Remote monitoring of training and technology-transfer services in vanilla cultivation (Vanilla planifolia Jackson ex Andrews)

Resumen

Objective: to remotely monitor training and technology-transfer services (called “extensionism” in Mexico) using the Chapingo-AGROPEC Star^© advisory and consultancy model to promote the development of vanilla small-scale agribusiness.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: the study was implemented in Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico, with the participation of 81 producers and five advisors. The ad hoc designed digital platform AGROPEC Star^© was used, which consists of assembled software tools for monitoring agribusiness management and advisory process. Advisors (agricultural extensionists) received training in both productive management, and the use of the software. Agricultural extensionists, in turn, provided technical assistance and training to the producers.

Results: data were collected from 40.68 hectares, with yields ranging from 50 to 300 kg ha^-1. The activities in technology-transfer included ground layering (51.85%), compost application (43.21%), pollination (38.27%), and weed control (37.04%).

Limitations/ Implications of the study: in Mexico, vanilla is traditionally cultivated without technology, on small plots, where all the crop cultivation activities are done by the producers. Although productivity is low, it has potential.

Findings/ Conclusions: digital monitoring with the advisory management platform enabled to verify those activities that agricultural extensionists and producers performed. Also, it allowed us the generation of indicators, and the identification of opportunities to improve vanilla crop productivity.