The Northern Territory agribusiness sector has adapted an innovative approach by using satellites to better plan their mango harvests.
This harvest will see the completion of a three year study where images of mango trees, at different stages of growth, helped estimate whether farmers are in for a productive season. This data helps to predict the equipment and number of staff that may be needed for that harvest. The information, provided from satellite imagery, is also used by growers to make decisions around logistics, including labour, equipment, packing, storage and transport, and product sales.
The trial involved five commercial growers across seven Top End orchards and is jointly funded by the Territory Government, the Australian Government, and Hort Innovation.
The data from the research was presented at the 2021 Developing the North Conference hosted in Darwin and the Australian Mango Industry Association’s August roadshow.
The researchers will now carry out further analysis of the information at the end of the harvest, with the data to be published by the project teams and distributed to growers.
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