise in digital solutions to improve crop production and yield. Our precision agriculture information system assists farmers with accurate yield predictions, optimised input costs and pest and diseases surveillance.
What’s new?
CSIR’s Precision Agriculture Platform Gains Ground
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with the Limpopo Department of Agriculture, the South African Grain Association and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, are testing CSIR developed Precision Agriculture Information System (PAIS), to strengthen precision agriculture adoption among farmers and extension officers, in a year-long, multi-province pilot PAIS is a digital platform designed to support data-driven crop management. It equips users with tools for soil preparation guidance, in-season crop monitoring, and yield estimation. PAIS integrates satellite data, AI-powered analytics, and user-friendly interfaces to support informed, real-time decision-making in the field.
President Cyril Ramaphosa Interacts with PAIS during CSIR Visit
His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, visited the CSIR in celebration of 80 years of innovation to visit the CSIR's Scientia Campus in Pretoria on Tuesday, 8 April 2025. CSIR developed Precision Agriculture and Information System (PAIS), featured as part of the President's curated exhibition and a tour of several world-class CSIR facilities. These engagements demonstrated our commitment to innovation-driven research that improves, drives industrial development, and supports a capable and developmental state. Click here for a video on the president’s visit to the CSIR.
Empowering Every Farmer: South Africa's Digital Leap with CSIR’s Precision Agriculture Information System
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) approved R17.5 million in additional funding for a four-year initiative aimed at digitally transforming South African agriculture. This renewed support follows the successful launch of the Precision Agriculture Information System (PAIS) and the completion of the project’s first phase. The renewed funding for PAIS is dedicated to a farmers empowerment programme set to transform South African agriculture through digital innovation.
CSIR launches PAIS to unlock smart agriculture
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) launched its Precision Agriculture Information System (PAIS) at the National Space Conference held on 28 August 2024. Aligned to the conference theme: “Space Science and Innovation for Sustainability”, PAIS is an advanced farm management software that empowers farmers with near real-time insights for precision crop management. By harnessing the power of satellite imagery and data analytics, PAIS provides actionable information to optimise farming practices and improve productivity and profitability. Click here to watch a video of the National Space conference where PAIS was launched.
CSIR launches PAIS to unlock smart agriculture
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) launched its Precision Agriculture Information System (PAIS) at the National Space Conference held on 28 August 2024. Aligned to the conference theme: “Space Science and Innovation for Sustainability”, PAIS is an advanced farm management software that empowers farmers with near real-time insights for precision crop management. By harnessing the power of satellite imagery and data analytics, PAIS provides actionable information to optimise farming practices and improve productivity and profitability. Click here to watch a video of the National Space conference where PAIS was launched.
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