To improve efficiency: Kakuzi deploys AI to grade macadamia nuts

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Listed agribusiness firm Kakuzi Plc set up a dedicated digital agricultural transformation department to lead technology adoption across its operations

- Managing director Chris Flowers announced the strategy as part of a broader plan to transition the firm towards climate-smart agriculture

- Kakuzi is already deploying AI, machine learning, and data analytics tools, including an AI-powered optical sorting system at its Macadamia Processing Plant

Listed Kenyan agribusiness Kakuzi Plc has created a dedicated digital agricultural transformation department as part of a structured plan to embed agricultural technology across its farming and processing operations, the company's managing director, Chris Flowers, announced on Thursday, August 13.

The new department, which will be headed by a digital agricultural transformation manager, is designed to coordinate and accelerate Ag-Tech initiatives across all of Kakuzi's operating fronts, ranging from field-level agronomy to post-harvest processing.

What is Kakuzi's strategy?

Flowers said the company's technology drive is rooted in the need to respond to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns that have put pressure on conventional farming methods.

"The Kakuzi Ag-Tech journey is firmly on course and is anchored on several sustainability initiatives and resilient agronomy practices that we continue to embed across all operations," Flowers said. "As we face more and more uncertainty and unpredictability in our traditional climatic patterns, it is essential that agriculture adapts and adopts new technology."

Among the tools already being rolled out are Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics solutions aimed at improving both decision-making and overall operational performance.

Where did Kakuzi deploy AI?

One of the most visible deployments of this strategy is at Kakuzi's Macadamia Processing Plant, where an AI-powered Intelligent Optical Sorting system has been installed to automate the grading of macadamia nuts, improving consistency and production quality.

The company is also introducing the latest Ag-Tech tools across its agricultural fields and has upgraded its drone security surveillance systems.

Kakuzi Plc is listed on both the Nairobi Securities Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, and produces avocados, blueberries, macadamia, tea, livestock, and commercial forestry products.

Its main operations and headquarters are based in Makuyu, Murang'a county, with a tea estate in Nandi Hills, Nandi county.

What is Kenya's agricultural plan?

We also highlighted facts about the Kenyan government's plans to enhance local agro-processing and reduce reliance on imports.

It emphasises the potential of superfoods such as macadamia and avocado.

As the nation aspires to become a leading superfoods producer, the ongoing transition from import dependence to agricultural self-sufficiency could reshape the economic landscape and bolster food security for future generations.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.