Crop analytics firm, Hummingbird Technologies raises funds from Saudi SALIC

The role of tech in agriculture has advanced over the past century. From tractors that ploughed and harvested the fields, to now drone and artificial intelligence that provides farmers with data about crop health.

Hummingbird Technologies is one such startup that helps farmers keep a check on their crops and raise a good harvest by the use of drone and AI. Recently it raises £7 million ($8.84 million) from Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Co, owned by the Saudi’s sovereign investor Public Investment Fund.

Given the desert climate of the region, food security is a big issue. Most of the product in the region is imported from across the world. However, thanks to advanced technology, farms have been able to cultivate certain crops in the region.

Saudi Arabia and many other GCC countries are becoming serious about increasing their self-sufficiency and food security. This move by SALIC signifies Saudi’s interest in this technology to make produce healthier and tackle the bad harvest issue that has been the bane of farmers since centuries. Read more about this investment here.