AgronicEye - Revolutionizing Georgian Viticulture with Smart Technology

One of the most optimal ways to address the current problems in Georgian viticulture is adapting to modern technologies. With this goal in mind, four friends created the AgronicEye device and app, which allows farmers to monitor and control the condition of their vines in real time, identify diseases, collect data, and receive advice.

Maryam Simonishvili from Tboba spoke with them about the inspiration behind the idea and the services the startup offers to winemakers.

T: Maryam, how did the idea for AgronicEye come about?

The idea emerged two years ago when my sister and I decided to get involved in our family business. Every September, we have a large harvest, where the entire family participates. This, of course, requires a great deal of work. The vineyard needs constant attention throughout the year, and from one harvest to the next, various problems may develop.

Identifying problems or diseases usually happens through experience or by guessing based on photos, which does not always lead to effective results.

T: What diseases can your device detect?

Our device, equipped with a camera, attaches to a tractor and collects data on the condition of the vines as the farmer works daily. Our Python algorithms integrate Machine Learning and Computer Vision modules. These algorithms are enhanced by a custom-developed library, ensuring fast and accurate data analysis.

In the end, the farmer receives precise disease identification and full recommendations on plant care via the app. Currently, our device can detect six diseases: powdery mildew, downy mildew, anthracnose, black rot, Pierce’s disease, and Esca.

T: What types of wineries is your service intended for?

Our target audience is mainly medium-sized wineries. Large companies have the resources to hire high-paid agronomists and foreign consultants. However, I believe our product will also be beneficial for them, helping them obtain information about their entire vineyard in a short time.

T: What challenges did you face while working on the program?

There is very little information available online about Georgian viticulture and winemaking. As a result, we had to create the information database for the program ourselves. When we moved on to pesticide selection, things became more difficult—we wanted to make accurate mathematical calculations.

Since we didn’t have experience, we had to verify information by consulting people in the field, calling professors, and reaching out to various wine companies.

T: Future plans:

Our first investment came from our own funds, and we have since received a grant, allowing us to continue developing the product.

Agrotech is not a well-developed field in Georgia. Our goal is to advance this direction and make farmers' daily work easier, helping them maximize the use of technology to improve crop quality, which will ultimately be reflected in the wine.