Field-Based Innovation in the Altiplano Cundiboyacense
In the heart of Colombia’s Altiplano Cundiboyacense, a region known for its breathtaking potato fields, a new approach is revolutionizing how farmers manage and optimize potato production. Through the collaboration of UPL and local agricultural leaders, Colombian farmers are now integrating bio-stimulation and sustainable crop management practices from UPL’s Natural Plant Protection (NPP) program — an innovation with Indian roots and global impact.
This transformation was highlighted in a field visit by the Colombian agricultural media project “Santiago Viendo el Campo,” featuring UPL’s agronomist Engineer Óscar Parra and farmer Zahir Cuevas, whose experience exemplifies the success of these techniques.
From India to the Andes: UPL’s Global Footprint
UPL, an Indian-origin global agri-input leader, has been active in Colombia for over 15 years. It is currently the top seller of crop protection products in the country and ranks fifth globally in terms of revenue from crop protection.
However, the company’s ambitions extend beyond conventional chemical solutions. In 2021, UPL launched NPP (Natural Plant Protection) — a strategic global business unit that offers eco-friendly, sustainable, and economically viable solutions tailored for small and large-scale farmers alike. This includes plant nutrition, biocontrol, and bio-stimulation technologies designed to increase productivity while reducing environmental impact.
NPP Bio-Stimulation Strategy for Potato Crops
UPL’s bio-stimulation approach in potatoes is structured around different phenological stages of the crop, offering targeted solutions at each phase of growth. Below is a breakdown of the key products and how they are used:
1. Sowing Stage
- Reon: A plant-based hydro-retainer that improves soil moisture retention, crucial during dry periods like those caused by El Niño.
- Biosimi: A bio-stimulant with over 40 years of proven field results, used in seed treatment to enhance sprouting and early vigor.
2. Early Growth and Root Development
- Uniflex: A granular humic acid that reduces fertilizer losses due to volatilization, improving nutrient absorption. Applied at 20 kg per hectare.
- Cationic: A fulvic acid-based liquid that boosts root development and nutrient uptake. Applied at 1–1.5 liters per hectare depending on application method.
3. Tuber Formation
- Biosimi (Foliar Application): Used again before tuberization to increase the number of tubers and improve underground growth.
- Polycal Magnesio: A foliar magnesium supplement enriched with amino acids, supporting chlorophyll production and efficient energy use for starch synthesis.
4. Tuber Filling Stage
- Fitobolic: A plant extract enriched with vitamins and minerals that promotes tuber size and uniformity. Dosage: 250 cc per 200-liter tank.
- Kolplus: An organic foliar fertilizer used alongside Fitobolic to optimize nutrient availability and boost tuber development.
5. Final Maturation
- Cafo: A potassium- and phosphorus-rich foliar fertilizer enhanced with gibberellins, assisting with nutrient translocation and final starch accumulation. Price: approximately 35,000–40,000 COP per kg.
Farmer Testimonial: Real Impact on Yields
Local farmer Zahir Cuevas, applying the NPP product portfolio on his farm in Vereda La Isla, Funza, reported yield increases from 36–38 tons per hectare to 50–60 tons per hectare — a productivity boost of more than 40%.
Cuevas attributes these gains to:
- Stronger root development
- Increased foliage and plant vigor
- Greater tuber uniformity and size
- More efficient input use, especially water and fertilizers
Today, more than 70% of his inputs come from UPL’s NPP product line. He encourages other Latin American farmers to adopt these sustainable practices.
Training and Precision in Application
UPL supports farmers with the “Aplique Bien” training program, which focuses on proper calibration and handling of agricultural equipment. Led by agronomist Fernando Martínez, the program trains both farmers and distributors across Colombia to ensure:
- Proper dosage per hectare
- Accurate equipment calibration
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Optimization of water quality and spray effectiveness
Conclusion: Indian Innovation Empowering Latin American Agriculture
UPL’s Natural Plant Protection portfolio, combining Indian agronomic innovation with global sustainability goals, is transforming how potatoes are grown in Colombia. As UPL continues expanding its fieldwork, education efforts, and product development, it exemplifies India’s growing leadership in shaping the future of global agriculture.
