Eloos: Technology and science are highlighted as pillars of the future of agriculture

The advancement of technology, applied science and data-based management was the central theme of the panel "Science inside the gates: the challenges for technological and innovative agribusiness", held during Eloos, an event promoted this Monday (1st) by Itatiaia in partnership with CNN Brasil, in Belo Horizonte.

The president of the Minas Gerais Society of Agricultural Engineers, Bernardo Scarpelli, highlighted that agronomic engineering plays a fundamental role in the technological transformation of Brazilian agribusiness.

According to him, the productivity gains observed in recent decades are a direct result of the application of science in the field.

As an example, Scarpelli cited the evolution of corn cultivation, whose productivity jumped from around five tons per hectare 30 years ago to levels close to 16 tons per hectare today.

Despite the advances, he highlighted that there are still challenges related to the appropriate use of equipment and inputs, reinforcing the importance of technical training for producers.

The president of Faemg (Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of the State of Minas Gerais), Antônio de Salvo, highlighted the results obtained through Ateg (Technical and Management Assistance).

According to him, producers served by the program recorded an average increase of 21% in income from dairy farming and 26% from coffee farming.

De Salvo stated that the entity's goal for the next ten years is to expand technical assistance to all rural producers in the state, gradually reducing dependence on state support.

He also highlighted that the technological package developed by Brazilian agriculture is unique in the world and that international organizations, such as the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), have increased recognition of the characteristics and advances of tropical agriculture.

The guest professor at the Agro-Environmental Center of FDC (Fundação Dom Cabral), Guilherme Raucci, highlighted that the sector is experiencing a new stage of technological evolution, marked by the use of improved seeds, bio-inputs, precision agriculture and digital tools.

According to him, Brazilian agriculture already operates in a high-tech environment, but faces the challenge of transforming the large volume of data generated on properties into more efficient decisions.

Raucci observed that, as it is an activity carried out outdoors and subject to climatic factors, agriculture requires more and more planning and the ability to interpret information to reduce risks and increase productivity.

Also participating in the debate, state deputy Ludmila Falcão (Republicanos-MG) highlighted that technology is fundamental for the development of agribusiness in Minas Gerais and for the state's competitiveness compared to other producing centers in the country.

The parliamentarian highlighted the importance of Epamig (Agricultural Research Company of Minas Gerais) and Emater-MG (Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Company of the State of Minas Gerais) in generating knowledge, research and assistance to rural producers.

According to her, technological advancement will be decisive for Minas Gerais to continue expanding its participation in national and international markets, with gains in efficiency, productivity and sustainability.

During the event, the former governor of Minas Gerais, Romeu Zema (Novo), also drew attention to the economic challenges faced by the sector.

According to him, current interest rate levels make new investments in agribusiness difficult and end up limiting the progress of projects aimed at modernizing properties.

Zema also highlighted that the increase in defaults has led producers and companies to adopt a more cautious stance when investing. For him, economic growth directly depends on the investment capacity of productive agents.

"For an economy to move forward, it needs investments, and those who invest also increase productivity", he said.

Eloos Agribusiness - Panel 03 | The challenges for a technological and innovative agribusiness

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Source: CNN