Revolutionizing Apple Farming: The Impact of XAG R150 in Vacaria

XAG R150 in the apple orchards (Source: Timber)

The Apple Hub of Brazil

Nestled in the northeast corner of Rio Grande do Sul, Vacaria stands out in Brazil for its distinctive oceanic climate and significant apple production. As February ushers in a much-anticipated harvest season, local fruit farmers have welcomed the innovative XAG R150 Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), demonstrating its prowess for precision farming in apple orchards.

Challenges Looming for Apple Producers

The Gaucho Association of Apple Producers (Agapomi) reports that Vacaria is responsible for an impressive 88% of the state’s apple output, contributing 37% to the national production. RASIP, one of Brazil’s largest apple producers, has strategically chosen this region to cultivate its 400-hectare plantation, focusing on the premium Gala and Fuji apple varieties. However, recent years have brought unexpected challenges, including erratic weather patterns leading to droughts and hail, particularly affecting the Fuji variety’s yield.

Local apple orchard of RASIP. (Source: RASIP)

In addition to weather woes, the rising costs of fertilizers necessary for top-quality apple production have added financial strain on farmers, making future harvests increasingly unpredictable and challenging.

Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Farming

To combat these pressing issues, RASIP is exploring innovative and resilient farming solutions. In collaboration with Timber, XAG’s local partner in Brazil, and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), the R150 was deployed for an apple tree spraying demonstration. This marked a significant step towards utilizing advanced agricultural technology in Brazilian orchards.

XAG R150 conducting spraying in Vacaria, the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. (Source: Timber)

During the demonstration, water-sensitive papers were strategically placed among the apple trees to record the effectiveness of the applied spray. Following precise route planning, the autonomous XAG R150 operated seamlessly, using its specialized JetSprayer system to deliver finely atomized liquids across the branches, ensuring uniform coverage and optimal protection for the crops.

Results on water-sensitive papers from XAG R150. (Source: Timber)

In the upcoming months, RASIP intends to deepen its partnership with Timber to expand the use of the XAG R150 in their orchards. As Webber, a representative from RASIP, expressed, “After examining the spray result, we found that the XAG R150 is at an advantage in making crop protection easier for our newly introduced dwarfed-apple cultivar. We are excited to see our most popular apples will grow under the care of precision farming technology.”