Crop-Scanner™ helps deliver FoodVentures yield optimisation in Kazakhstan

Enabling rapid and precise collection of crop scouting data, our Crop-Scanner™ digital monitoring tool has become instrumental in advancing sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies in Kazakhstan.

Operating high-tech greenhouse projects in frontier countries, FoodVentures tailors each facility to local conditions, producing high-quality, resource-efficient crops while training local growers.

In Kazakhstan, the company cultivates tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce using eco-friendly practices. Head Grower, Ceyhun Cihan, oversees production from seed selection to harvest, including plant health and IPM strategies.

“Working with Biobest over the past five years, we’ve implemented IPM systems that reduce pesticide use, improve crop quality, and enhance production efficiency. Biobest’s sticky traps, innovative monitoring tools and beneficial insects and mites – including Encarsia-System, Swirskii-System and Macrolophus-System – form the core of our approach.”

Data-driven strategies

“To strengthen decision-making, the team adopted the Crop-Scanner™ App in 2023 to improve pest scouting efficiency. “Monitoring has become more structured and measurable,” says Ceyhun. “We now detect pest trends earlier and can adjust IPM strategies faster. If the data, downloaded to the Crop-Scanner™ web platform, indicates a rise in whitefly populations, we consult with our Biobest advisors and increase Macrolophus introductions - regaining control quickly. Weekly Crop-Scanner™ reports are an essential part of our production meetings and drive our daily IPM plans.”

Yields boosted

According to Ceyhun, using Crop-Scanner™ has enhanced teamwork, reduced errors, and transformed field observations into actionable data. “It has improved consistency and sustainability,” he notes. “Yields are up about 10% due to more effective IPM and optimised climate control. We’re achieving stable production and better crop quality while reducing stress.”

He adds, “Biobest has proved to be a reliable, solution-oriented partner with responsive technical support across time zones – they have become our preferred IPM partner.”

Improved quality and sustainability at lower cost

“Applying data-driven management enables us to maximise yield and achieve our sustainability goals. Implementing IPM strategies has clearly improved our crop quality - pest pressure is down, plant health is stronger, pesticide use is lower, and costs have decreased. These systems are the future of modern horticulture - essential for efficiency, quality, and long-term sustainability.”