Digital platform seeks UK farmers to test productivity tool

A project by the University of Manchester is calling on UK farmers to take part in a digital platform pilot that uses artificial intelligence, satellite imagery, weather data, and simple farm inputs to help boost on-farm productivity.

The TerraIQ platform has been designed for small and medium-sized arable and mixed holdings to demonstrate how digital agronomy and carbon accounting can work hand-in-hand for farmers, rather than being an added burden.

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Participating farms will share a small amount of management information, such as cropping history, soil results or nutrient plans.

In return, they will gain free access to the TerraIQ platform. Each farm will receive tailored insights on yield forecasts, improving soil regeneration, and carbon capture potential, along with regular feedback calls from the project team.

The six-month pilot will run through 2026 and is open to arable and mixed farms, typically between 50-500ha.

“We want to prove that environmental data can work for farmers, not against them,” says founder Imaara Keshwani.

“This pilot is about practical results — better yields, better resilience, and a fair share of the financial benefits that sustainability creates,” says Imaara.

Farmers will not need any special hardware or software; a phone, tablet or computer is enough. All data is securely stored and anonymised in line with UK GDPR standards.

The pilot is free to join, with all verification costs covered by TerraIQ.

TerraIQ’s development has been supported by the Manchester Venture Builder and the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre.

They are now forming partnerships with UK universities, agronomy networks and carbon-market specialists to validate its approach and prepare for a wider rollout.