Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, and cold snaps are increasingly threatening agriculture worldwide, contributing to the alarming rise of desertification. Fertile lands are being degraded, losing their ability to sustain life and grow food. In response to this pressing challenge, AgriTech start-up SaliCrop, Ltd., has introduced a groundbreaking seed treatment aimed at transforming arid landscapes into flourishing areas suitable for agriculture.
SaliCrop’s innovative non-GMO seed treatment is designed to enhance seeds’ resilience to abiotic stresses caused by extreme climate conditions. By leveraging desert technology expertise, the company offers a solution that can significantly improve crop cultivation in arid regions, leading to higher yields and increased value for marginal lands. This transformation not only makes previously barren lands arable but also contributes to greater food security for the future.
The impact of extreme weather events on agriculture is particularly evident in Spain’s tomato industry, where saline soil and heat stress pose significant challenges. Soil salinity, often a result of rising sea levels and the use of brackish water for irrigation, inhibits germination and growth in various crops. Heat stress, on the other hand, is projected to jeopardize a substantial portion of global food production in the next two decades.
Sharon Devir, Ph.D., co-founder and Active Chairperson of SaliCrop, emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable solutions to help farmers combat the adverse effects of volatile climate conditions on soil quality. With more than 830 million hectares of agricultural land currently affected by salinity and significant revenue losses due to abiotic stresses, the importance of innovative interventions like SaliCrop’s seed treatment cannot be overstated.
The core of SaliCrop’s technology lies in exposing seeds to controlled abiotic stressors to enhance their resilience to climate change impacts. By activating plants’ stress-response mechanisms preemptively, the treatment enables crops to thrive even in harsh conditions like salty soil and extreme heat. The result is not only improved nutrient absorption and root structures but also enhanced vigor, superior germination rates, and overall increased productivity.
SaliCrop’s success story in tomato cultivation in Spain showcases the tangible benefits of its seed enhancement technology. By collaborating with farmers in Extremadura to enhance tomato yields and quality in the face of severe drought conditions and water scarcity, SaliCrop has demonstrated remarkable results. The technology has not only enabled tomatoes to withstand extreme climate events but has also led to significant yield increases and improved post-harvest quality, translating into higher income for farmers.
As SaliCrop progresses from field trials to commercial stages, its impact is set to expand across Europe, Africa, and India, offering hope to farmers grappling with the challenges of climate change. By commercializing its treated seeds and demonstrating their effectiveness across various crops, SaliCrop is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future, one seed at a time.
