Unioeste brings new technologies to agribusiness

Integration of geotechnical techniques with Data science (Data science) has revolutionized the way we understand and manage our environment. This enables a series of developments, such as the creation of detailed maps of land use and occupation, accurate estimation of agricultural grain yields, geolocation of structures related to livestock farming (such as poultry and pig farms, dams), improved implementation of grain storage units based on the storage and production capacity of the area, as well as the use of Satellite and drone images for monitoring and effective spraying of agricultural crops. Together, these technologies have provided a smarter and more effective approach to managing land use and agricultural production, resulting in significant benefits for the agricultural sector and the environment.

This is the aim of an innovative project presented by Professor Jiri Johan, coordinator of the Center for Geosciences at Unioeste, in Paraná Vaz Ciencia and at the 20th National Science and Technology Week (SNCT 2023), both held at the State University of Londrina (UEL).

The innovation, which combines scientific knowledge with the demand for cereal production, is part of the portfolio of projects presented by Unioeste at the event that drives the field of science, technology and knowledge in the northern region of Paraná, the result of a partnership between the Secretariat of Science, Technology and Higher Education (Seti), and the Secretariat of Innovation, Modernization and Transformation Digital (SEI), and the Araucária Foundation to support scientific and technological development and UEL.

According to the researcher, agribusiness is one of the main pillars of the global economy, playing a vital role in feeding billions of people and providing raw materials for various industries. However, they face increasing challenges, such as the need to increase productivity, reduce environmental impact, and ensure food security in a world experiencing continued demographic growth. In this context, the Data science It is emerging as a powerful and critical tool for improving data analysis in agribusiness, as it allows, through artificial intelligence techniques, to analyze and interpret data to extract ideas Valuable resources and evidence-based decision making. This field finds applications in many fields of study, including those investigated by this project at Unioeste.

According to the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the expected demographic expansion means the need for a significant increase in food production, which could reach 70% by 2050 compared to current numbers. According to Jerry Johan, future estimates indicate that the world population is expected to exceed the 9.7 billion mark in less than three decades, an increase of 2 billion compared to current numbers. This highlights the urgent need to adopt innovative approaches, such as the application of geotechnology and data science, to address the challenge of global food security.

Paraná Faz Ciência and the 20th National Week of Science and Technology (SNCT 2023) are organized with the support of the public universities of Ponta Grossa (UEPG), Centro de Ouest Paraná (Unicentro), Maringa (UEM) and Ouest Paraná. (Unisti), Northern Paraná (UNEP) and Paraná (UNISPAR); From the Federal Governments of Paraná (UFPR), Latin American Integration (Unila), Frontera Sul (UFFS), Federal Technology do Paraná (UTFPR), and Instituto Federal de Paraná (IFPR). Also participating are the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUC/PR – Marist Group), the State Secretariat of Education (SEED), the Londrina Development Institute (Codel), Unopar Anhanguera, and the Paraná Institute of Rural Development (IDR-PR).

Who is the researcher?

The researcher is an Associate Professor at Unioeste and holds the position of Director of Graduate Studies at the Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies. He is also a professor of graduate programs Narrow narrow in Agricultural Engineering (PGEAGRI), Professional Management (PPGAdm) and Accounting Sciences (PPGC). He also leads the Geotechnology and Data Science (GeoScience) research group at UNIOESTE. He also works in research groups: the GeoIntelligence in Agriculture – GeoIn research group at UNICAMP/SP and the Space Research Group – GREES at IFRO. He also serves as a member of the Municipal Council for Rural Development (COMDER) of the municipality of Cascavel/PR, among other technical and academic consultancy work.

The professor was also part of the committee preparing proposals for regulatory instruments for institutional innovation activities at Unioeste. He is an evaluator and coordinator of several scientific research projects from funding bodies (Fundação Araucária and CNPq) and university-business integration partnership projects, as well as a dedicated consultant for scientific journals.