Argentina’s Northern Farms Embrace AI and Drones to Boost Crop Yields
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A wave of technological innovation is quietly transforming agricultural practices in northern Argentina, bringing the benefits of precision agriculture to historically critically important crops like sugarcane, yerba mate, and tobacco. For years, these advancements were largely confined to the expansive farms of the Pampas region, but now, tailored solutions are taking root in the unique landscapes and economies of the Northwest (NOA) and Northeast (NEA). The integration of artificial intelligence into these vital agricultural systems. The goal isn’t to complicate farming, but to enhance efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and empower farmers with data-driven insights.
validating Technology in Conventional landscapes
According to a coordinator with INTA’s AgTech Program, these established crops are now serving as crucial testing grounds for new technologies. “These emblematic productions of the north today function as spaces for technological validation,” she explained, emphasizing that the approach strengthens management practices at the farm level by prioritizing data analysis and optimized workflows.
The incorporation of these digital tools is unlocking new possibilities across different sectors. In tobacco farming, such as, multispectral monitoring coupled with neural networks is paving the way for early warning systems to detect potential issues. Sugarcane growers are leveraging aerial radiometry to fine-tune fertilization strategies and improve crop establishment. Meanwhile, the focus in yerba mate cultivation is on building the digital infrastructure necessary for widespread technology adoption.
Drones and Sensors Offer Cost-Effective Solutions
In Tucumán, the INTA Famaillá agtech team is demonstrating the viability of using radiometric sensors mounted on drones as a more affordable alternative to expensive satellite imagery. “This allows us to generate precise agronomic data and apply it in precision management practices,” stated a researcher at INTA Famaillá.one key application is variable dose nitrogen fertilization, which has shown the potential to reduce input costs by as much as 35%.
Collaboration with the National University of Catamarca is also yielding promising results in the early detection of sprouting failure, enabling farmers to address problems proactively and maximize yields.
Modernizing Yerba Mate Production in Misiones
The province of Misiones is witnessing a modernization of its yerba mate industry.At INTA’s Cerro Azul Agricultural Experimental Station, satellite and aerial monitoring tools are being used to assess crop vigor, identify pest infestations, and optimize fertilization based on environmental conditions.
“Mechanized harvesting and the spatio-temporal census of yield allow us to generate management maps with a variable rate,” explained a member of the INTA Yerba Mate and Tea Group. This data-driven approach allows for targeted interventions, maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste.
Integrated Crop Management in Salta
In the Lerma Valley of Salta, INTA technicians are partnering with COPROTAB to validate AgTech tools for Integrated Crop Management. Drones equipped with multispectral and RGB cameras capture high-resolution images, which are then analyzed using artificial vision algorithms.
This combination of segmentation models and neural networks enables the identification of planting failures, quantification of vegetation cover, and early detection of plant stress.”We are building a concrete tool, with the potential to scale to the production system,” noted a coordinator of the drone network, with the ultimate goal of developing autonomous and predictive monitoring systems.
This technological surge represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient agricultural future for northern Argentina, strengthening regional economies and ensuring the continued success of these iconic crops.
