In Latin American Region, Ecuador is no doubt a prosperous country in terms of its diverse agricultural economy and burgeoning crop cultivation industry. Based on the favourable climate condition and fertile land, the National Agricultural Research Institute of Ecuador (INIAP) has set up nationwide Experimental Farms, Technology Development Units, and Automated Seed Production Greenhouse to promote agricultural innovation and scientific research.

Every year, INIAP works with domestic higher education institutions, providing practical field training and internship opportunities for students from agricultural colleges and universities. The aim is to prepare the young generation with abundant knowledge and skills to understand agriculture in real practise.

 Practical drone training curriculum for students in Ecuador (source: Megadrone SA)

Earlier this March, partners of XAG in Ecuador have established collaboration with one of INIAP’s experimental seed breeding stations, to conduct smart agtech demonstration for students in agronomy major. Students were brought outside of the classroom to the farms, where they could learn about the basic skills of operating an XAG agricultural drone.

Through the experience of operating a fully autonomous agricultural drone to fight pests and crop diseases, most students claimed that the visit has changed their opinions toward the possibilities of farming. The demonstration offered them a new chance to study the modern farming pattern in zero distance.

 A close contact with autonomous agritech in farmland (source: Megadrone SA)

Rural aging and the outflow of youth from countryside have become one of the biggest threats to agriculture in many countries. Through a global distribution and service network, XAG strives to ally with local users in providing standardised training on autonomous technology. This is an important path to create decent employment in agriculture, and attract young blood to boost the industry with next-gen vitality.