Martignani: 80 fewer minutes of work per 6 hectares

We are in Colombia, with its vibrant colors, varied climate, and cultural diversity. Agriculture is one of the main sectors of the Colombian economy. It currently covers 5 million hectares.

The main production sectors of Colombian agriculture are: coffee, bananas, floriculture, oil palm, and sugarcane. Furthermore , Colombia is not only a producer but also one of the leading exporters.

The Oil Palm

Colombia is the leading producer of palm oil in the Americas and ranks fourth worldwide, accounting for 2.1% of global production. Furthermore, this sector is vital to the Colombian economy, creating 188,506 direct and indirect jobs, according to data from Fedepalma (https://web.fedepalma.org/), the country’s official reference body.

The palm oil agroindustry in Colombia operates with a low environmental impact and fosters biodiversity, helping to combat deforestation. On the other hand, palm oil production is a sector characterized by the following features:

– Competitiveness

– Appropriate and efficient use of land, water, and energy

– Respect for biodiversity

– No deforestation

– Decent work

– Respect for workers’ rights and work ethics

– Prevention of environmental contamination

Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic we are currently facing, Colombia’s palm oil sector has never stopped operating. In fact, both sales and exports have increased, accounting for 46% of the country’s palm oil production (704,000 metric tons), with Europe (the Netherlands and Spain) as the primary destination.

The main advantages of this equipment are the precise application of the dose specified for the crop in terms of foliar fertilizers, biostimulants, plant hormones, and biocides

Martignani in Colombia

Martignani It has a strong presence in Colombia. In fact, it is one of the first Latin American countries where our machinery and technology—particularly for oil palm processing—were introduced. Furthermore, Colombia is a leader in the field of electrostatic mist-blowing with variable volume applied to oil palm cultivation, according to our representative in the country, Ernesto Olave, Agricultural Engineer Manager of Bolsa de Maquinaria: “To date, oil palm cultivation covers 600,000 hectares and has the potential to reach 2 million hectares.” and emphasizes that “This type of farming makes an important contribution to biodiversity through eco-sustainable use of land and water resources, while at the same time creating many jobs and improving the quality of life in rural areas that would otherwise be abandoned.”.

“Martignani sprayers are becoming increasingly common in Colombia and are already being used on other crops such as rubber trees, grapes, citrus fruits, and avocados, especially in hilly areas where mechanization is difficult.”

One of our partners in Colombia is Agronel SAS, a consulting, auditing, and technical assistance firm specializing in oil palm cultivation that also conducts efficacy trials and registers crop protection products with the ICA (Colombian Agricultural Institute). The company currently manages 5,500 hectares of oil palm plantations in two different regions of the country: Orinoquía (Llanos Orientales) and the Central Oil Palm Zone.

Agronel – “The water savings are enormous”

Agronel’s Director, Engineer Nelson Díaz Lara, described his experience with Martignani technology. He has been using our sprayers since 2013, specifically the Whirlwind M612 and Phantom M612 models.

According to Engineer Díaz Lara: “The main advantages of this equipment are the precise application of the dose specified for the crop in terms of foliar fertilizers, biostimulants, plant hormones, and biocides. Less drift and, therefore, less contamination of untreated cultivated areas, waterways, and the subsoil, thanks to the absence of dripping from the foliar application system. Greater application efficiency and excellent results in pest and disease control.”

The Agronel manager also highlighted the water savings achieved with the use of Martignani Electrostatic Sprayers. He assures us that “ water savings are very significant, with consumption reaching 100 liters per hectare, compared to 800 liters per hectare previously used with other equipment for applying liquid mixtures.” He also described the savings in active ingredient as significant “due to the improved coverage of the mixture directed at the canopy using electrostatic technology.”

Another advantage of using Martignani electrostatic charge sprayers is the increased application efficiency, “since they can cover 6 hectares of palm plantations in 40 minutes, whereas previously it took about 2 hours to cover the same area with other equipment.”

Engineer Díaz Lara concludes that“Martignani technology consistently proves to be highly efficient at distributing any liquid mixture to the palm canopy, which can reach heights well in excess of 10 meters.”

These testimonials are very important to us at Martignani because they perfectly reflect our company’s values: saving water, chemicals, and energy (fuel); respect for the environment; and respect for the dignity and ethics of work.