What is precision farming?
Productivity. Efficiency. Competitiveness. Profit. Every business, regardless of its size, is concerned with achieving its objectives and, for that, seeks alternatives and means that maximize its results. This is where precision agriculture in agribusiness comes in.
A path of no return
In constant evolution, technology always appears with a new tool capable of increasing traditional and common activities, bringing them more assertiveness.
Thus, we can define precision agriculture (AP) as a set of technological systems that assist in the agricultural administration of the property through information collected in the field.
All data is captured by sensors strategically placed in certain places on the property, as well as in equipment capable of collecting information. Cameras, light bars, GPS, sprayers and drones can also be used.
Obviously, this information must undergo a technical analysis directing the activities and causing specific interferences in the producer’s daily routine. The result? Higher quality and profit!
Precision farming in practice
Employing high technology in the field is already a reality for most Brazilian producers who discovered this great ally, since it is possible through it:
• Determine the specific characteristics of the soil, whether chemical or physical, for example;
• Detect diseases and pests, as well as weeds that may appear on the plantation,
• Control the use of pesticides, fertilizers and fertilizers, generating more savings;
• Monitor the entire crop in real time, even if it is not “in loco”;
• Monitor the performance of machines and equipment;
• Promote the creation of several maps of the management zones for different applications, including irrigation and planting;
• Obtain the exact properties of the plants produced;
• Correct problems in less time;
• Train and train personnel, making them able to work with precision agriculture.
These are some of the many examples of how technology can contribute to minimizing costs and increasing productivity.
From start to finish
Precision agriculture can be used from the preparation of the soil, through planting, throughout the period of development of the crop, until the harvest and commercialization of the products obtained.
Thus, it is easy to understand why precision agriculture enables a more satisfactory management and strategic planning, facilitating decision making.
There is certainly a cost involved in adapting machines and training trained personnel to manage them, not to mention hiring or training someone who does the correct interpretation of the data, a factor of paramount importance for the success of precision agriculture.
However, it is a fact that the investment pays for itself in the medium term, since waste is avoided, generating financial and resource savings, maximizing profits.
We can also mention the automation of various activities and the gain from more sustainable practices, which will also positively influence the improvement of your business image before the market and its consuming public.
As for the purchase and sale of products and services in Agro, both can be made using marketing platforms, like the one provided by CBC, offering more security in contracts and dynamism in relations.
For all these reasons, precision agriculture gives more quality and efficiency to work in the field, from start to finish.
By: CBC Agronegócios