More than a hundred agricultural, forestry and livestock producers came to Parral to the event organized by the FIA agency (Foundation for Agrarian Innovation) and the Corfo program, Digital Assistance Network Strengthens SMEs Maule to learn about innovations that allow modernizing and improving productivity in the field.
At the event held on June 5 and 6, 40 companies developing innovation and technology for the agricultural sector presented their products and services, where farmers from the area and other regions were able to learn more about them and do business. In addition to exploring the stands, attendees participated in conferences, talks where some of the technologies on display were presented, and field demonstrations.
Among the technologies presented, the systems related to irrigation and water management, which are key in a context of climate change that in Chile has manifested itself with extensive drought in several regions of the country, were particularly noteworthy. One of these innovations aims to measure soil moisture by sending information to the farmer's cell phone, who can then remotely manage the intensity of drip irrigation.
Incorporating innovation into small and medium-sized producers
Francine Brossard, executive director of the FIA agency -organizing entity together with Thinkagro of the University of Talca- said that "this meeting aims exactly at what we seek: to bring together producers -especially small and medium-sized ones who have less access- with companies that can bring innovation to their work and thus improve their productivity."
The FIA director also stressed the importance of cooperatives and producer associations that seek technologies to, for example, improve their connectivity. She warned about the importance of offering training so that farmers can take full advantage of these new technologies.
José Antonio Reyes, executive director of the Thinkagro center and academic at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Talca, explained that they started this type of event in 2019, to bring together academia, agricultural producers and technology providers. “The digitalization and automation of the agro-industrial sector in the Maule region is very important and we are very pleased to promote and sponsor Agrotech Maule. This year it was held in Parral to decentralize the development of this activity.”
For her part, the regional director of Corfo Maule, Sara Ramírez, stressed the importance of this space where the private and public sectors converge, “to strengthen technological initiatives offered by the private sector and the needs to improve the productive chains of services and products in the territory.”
The Seremi of Agriculture of Maule, Claudia Ramos, underlined the rural and productive nature of the Maule region, highlighting the importance of technology and innovation reaching all sectors. “We have plenty of crops and vegetables, and without a doubt these innovations and technologies that we are bringing today will be of use to each of these producers to some extent.”
Remarkable innovations from young entrepreneurs
The Association of Young AgroTech Chile Entrepreneurs, founded at the beginning of this year and which already has more than 120 members, presented at the meeting. A large part of the companies present at AGROTECH Maule 2024 belong to this new association, where young people were able to present their ventures, startups and innovations. They explained in detail to the producers how they use information technologies to improve competitiveness and productivity in the field.
Francisco Astaburuaga, president of the entity, stressed that “FIA has been a tremendous contribution and is bearing fruit. Today it is generating these tremendous opportunities that help to collaborate and generate concrete projects.”
Daniel Cabrera, young general manager of Aqua Detect, confirmed that FIA's support was fundamental for the company's emergence in 2020. The company focuses on mapping soils and identifying sectors that allow optimizing investment in the construction of water wells, which is key for agriculture. “Thanks to FIA’s support, we were able to meet different producers and connect with them. In addition, all the support through their social networks has been key to continue cooperating.”
DEMONSTRATIONS ON THE GROUND
Those present were able to witness the operation of various technologies in the field, such as a drone specially designed to distribute agricultural products, with a range of 21 hectares in one hour. The power of the device caught the attention of the producers, who were very interested in finding out more information.
