This news article was originally written in Spanish. It has been automatically translated for your convenience. Reasonable efforts have been made to provide an accurate translation, however, no automated translation is perfect nor is it intended to replace a human translator. The original article in Spanish can be viewed at Entrevista a Francisco Javier Martínez, director comercial de Mondragón Soluciones

"The system with more future is with technology 'antisucción' underground drip irrigation"

Interview with Francisco Javier Martínez, commercial director of Mondragon solutions

David well11/06/2010

June 11, 2010

The landscape of the irrigation systems in our country has changed dramatically in recent years. With institutional subsidies and projects carried out by large amount of technology centres and private companies, have developed new systems that have replaced the old method of irrigation by flooding that so much damage has been done. Mondragón solutions is one of the companies that is heavily involved in the search for new irrigation systems. With its commercial director, Francisco Javier Martínez, we analyze how the vision of the farmer in something so basic and necessary as irrigation, and what are the techniques by which is currently betting the Valencian company has evolved.

Francisco Javier Martínez, commercial director of Mondragon solutions.

From what time was the imperative need to change systems of irrigation of agriculture in Spain?

From the moment we realized is that water is a scarce and very necessary for the Spaniards, and seeing that much water is saved with the change of irrigation systems.

For decades we have seen flooded fields to irrigate. What are the benefits for the plant if it is the watered it with drip systems or underground?

Rather than benefits for the plant, which are, are more benefits in terms of savings of cost provided by the systems of drip irrigation, good air, well underground, water and energy costs are much lower in these systems than in the traditional.

How have these systems and until what point has influenced improving the inclusion of computer systems evolved?

The evolution has led us to the point of using remote control systems that allow us to automate irrigation facilities has been radical. We have gone from open floodgates, read counters, etc., all based in time and human resources, to bring the management of valve opening distance and automatically, control of pumps, reading of meters, billing, etc. This allows the management of large areas irrigated with a single person and a much more reliable and effective way.

Will have done in our country proactive policies to enable small farmers to change their customs when it comes to water?

Indeed, has led farmers to modernize their irrigation systems on plot through a support-based grants.

"It is necessary to be more efficient and more adjusted costs, which means continue with a strong r & d to adjust to the demands of the market"

Is change the system expensive?

It is clear that there is an initial investment, but as we have discussed the cost savings (water + energy + labour) is such that in a few years it pays, in addition to having the financial support of the grants. Personally I do not think expensive, taking into account also the revaluation with plots that are transformed.

It is possible that have applied these new systems in countries of the Third World with some conditions hídricas very precarious, before that in countries more developed?

What we need to take into account is that the new irrigation systems apply where there is water needs in any time of year when crops have unmet needs for climate science, and at the same time to countries where the development of agriculture is the most important, primarily by the need to produce food products for if same.

New automatic filters MSP 2 &quote;and 3&quote;, of Mondragón solutions

New automatic filters MSP 2 "and 3", of Mondragón solutions.

By what systems bets a company like Mondragon solutions?

The irrigation system with more future for their benefits and costs is currently underground drip with technology 'antisucción' (Megadrip, MS Drip) irrigation. Whether for Woody, horticultural crops extensive, Mondragón solutions available and committed to this technology 'antisucción' in their drippers, that allows to approach the irrigation of crops.

Is it continues to investigate in your company, and the sector in general, in the search for even more efficient systems?

From Mondragon we continue researching, of course, because the demand for product in agriculture changes in irrigation systems. At the same time need to be more efficient and more adjusted costs, implying continue with a strong r & d to adjust to the demands of the market.