Smarter growing with data from the plant itself
September 2025
Gardin is featured in the latest Future of AgriFood, produced by Contentway and distributed with Het Financieele Dagblad (FD). This special edition explores the key trends shaping the future of agriculture and food production, with contributions from leading voices across the sector. The full edition in Dutch can be accessed here. The English translation of Gardin's interview below.
Climate change, water scarcity, high energy costs, and a tight labor market are forcing growers to produce more efficiently. But those who don't truly understand their crop remain dependent on assumptions. How can you know what a plant needs before it even shows signs? Data-driven agriculture can make all the difference.
Sumanta Talukdar, CEO, Gardin
"In other industries, companies improve their products by measuring them directly. In agriculture, the focus is mainly on environmental factors such as light, air, and water. But the plant itself often remains out of sight," says Sumanta Talukdar, CEO of Gardin, a company specialized in optimizing the growth and nutritional value of crops. As a physicist and an outsider to the agricultural world, he saw an opportunity. Together with his team, he developed a system that reads the plant itself. It continuously measures photosynthesis with sensors — a reliable way to see how healthy the plant is and whether something might be going wrong.
"Measuring at the source: the plant itself"
Measuring photosynthesis
Gardin uses chlorophyll fluorescence. This is a way to measure how efficiently plants perform photosynthesis. Until a few years ago, this could only be done in expensive laboratories. "We have adapted this technique so that it is now suitable for use in the greenhouse," says Talukdar. "The sensor is easy to install. After that, everything works automatically. The data is sent directly to the cloud, where the grower can view it immediately."
This technology not only delivers data but also actionable recommendations. These insights enable precision agriculture. By accurately measuring how a plant responds to light, water, or temperature, growers can prevent waste and increase yields. For example, a collaboration with Bayer in Spain led to 25% less water usage and 15% higher yields in peppers. In the Netherlands, Delphy was able to intervene four weeks earlier in response to stress signals in strawberries thanks to Gardin, preventing a 60% loss in yield.
Plug-and-play
The technology works in all kinds of greenhouses — from modern high-tech installations to simple plastic tunnels. It doesn't matter what crop you grow. "Our sensors are plug-and-play and work with all plant species. Whether it's tomatoes, flowers, or herbs, the technology automatically adapts," says Talukdar. Because no complicated settings are required, growers can start using it independently right away.
The platform is also designed for broad applicability. "From the start, we designed with scalability in mind. We now have over 170 sensors operating in Europe and North America, all installed by the customer themselves. This saves costs and speeds up adoption."
Commercially, a new phase is also beginning: Gardin is shifting from pilot projects to large-scale market rollout. The technology has proven itself in practice. Now the company is focusing on broader application in greenhouses and plastic tunnels, with the aim of reaching more growers and making a real difference. Talukdar: "The proof is there, so now it's time to make an impact on a larger scale."
"Intervening four weeks earlier prevented a 60% yield loss"
Whether you're cultivating berries, leafy greens or a seed breeder, reach out to learn more on how Gardin technology can support you and your farm; www.gardin.ag/contact