Through information solutions based on the use of satellite photos, the application of classification models and the implementation of machine learning algorithms, it is possible to optimize the management of large plantations and minimize the risks faced by crops that affect profitability per hectare planted.
The growing availability of data that exists today is leading companies to seek new ways and tools to take advantage of this huge wave of information that is being generated in different business sectors.
Betting on the latest technology projects, agriculture 4.0 and seeking alternative products derived from sugarcane so as not to depend on international prices, are some of the lines of action on which the Guatemalan sugar sector will focus in the coming years.
Although sugar prices in the international market have improved between October 2020 and April 2021, in previous years there was a downward trend that pressured mills to explore new market opportunities for sugarcane-derived products.
Some of the technological tools that will be used in the coming years to increase agricultural productivity include the use of devices connected to the Internet that can create self-regulating microclimates in greenhouses and crop monitoring through aerial images.
Business Intelligence solutions used by agricultural companies have the ability to transform maps and images into structured data that can be used for decision making.
The recent fiscal reform, changes in social charges in Nicaragua and low international prices are affecting the competitiveness of the sector.
At the end of February 2019, in the midst of the country's political and economic crisis, the National Assembly approved a tax reform that increases the income tax of large taxpayers from 1% to 3%.
During the first half of 2018, purchases by countries in the region reached $494 million, 12% more than imports during the same period the previous year.
Figures from the information system of the Central American Fertilizer Market, from the Trade Intelligence Area at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
Between February 2016 and March 2018, the average price of palm oil exports from Central America registered an increase of 20%.
Figures from the information system on the Palm Oil Market and its Fractions in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with graph"]
The average price per kilo of fertilizers imported by the Central American countries dropped from $0.54 in January 2012 to $0.27 in March 2018, registering a 50% drop.
Figures from the information system on the Central American Fertilizer Market, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with the graph"]
The twenty-five productive properties that have been invaded since the crisis began in Nicaragua together make up more than 28 million square meters of land, of which 43% correspond to areas used for agricultural crops and another 44% to livestock production.
According to data from the Union of Agricultural Producers of Nicaragua (Upanic), 33% of the affected properties have an area greater than 100 manzanas, 23% are land measuring between 50 to 99 manzanas and 46% have an area of less than 50 manzanas.
The union of agricultural producers reports that at least ten private farms in Rivas, Matagalpa, Chinandega and Managua have been taken over by criminals.
In a statement, the Union of Agricultural Producers of Nicaragua denounced that it is registering an "... unchecked increase of invasions of farms" belonging to its members, in different zones in the country.
Although businessmen in the sector claim to have enough supplies to meet demand in the agricultural cycle, the crisis in Nicaragua is causing problems in the transportation of goods.
Distributors of agrochemicals report that due to the political crisis and the multiple closures and demonstrations on roads in the country, the main challenge they face is the transporting products to different areas of the country.
At the agro-food fair to be held in San Pedro Sula, more than 3,000 people are expected to take part and it is thought that $50 million will be raised in 2,000 business appointments.
The Agromercados fair, which will take place on May 17 and 18 in San Pedro Sula, will include the participation of 300 exhibiting companies and another 500 visitors to the event.
Explained by sales to the Netherlands, last year Central America exported $1.344 billion worth of palm oil and its fractions, 74% more than in 2016.
Figures from the information system on the Palm Oil Market and its Fractions in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with graph"]
In 2017, purchases from Central American countries totaled $759 million, 25% more than the previous year's imports, in contrast to the fall reported between 2015 and 2016.
Figures from the information system on the Central American Fertilizer Market, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with the graph"]
In 2017, the value of palm oil sales from Central America to Mexico grew by 23% compared to 2016, which contrasts with the declines registered in the previous four years.
Figures from the Palm Oil Market information system and its Fractions in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with graph"]