The partnership between Agrotec, one of the largest agricultural solution distributors in Paraguay, and DigiFarmz is a true success story, thanks to the unique market solution offered by the startup.
The partnership between Agrotec, one of the largest distributors of agricultural solutions in Paraguay, and DigiFarmz, an agricultural technology company, is a true success story, thanks to the unique market solution offered by the startup. Since its implementation in Agrotec's daily operations, DigiFarmz has profoundly impacted farming practices and outcomes, revolutionizing how Paraguayan producers manage their crops, optimize costs, and maximize yields.
A new decision-making model
About five years ago, Agrotec saw DigiFarmz as a disruptive solution to meet the growing demands for efficiency and customization in agribusiness. Initially, the platform faced skepticism from producers accustomed to conventional methods. Paulo Eduardo Alves, CEO of Agrihold Group and Executive Director of Agrotec Paraguay, recalls: "At first, producers viewed the tool with suspicion, as if it were just another 'one-size-fits-all' solution. Over time, they realized it is entirely intelligent and customizable, adapting to the specific needs of each farm and decision."
The implementation began with 10,000 hectares in pilot projects, but the platform's impact was so significant that it now covers over 80,000 hectares in Paraguay, with plans to reach 300,000 hectares in the coming years.
Results in practice: stories of transformation in the field
The platform's efficiency stands out at various levels. One notable example occurred during the worst drought in Paraguay's history, a year when average productivity dropped to 900 kilograms per hectare. Even under extreme conditions, producers using DigiFarmz reported additional gains of 300 to 400 kilograms per hectare—enough to cover the technology's costs and ensure a positive return. "If the tool delivers results in tough years, imagine what it can do in good years," Paulo points out.
Another remarkable case was reported by Fabrício Brajak, an agronomist and technical consultant at Agrotec. He worked with a client who traditionally invested in premium products from different suppliers but still faced significant yield losses. With DigiFarmz, the producer began defining all fungicide applications based on the platform and purchasing exclusively from Agrotec. This not only reduced fungicide costs by 20% but also ensured healthier and more productive crops. Additionally, Agrotec strengthened its role in the producer's business, becoming a strategic partner in phytosanitary management. "The client realized that the secret isn't just in the product but in the correct application. They saved money, harvested more, and are now one of the platform's biggest advocates," says Fabrício.
Efficiency and sustainability in application
DigiFarmz not only helps producers identify the ideal time for input applications but also promotes the conscious and sustainable use of resources. Alex Roman, Commercial Manager at Agrotec, highlights that the tool has helped eliminate unnecessary applications. "With the platform, we’ve reduced product use to only what is truly effective and necessary, saving costs and minimizing environmental impact. It’s about doing more with less," he explains.
The platform's unique approach is also reflected in strategic management planning. The solution can analyze variables such as weather, crop type, and active ingredients in products, offering precise and highly customized recommendations. This allows producers to reduce unnecessary costs without sacrificing productivity. "Efficiency comes from the ideal combination: the right product, at the right time, applied at the right dose," Alex concludes.
Breaking barriers and building trust
One of the main challenges early on was overcoming resistance from producers, especially those managing larger areas and accustomed to traditional methods. Fabrício Brajak reports that many producers hesitated to trust the platform's recommendations, such as changing the timing of fungicide applications. "Most of them followed traditional practices and were skeptical of recommendations that differed from what they were used to. But after testing DigiFarmz, they quickly saw the benefits and didn’t want to go back," says Fabrício.
This shift shows producers that there are more efficient and profitable ways to manage their crops. Additionally, one of DigiFarmz's greatest benefits for retailers is the trust producers place in the recommendations, strengthening relationships and solidifying the retailer as a strategic partner in crop management.
Paulo Alves adds that this initial resistance is being overcome, especially with Agrotec's technical support. "The platform is intuitive, but we also have 70 trained agronomists to support producers. This has been essential to ensure everyone gets the most out of the tool," he says.
Beyond transforming field management, DigiFarmz has left a significant legacy within Agrotec's team. Through field experiments conducted in partnership with DigiFarmz, Agrotec's agronomists were trained to apply this knowledge in practice. "The insights generated by DigiFarmz and validated in the field have been crucial in further qualifying our team, enabling us to provide precise and well-founded recommendations to producers," Paulo emphasizes.
Continuous evolution: a look to the future
DigiFarmz is not just a phytosanitary management platform. It is constantly evolving, incorporating new features year after year. Paulo Alves sees this evolution as a strategic differentiator. "DigiFarmz is a living organism that adapts and improves over time. In the coming years, we’ll have an even more robust tool, capable of meeting a wider range of producer needs," he predicts.
A trust-based relationship
Sidinei Neuhaus, CRO of DigiFarmz, celebrates the success of the partnership with Agrotec and the tool's positive impact in Paraguay. "Agrotec is a strategic partner, and together we’re bringing cutting-edge technology to transform agribusiness not only in Paraguay but in all countries where DigiFarmz operates. Seeing the results in the field and the recognition from producers is the greatest proof that we’re on the right path," he highlights.
Impact on Paraguay's agricultural sector
With affordable costs and proven results, DigiFarmz is changing the dynamics of agribusiness in Paraguay. Today, about 3% of the country's cultivated area uses the platform, with projections to reach 15% in the coming years. The combination of intuitive technology, specialized technical support, and tangible results has driven producer adoption, solidifying DigiFarmz as an indispensable tool for modern agriculture.
The positive impacts of this transformation are evident in crop profitability. "On average, over the last six harvests where DigiFarmz was used in the field, the management adjustments proposed by our algorithms resulted in an average increase of approximately $60 per hectare in user profits," Neuhaus notes. This tangible return reinforces farmers' trust in the technology and drives the platform's expansion across the country.
Fabiana Duarte
Communication advisory
BR-US-LATAM
fabiana.duarte@digifarmz.com
+55 54 99675-0956