Diagnosis about the perspectives of precision applications of coffee growing technologies in municipalities of Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

Brazil is the largest coffee producer in the world and precision agriculture (PA) generates information for decision-making by farmers in crop management. However, one of the challenges is to better understand farmers' view of PA applications, challenges and benefits. This article presentes the applicability perspectives of Precision Agriculture techniques in Bahia state coffee farming, for greater efficiency and economic and environmental sustainability. To achieve the objective of this article, a virtual questionnaire was sent, sent to coffee growers in Bahia state. The questionnaire was sent by email in 2021 and the WhatsApp application, reaching 457 producers, 34 of whom, from all productive regions of Bahia, responded. The rate of return was 7.4%, within the expected by the application of the use. It was found that 59.3% of respondents have a high prospect of using PA in coffee growing, 26.6% have a medium perspective and 11.1%, a low perspective. The research shows that 67.6% do not use PA in the fields and that 51.7% consider the lack of training as a major obstacle to the use of PA and other digital technologies. Thus, the conclusion is reached that there is a promising scenario in Bahia state for the application of PA in coffee growing, as long as there is training for the development of techniques in farming. Key words: Precision agriculture; survey; agribusiness; rural development.