en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) has approved 115 million reais in financing for Horsch to develop embedded automation, adaptive control, and digitally connected agricultural equipment for the Brazilian market.
The project will be implemented at Horsch's plant in Curitiba (Paraná State), focusing on small and medium-sized farms, employing technologies adapted to climate, soil, and summer and winter crops.
The funding comes from BNDES's Mais Inovação program, which aims to develop agricultural machinery with real-time data monitoring capabilities for farmers with limited access to digital technologies.
Estimates indicate that the technology could reduce input costs by 20% and improve agronomic efficiency by 15%.
Planned equipment includes seeders equipped with sensors and georeferenced data-based dosing technology to control seeding depth and rate. In this application, seeding activities are expected to decrease by 15%, and seed and fertilizer usage by 10%.
The project also includes sprayers that can dynamically adjust based on vegetation response. According to Horsch, this technology could reduce pesticide and fertilizer usage by up to 20%, delivering operational and environmental benefits.
Another plan involves developing a system for the simultaneous application of solid and liquid inputs for small and medium-sized farmers. The new input spreader will be compatible with low-power tractors. Additionally, a module for quickly coupling seeding, spraying, and fertilization systems on a single base will be developed. All equipment will be integrated into a digital platform for sending agronomic and operational data in real time. A 10% improvement in energy efficiency and a reduction of up to 30% in unplanned operational failures are expected.
During the project's implementation, it is expected to create 58 direct jobs and 54 indirect jobs, including 10 R&D professional positions. After project completion, an additional 34 direct jobs are expected, totaling 92 direct jobs and 75 permanent indirect jobs.
For Horsch, this financing accelerates the localized development of mechanization and digital agriculture solutions for small and medium-sized farmers. The project expands the role of the company's Brazilian division in research, technology, and the production of agricultural machinery adapted to local conditions.
