As greenhouse cultivation is very labor-intensive, labor shortages pose a considerable challenge for growers. "We're seeing that Mexican growers struggle with labor scarcity, especially so in the center of the country," says Juan Pablo Saucedo Romero of AgroSense México. This Mexican supplier of horticulture products states they contribute to addressing this issue by supplying the TomSystem, an automated tutoring system. "Growers can operate with smaller, more compact teams, as the staffs efficiency and effectivity increases greatly."
The TomSystem is designed to fasten the process of plant tying, without using plastics. A galvanized metal clip is used to tie the plant to the twine mechanically. AgroSense is based in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. Currently, the company is the exclusive distributor of the TomSystem throughout Mexico. Juan says: "In the TomSystem, we found an effective means to minimize labor in Mexican greenhouses. It's not only a fast, but also an ecological and profitable solution that enhances the efficiency and sustainability of crop cultivation."
An operator while using the TomSystem.
Enhancing efficiency
Juan believes that this system will help to solve labor shortages, saying: "The TomSystem significantly reduces the time in which crops are tied. You can reach the same productivity of 2 people and up, by using this tool kit. We have seen that growers who use the TomSystem had operators that could staple more than 1,400 plants per hour. When you increase the number of plants tied in the same amount of time, you'll need fewer people for this task. This allows growers to have smaller tying labor teams."
In addition, the tool converts normal labor into specialized labor within 2-3 weeks time, as workers pick up the activity rapidly and do not need much training. "Plant tying with a TomSystem involves less crop damage than manual tying, and it prevents the loss of new floral tips."
"Further, the TomSystem measures and promotes efficiency," he adds.
This video show how the TomSystem functions.
Reducing crop damage and pollution
Juan highlights the TomSystem is suitable for all medium and high-tech crops including bell peppers (mini bell, habaneros), tomatoes (saladette, grape, cherry, and beefstake tomatoes), as well as cucumbers and eggplants.
Moreover, the TomSystem uses galvanized rings, which reduces the usage of plastic and thus the amount of pollution. He adds: "The galvanized steel rings can be processed with the Bio Chopper, they can be processed into compostable material. By promoting the TomSystem, we want to reach Mexican growers looking for a solution for their labor shortage, while also promoting less polluting technology."
The TomSystem uses galvanized steel rings.
For more information:
Juan Pablo Saucedo Romero
AgroSense México
Dr. Mario Camelo #187
Col. Chapultepec.
Culiacán, Sinaloa, México
P.O. 80040
Tel (667) 712 69 07
Cel:+52 1 6671 38 09 27
https://agrosensemexico.com