Teff at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center-KARC

Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (KARC) Launches Precision Farming Research Using an Unmanned Agricultural Tractor ******************************************************************* EIAR, KARC, 21 March 2026 The Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center (KARC) of EIAR, in partnership with RCSSTEAP and CHANAC Company of the Democratic Republic of China, has launched precision farming research. This initiative introduces an unmanned agricultural tractor (UAT) to facilitate testing, generate data and new knowledge for scaling to make crop production more accurate, optimized, and controlled. A high-resolution Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology training was conducted at KARC from March 21–28, 2026. The training was officially opened by the KARC Director; Mr. Shimelis Alemayehu. At the opening ceremony, Mr. Shimelis warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation, including Professor Yang Dongkai (Head of the GNSS Department at Beihang University), Mr. Li Peiyu from CHCNav Company, and Mr. Dawit Kassaw, an MSc GNSS student at Beihang University and staff of the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI). Mr.Shimelis also presented the current capacity of KARC in related research, extension, and dissemination to target users. Furthermore, he outlined expectations from the newly introduced UAT, particularly its added value in advancing the research capacity of EIAR in general and KARC in particular. During his keynote speech, Professor Yang Dongkai highlighted that the collaboration on GNSS^ powered precision farming builds on the long standing partnership between EIAR and Beihang University. This partnership aims to advance knowledge, promote technological development to support improved food security and livelihoods in Ethiopia. He emphasized that Beihang University, as a globally recognized center of innovation is proud to strengthen its partnership with EIAR. Dr. Girma Mamo, Senior Agrometeorologist, Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) researcher and Focal Point for the EIAR–Beihang University partnership, explained that the project aims to generate scientific evidence on the performance and services of the UAT. This will support government’s decision-making regarding the scaling of the technology for the wider use. Dr. Girma further emphasized that, as a CSA researcher, his interest is beyond introducing the UAT to EIAR, and focus is on the underlying benefits to be reaped from the UAT precise services; such as the soil moisture conserving tillage operation, accurate seeding, and spatially variable fertilizer & chemicals application. When bundled together, these practices significantly improve productivity; minimize human stress and fatigue, while significantly improving farming efficiency. Overall, the GNSS^ powered precision agriculture represents a major advancement for Ethiopia by modernizing farming practices, empowering farmers with advanced technologies, and supporting sustainable agricultural growth. In Africa, the GNSS^ powered autonomous or auto-steer tractors is less known, with pilot level introduction to Tunisia, South Africa, and Kenya. On the other hand, this technology is widely adopted and common in Europe, United States, China, and the Middle East. The training was attended by more than 15 multidisciplinary researchers, including experts in crop breeding, soil and water research, agrometeorology, as well as tractor operators and technicians. The UAT improves input-use efficiency and provides services that conventional tractors cannot offer. In addition to its precision capabilities, the UAT reduces time and fuel consumption, thereby increasing overall operational efficiency.