The aim of all the companies and research centres that make up the AgritechMurcia ecosystem is to get the most out of agricultural production, in a sustainable way, and genetics is one of the essential elements nowadays.
This is confirmed by the members of the Murcian association whose experience certifies that you can develop efficient varieties for sowing which, in turn, must have the right substrate, intelligent irrigation, water harvesting that makes the most of the resource, production in a controlled environment, biotechnology, etc. that goes well with them to achieve maximum yield.
This is what Juan Luis Jiménez, from Orginalius, as well as any AgritechMurcia associate, confirms:
“Genetics is crucial for agro development, as is the technology that accompanies genetic advances”.
Why is it so important?
It is a fundamental pillar of agricultural sustainability. Innovation in this area is key to achieving sustainability. Through research, we achieve more disease-resistant varieties, which means that fewer pesticides can be used to treat them.
What is the focus of current developments?
We are going to generate varieties that need less water and require fewer inputs to achieve the same amount of product. We are also looking for varieties that give fruit with a longer post-harvest period.
Is the consumer aware of the effort?
Yes, because we are also trying to empathise with the market with products that are more in demand in order to reduce food waste.
Challenges?
Genetics adapted to climate change in the face of drastic temperature changes.
But it should be emphasised that the technology that supports genetic development will be just as important as the genetics itself in achieving productivity goals. That is to say, it must be accompanied by a business ecosystem that provides everything from training, to the right substrate, from efficient water collection, or biotechnology, to production in a controlled environment, or intelligent irrigation, etc. In short, the development provided by AgritechMurcia as a whole.
