Revolutionizing Agriculture: The Agritech Space in South America -Brazil Agrishow

As we embarque in the space of innovative solutions in the agritec space, we explore the South American innovative scene, particularly Brazil. For context, I had the opportunity of attending one of the biggest agriculture event in the country, called Agrishow in 2024, which enabled me to see the uprise of the industry in this specific sector in the South American continent, and especially in Brazil.

Brazilian Agricultural landscape and weather conditions

Only by being there can you realise how much Brazil’s agricultural landscape is truly one of the most diverse and productive in the world, encompassing a vast array of ecosystems, climates, and soil types. The country’s sheer size and varying topography enable it to support a wide range of agricultural activities, from cattle ranching to the cultivation of numerous crops.

 Before arriving in Brazil, I was expecting Autumn to welcome me in the country, as soon as I landed, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 31°C, I quickly realised summer took over earlier in Brazil. Brazil’s climate is as varied as its landscape, stretching across diverse regions: In the North, where the Amazon Rainforest reigns, it’s a tropical rainforest climate with high temperatures and significant rainfall year-round. Moving to the Northeast, the interior (Sertão) has a semi-arid climate with irregular rainfall and prolonged dry seasons, while the coastal areas enjoy a tropical climate with more consistent rain. The Central-West (Cerrado) features a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, with the wet season from October to March. In the Southeast, you find a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Down in the South, there’s a temperate climate with well-defined seasons, including cold winters with occasional frost.

Standing right below the robot solix, upon arrival at the event.

Top 5 Brazilian Crops

Brazil is a global agricultural powerhouse, producing a diverse array of crops thanks to its vast and varied landscape and weather conditions. The top five crops in Brazil are:

1. Soybeans: Brazil is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of soybeans. The crop is primarily grown in the central-west, south, and northeast regions. Interestingly, it explains the famous Tofu Moqueca, a vegan dish twist on the traditional moqueca, using tofu made from soybeans, cooked in a flavorful coconut milk-based stew with peppers, tomatoes, and spices.
2. Sugarcane: Another leading crop, sugarcane is extensively cultivated in the southeast and northeast regions, particularly in São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Goiás. Fun fact, it is where the famous Caipirinha comes from – Brazil’s national cocktail made with cachaça (a spirit distilled from sugarcane juice), lime, sugar, and ice.
3. Corn (Maize): Grown throughout the country, corn is a critical crop for both domestic consumption and export. The main producing regions are the central-west, south, and southeast.
4. Coffee: Brazil is the world’s largest producer of coffee, with the crop primarily grown in the southeast, particularly in Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Espírito Santo. This speaks to the fact that the country is the number one exporter of coffee to Switzerland, having supplied 49,000 tonnes of coffee in 2021.
5. Rice: Predominantly cultivated in the southern states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, rice is an essential staple in the Brazilian diet. My personal favourite, the Brazilian milk rice, is simply the best.

Most Used Technologies in the Brazilian Agritech Space

During the show, across all the stands and the live demos, it was possible to see what the actual farmers are using on the daily basis, and a common denominator was very apparent, all the equipment were infused with technology. Here is a list of the most used technologies at the event and in general:

• Precision Agriculture: Utilizing GPS, Geographic Information Systems GIS, and remote sensing technologies, precision agriculture allows farmers to optimize field-level management of crop farming.
• No-Till Farming: This practice involves growing crops without disturbing the soil through tillage, helping to preserve soil structure, reduce erosion, and improve water retention.
• Biotechnology and GMOs: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and biotechnological advancements have led to the development of crops with improved resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental conditions.
• Irrigation Systems: Advanced irrigation techniques, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, are widely used to ensure efficient water use, particularly in regions with irregular rainfall.
• Agroforestry Systems: Combining agriculture and forestry, agroforestry systems enhance biodiversity, improve soil fertility, and provide additional sources of income through timber and non-timber forest products.

Brazil’s commitment to adopting and integrating these advanced agricultural technologies has positioned it as a global leader in agricultural production and sustainability. The country’s diverse climate and rich natural resources continue to support its status as an agricultural powerhouse.

Being agriculture such an integral part of the country, naturally the innovation tilts towards accelerating the development of the sector. In that, we have among other innovators, Solinftec, and Jacto company bringing the most innovative solutions to the agriculture space. I had a chance to speak with the Chief technology officer of Solinftec, Henrique Nomura and other employees during the event, and the manager of autonomous solutions at Jacto, and both are more than confident that the Brazilian ecosystem is more than prepared to be positioned as one of the biggest players in the space, worldwide.

We have been making our robots in the past 3 years, and since we started and until now, we have 100 robots deployed, 50 in the US and 50 in south America, and we are just starting” Henrique Nomura CTO-Solinftec

Agrishow 2024 highlight: Revolutionizing Agriculture with Solinftec- AI and Robotics Transforming Farming Practices

The Solinftec Journey: From Sugar and Ethanol to Global Leader

Established in Brazil in 2007, Solinftec has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation, initially focusing on the sugar and ethanol industries before expanding its reach. Leveraging robotics and AI, Solinftec is revolutionizing farming practices, enhancing efficiency and productivity across various crop sectors. This transformative journey from a niche focus to a global agricultural technology leader showcases Solinftec’s pioneering role in the industry.

Innovative Agricultural Solutions by Solinftec

Solinftec’s cutting-edge solutions incorporate robots equipped with advanced sensors and AI, such as Lidar,Vision RTK-2, designed to automate and optimize agricultural tasks. These technological innovations facilitate precise, real-time decision-making, drastically improving resource utilization and operational efficiency on farms. The integration of such technologies marks a significant leap forward in agriculture, setting a new standard for precision and sustainability.

CTO Solinftec in the right                                              Solix interface crop monitoring

Impact of Solinftec’s Technologies on Agriculture

The deployment of Solinftec’s technologies has led to remarkable improvements in crop yields and resource efficiency, contributing significantly to the sustainability of farming practices. By reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture and enhancing productivity, Solinftec’s innovations support the global goal of sustainable agriculture. As an example, Solinftec’s Solix Sprayer Robot Reduces Herbicide Volume by Up to 95% During Robot’s First Commercial Harvest in the United States.

Sustainability and the Future of Farming with Solinftec

Solinftec envisions a future where technological advancements and sustainable farming practices coexist harmoniously, driving the agricultural sector towards greater efficiency and environmental stewardship. Their commitment to innovation paves the way for continuous improvement in agricultural productivity and sustainability. As Solinftec continues to evolve, its technologies promise to play a pivotal role in the global effort to achieve a sustainable and food-secure future.

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