| | March 202019CIOReviewefficiency of the operation. For example, Solinftec's solutions leverage A.I. to alert farmers on "the best window of opportunity" on a particular day to execute the task of spraying. Since spraying in wrong weather conditions could lead to loss of chemicals and poor crop quality, farmers need guidance on precise time to spray, apt chemical to use, and regions requiring more/less spraying. In a nutshell, Solinftec's real-time solutions aid farmers to contribute to the environment by using fewer chemicals and help ag retailers save significant time and reduce costs. A Farmer's Best FriendSo, how exactly do farmers access invaluable information such as optimal time to spray? One can credit Alice, Solinftec's first virtual assistance technology, that entails the installation of a small box in agricultural equipment and sensors in the field under a user-friendly platform. "Alice is in charge of everything, from interacting with farmers or ag retailers to delivering unique ideas and insights, to devising real-time strategies for the ongoing season, and analyzing data and making recommendations for the next crop cycle," explains Padrão.It is critical to highlight that Solinftec does not believe in the reactionary approach "of providing farmers with colorful maps and reports at the end of a farming season." Instead, Solinftec's real-time strategy enables clients to spot trends ahead of time and amend their processes. Also, Solinftec understands that each farming season is unique--due to weather and seasonal factors--and premeditated strategies rarely work. Along the same lines, Solinftec allows farmers to "measure the value" of its solutions and does not implement a full-fledged strategy until back-and-forth interactions with concerned parties. Padrão believes the agtech solutions in the market "are too complicated" and force farmers to adopt strategies without testing them in real-time or measuring outcomes. Add to that, most farmers are skeptical about adopting technologies and modifying trusted practices. This is why Solinftec goes the extra mile to prove the value of its solutions. Padrão highlights that once Solinftec demonstrates value, farmers do not hesitate to adopt technologies. Post implementation, Solinftec continues to support its clients and stays in close proximity to them. The strategy worked in Brazil, where Solinftec set up operations near the heart of the sugarcane plantations, and Solinftec is replicating the same in Indiana by staying close to farmers, researchers, and students. Solinftec views the hands-on approach as a learning curve. "By collaborating with them, we shore up our knowledge and identify what technologies work in specific scenarios. We are learning every day," adds Padrão.A Bright Future AwaitsSteering ahead, Solinftec will continue to acquire knowledge and solve pressing issues for farmers across the world. As of this writing, its solutions cover more than 20 million acres of land for active clients, and Solinftec is razor-focused on expanding its operations in Indiana, and other parts of the U.S. One of its immediate goals is serving twice the number of Indiana-bound farmers ahead of the 2021 farming season and persist on its path of building strong ties with prominent ag retailers and farming companies in the country. If its history is any indicator, Solinftec is built to thrive at the bigger stage. After all, seven Cuban scientists initially arrived in Brazil to work on a government project on behalf of their home country. However, they quickly segued from the mills to agriculture after identifying opportunities to enhance the efficiencies of sugarcane plantations in Brazil. Solinftec takes pride in its background and believes its past experiences are ingrained in its DNA. Padrão concludes, "Through our solutions, farmers are experiencing at least a 20 percent increase in efficiency. We will continue to collaborate with researchers, farmers, ag retailers, universities, and technology partners to build effective agriculture ecosystems." We will continue to collaborate with researchers, farmers, ag retailers, universities, and technology partners to build effective agriculture ecosystems
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