The situation of our farmers is critical and alarming. The extreme exploitation of the land and the monoculture agriculture are causing the soil erosionthe nutrient loss and the extinction of soil biodiversitywhich causes a drastic decrease of the agricultural productivity. In addition, the excessive use of agrochemicals is contaminating the soil, water and air, and is having a devastating impact on the ecosystems of the Sea of Cortez.
The figures show the seriousness of the problem. According to a report by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), Mexico's arable land has decreased by 11% in the last 20 years, while soil erosion affects more than half of the national territory. In addition, according to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), it is estimated that in Mexico Approximately 200,000 tons of pesticides are used each year, which represents a serious problem for human health and the environment.
These problems seem inevitable due to the high global demand for food, which forces producers to implement intensive agricultural practices. In addition, the adoption of sustainable practices is difficult due to the lack of economic incentives and the false belief of the high costs involved in making the transition. All this, coupled with increasing pressure from the government, limits land productivity and the ability of farmers to make a living.
Technology for a more sustainable agriculture
The technology of satellite monitoringthe digital extensionism and the parametric insurance can play an important role in solving the production problems that afflict producers and limit the adoption of more sustainable agricultural practices, says Manuel Richter.
The co-founder and Director of Luxelare highlights that through the platform Captum this Los Mochis-based company is helping the transition to more sustainable agriculture.
"Luxelare was founded with a vision to help farmers adopt more sustainable practices and improve their productivity. CAPTUM is our digital farming platform that uses real-time data to provide customized solutions to farmers and help them make informed decisions about managing their crops. The platform also helps farmers improve their efficiency and reduce their environmental footprint," he explains.
At Luxelare, Richter stresses, they see the potential of the digital agriculture to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices and reduce the barrier to entry for a sustainable agriculture in the region.
"We believe digital agriculture has enormous potential to help farmers adopt more sustainable practices and improve their productivity. Technology can provide information on soil and weather conditions, as well as customized solutions to improve irrigation and fertilization efficiency. In addition, technology can help reduce costs and the barrier to entry for adopting sustainable practices," he believes.
Intensive agriculture, with sustainable practices
The Director of Luxelare assures that it is possible to develop intensive agriculture and at the same time adopt sustainable practices to minimize the impact of this activity on the environment and increase farmers' productivity.
"The adoption of sustainable practices, such as the use of precision technologies for chemical application and the implementation of soil conservation techniques, can help reduce the negative impact of intensive agriculture," he says.
Richter adds that crop diversification and the adoption of agroecological practices can also improve productivity and reduce farmers' vulnerability.
"At Luxelare we are working closely with farmers to provide them with tools and resources for sustainable agriculture; we are actively seeking partnerships with other actors in the supply chain, including buyers and technology providers, to foster more sustainable agriculture. One of the biggest challenges we face is changing the mindset of farmers towards more sustainable practices, but we are confident that we can achieve this with the partnerships we have with other actors in the chain such as finance, insurance and the food industry," he notes.
Richter states that Luxelare is the best remote monitoring and extension solution for agribusiness, ejidos, unions and agricultural associations that reduces crop loss due to losses and stress.
Luxelare facilitates access to affordable insurance for smallholder farmers and works to overcome economic and technical barriers that limit access to insurance adapted to the context of climate change.
Through parametric insurance and technical support, Luxelare strengthens farmers' resilience and reduces the negative impacts that extreme weather events and climate volatility can have on crops, prices and farmers' incomes. In this way, business interruptions are reduced and farmers' livelihoods are protected.
A company B
Luxelare is a company B recognized as one of the most innovative companies in Mexico.