Tereos to double sugarcane seedlings with automation

Inaugurated in April 2020, the facility has produced 7.5 million seedlings so far. Structured to ensure quality MPB’s (pre-sprouted seedlings) for the seven Tereos units, located in the northwest region of the state of São Paulo, the increase in production will bring benefits on several fronts for the company.

Upon completion of the initiative, important steps of this process will be carried out in an automated manner, such as substrate preparation, yolk extraction, thermal and chemical treatment and temperature and humidity control in the pre-germination phase.

Less expenses

“With the biofactory, in addition to ensuring the quality of the seedlings, we also have an important reduction in expenses in the production of this material. In addition, the increase in production through automation allows the company to increase the use of MPB’s in the cane field, more rational use of inputs and, consequently, a reduction in the cost of each seedling”, says José Olavo, executive manager of Agricultural Technology Development at Tereos.

Solar energy

The operation, which already had systems for reusing the water used to irrigate the seedlings, now gains new, more sustainable processes. The sprouting chamber, equipment that guarantees favorable conditions for the plant’s development, will be powered by solar energy, contributing to the energy transformation movement supported by Tereos.

With the circular economy at the center of its activities, sugarcane straw, a residue from the field harvest, will be used as a substrate for production, providing nutrients for the growing seedlings.

“We are always looking for ways to make the most of each product in our production chain. This re-use of straw not only reduces production residues, but also our consumption of chemical fertilisers, reducing the generation of greenhouse gases in our operations”, adds José Olavo.