Agronomist Sol Rosado explains the benefits of integrating science and technology into agriculture to reduce food imports and expand Puerto Rico’s agricultural industry
By Sharon Minelli Pérez Periodista de Negocios | October 27, 2020
Recognizing that Puerto Rico’s fertile land, favorable climate, and growing interest in agricultural innovation create a unique opportunity to reduce dependence on food imports, agronomist Sol Rosado is encouraging farmers to embrace scientific and technological advancements to enhance crop efficiency and productivity.
The President of PRABIA acknowledges that change can be daunting, especially given the skepticism surrounding genetically modified seeds (GMOs). However, she emphasizes that biotechnology extends far beyond GMOs and encompasses a broad range of tools under the umbrella of agrotechnology.
“It is clear that we produce seeds, but what’s most important is how we leverage technology to improve crops and optimize resource use,” said Rosado.
For example, she highlighted the use of drones—not just for aerial farm photography but as powerful tools for precision agriculture. Drones enable farmers to monitor crop health, assess growth rates, and detect nutrient deficiencies, allowing for more informed decision-making.
By combining drones with advanced mapping technologies, farmers can analyze soil characteristics, create detailed elevation maps, and gain insights from sensors that provide data from the surface down to six feet underground. These advancements reduce manual labor while significantly improving efficiency. For instance, what once took four hours of manual data collection can now be completed in just 45 minutes.
Rosado also pointed to innovations such as drip irrigation systems, greenhouse cultivation, and controlled environment agriculture, which maximize land use while minimizing pesticide application. Additionally, GPS-equipped tractors improve planting precision, allowing farmers to utilize up to 98% of available land—far more than the 45% achieved through traditional methods.
“These advancements don’t replace traditional farming but build upon it, optimizing productivity and reducing environmental impact,” Rosado noted. She emphasized that every farming tool, from ox-drawn plows to high-tech machinery, has its place depending on the terrain and needs of the farmer.
Globally, more than 18 million farmers have adopted agricultural science and technology measures. Data suggests that pesticide use has decreased by 95% since 1960, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 104 million pounds annually. Moreover, erosion control techniques now help protect over one billion tons of topsoil, preserving vital water resources.
“Ultimately, these tools ensure that agricultural practices are both sustainable and environmentally responsible,” Rosado concluded, stressing that farmers can tailor technological advancements to their specific needs, even within organic and agroecological models.
“We want to open PRABIA to the public, so they understand how science and technology contribute to agriculture,” she said.