Within the framework of the ETM Day event, Neltume has been awarded first place in the Conectagro competition, organized by the National Society of Agriculture (SNA). The distinction recognizes the outstanding proposal presented by Neltume, focused on its trap surveillance service and assistance in pest control, through innovative technology designed internally.
That is why we spoke with Antonio Cabreira, co-founder of Neltume, about this important recognition for a company that is a member of the AgTech Chile association.
How did Neltume manage to win first place in the Conectagro competition during ETM Day?
We are applying for our trap monitoring and pest control assistance service, based on technology that we designed and that, on the one hand, monitors pheromone traps and the crop with cameras and, on the other, uses weather records to estimate the larval development of the insect. In this way, we help producers to make better decisions in applications by applying the correct product at the optimal time.
How does this initiative contribute to the development of agroindustry?
We are providing a means to change the way pest monitoring and control is done. What currently happens with most crops and pests that we have seen is that applications are made on fixed dates, which the user already knows before the season begins. We believe that in a climate change scenario where the development of insects and pests has been accelerating, it is important to make an adjustment, so we provide the means to generate this adjustment, through devices that have information on population, climate and phenological models. This allows us to create simple reports with local information that assist the user in the management and use of their products, allowing them to move from fixed dates to dates adjusted to the reality of their field to achieve better results.
What are the specific benefits of this service and how does this proposal add additional value to agriculture?
The two main benefits are remote monitoring, which allows for lower monitoring costs and daily pest scouting, so that when an insect appears you can identify it within 24 hours, therefore, it generates opportunity, accurate and timely information regarding the phytosanitary status of your field and the second benefit is assistance in control, which is an aid to producers to apply, seeking that the protection period of their applications matches the target immature state of the applied product.
In terms of sustainability, efficiency and technology for the agricultural sector, what is the long-term impact that this solution offers for the productive development of crops and the benefit of farmers?
I believe that there are several long-term benefits. There is the need to provide greater security to the destination markets, because for Chile and the rest of the countries in the region that are important food suppliers for the rest of the world, it is extremely important to ensure that the products are free of pests and diseases. On the other hand, we provide productivity, by reducing losses or production costs, and sustainability by promoting more environmentally friendly phytosanitary management. I believe that agricultural productivity in a climate change scenario is something that we must address and work hard on in order to supply a growing demand for food.
What does it mean for the Neltume team to have achieved this feat?
It is extremely important because it gives us the means to work on new developments and continue to advance with new stations. It also helps us a lot with the issue of communications because since this is supported by the National Society of Agriculture (SNA), it has a lot of coverage and producers and decision makers are listening to it. We believe that it is important to achieve recognition for innovating in this area that is so relevant to the development and competitiveness of the country, protecting an activity that is the main one for many regions.
Is this recognition an incentive for the team to continue contributing to agriculture?
Of course. It is motivating, but what motivates us most is seeing the good results of our users. We are managing to validate our hypotheses about the differentiated application and seeing in practice how producers are managing to reduce losses associated with pests and, therefore, more productive and sustainable harvests.
