There was a time when farmers relied solely on their intuition and generations of passed-down knowledge to tend their fields. Today, as Francisco Velasquez’s AgriCarm prepares to launch, a new dawn of precision agriculture is coming. This mobile application promises to change farming by putting technology into the hands of farmers worldwide.
The Founder’s Journey
Francisco Velasquez’s path to creating AgriCarm began at the Panamerican Agricultural School, Zamorano, where he studied for two years before health issues interrupted his education. Undeterred, Velasquez pursued English studies at the University of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, followed by a bachelor’s degree in plant sciences from the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Velasquez’s educational background culminated with master’s studies in precision agriculture from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. This experience gave him a unique perspective on the global challenges farmers face. “My journey through various educational institutions and cultures opened my eyes to the universal struggles of farmers, regardless of their location or farm size,” Francisco Velasquez explains.
Now, as an agronomist specializing in organic agriculture, Velasquez has channeled his expertise into AgriCarm, a mobile application set to launch in early 2025. AgriCarm is to democratize access to precision agriculture tools, making them available to farmers of all scales, particularly small and medium-sized operations.
The company’s name, inspired by Our Lady of Mount Carmel, reflects Velasquez’s values and commitment to assisting as many farmers as possible. AgriCarm’s mission is to equip farmers of all scales with the tools and knowledge necessary to enhance their operations, boost productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices. Through its upcoming mobile application and focus on education, AgriCarm aims to bridge the gap between small-scale farmers and sophisticated precision agriculture techniques, creating a more efficient and sustainable agricultural future.
Velasquez emphasized that bringing AgriCarm to life would not have been possible without the unwavering support of his family and the many people who shared their insights and advice, enriching his vision through discussions on various agricultural topics. He also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of a trusted advisor, whose guidance helped refine AgriCarm’s approach, ensuring a strong focus on professionalism and dedication to farmers.
How AgriCarm’s Automated Tools Work
Central to AgriCarm’s features is its automated plant counting tool. This technology employs advanced image recognition to evaluate plant density and uniformity during the crucial emergence stage.
This proactive strategy for crop management can potentially improve overall yield and significantly reduce waste. “Our automated plant counting feature is like having an expert agronomist constantly monitoring your fields,” Francisco Velasquez notes. “It provides insights that can make the difference between a good harvest and a great one.”
Industry data suggests that precision agriculture technologies have reduced fossil fuel use by 6% and water consumption by 4%. AgriCarm’s plant counting tool is set to optimize resource use further and improve crop yields by providing farmers with precise, real-time data on crop emergence.
Built-In Education Platform
Recognizing the importance of ongoing learning in agriculture, AgriCarm incorporates a robust educational component. The app includes in-app educational modules on precision agriculture, soil analysis, crop monitoring, and nutrient management.
Beyond these modules, Francisco Velasquez’s AgriCarm offers access to online courses led by industry experts. These courses focus on the practical application of technology in modern farming practices, ensuring that farmers can effectively implement the tools provided by the app.
This educational approach adheres to the growing trend of digital connectivity in agriculture. With the precision agriculture market expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8% until 2028, platforms facilitating knowledge sharing and skill development among farmers will likely see increased demand.
Digital Fields and Real-Time Decisions
AgriCarm also integrates global positioning system (GPS) functionality and soil data analysis so farmers can create digital maps of their fields, providing a visual representation of soil studies and other crucial data points.
The GPS integration enables optimized input application, making variable rate technology accessible even to farmers with limited resources. This capability to precisely target inputs based on specific soil conditions and GPS locations can substantially improve crop yields. “With the app, farmers can see their land with new eyes,” Francisco Velasquez explains. “Fields they have walked for decades suddenly reveal hidden patterns and potential.”
Moreover, AgriCarm’s soil data and GPS integration improve long-term planning and decision-making. Farmers can use this data to track changes in soil health over time, identify trends in crop performance across different areas of their fields, and make informed decisions about crop rotation, fertilization strategies, and other critical aspects of farm management.
Making Affordable Precision Farming Within Reach
Francisco Velasquez’s goal is to make precision agriculture accessible to farmers of all scales. The app addresses the challenge of producing more food with fewer resources while minimizing environmental impact. To achieve this, it will offer the basic version of the app for free, making it accessible to those with limited resources.
Premium features like certified courses and custom map creation requests will be available as paid options. This freemium model ensures that all farmers, regardless of farm size, have access to essential precision agriculture tools while also allowing them to invest in advanced features as their needs expand.
AgriCarm’s Farmer Network
The app includes a robust farmer collaboration network, recognizing that many farmers work in isolation, particularly in remote areas. This platform enables farmers to exchange knowledge, build support communities, and collaborate on solving common problems.
Facilitating these connections enables the app to create a global community of farmers who can support each other and collectively tackle the challenges of modern agriculture.
As Francisco Velasquez looks toward the launch of AgriCarm, he sees it as more than just an app. “The app is about giving farmers knowledge, tools, and community,” Francisco Velasquez says. With its comprehensive strategy for precision farming, it is set to become an indispensable tool for farmers worldwide, truly living up to its promise of being every farmer’s new best friend.
