March 11, 2016
Now that the construction of our new pump house is complete, the expansion of our irrigation infrastructure and energy network has been finalized and the first 100 hectares of land on Fazenda Rio Grande has been cleared, we have reached one of the most exciting and fulfilling stages of implementation – planting.
An aerial shot of clearing on Fazenda Rio Grande
Before delving into the precise techniques our agronomists use for planting neem, which is scheduled to commence on our plantations this week, we have compiled a visual history of all the activity that has taken place on the ground as we prepare for this next stage. With a camera crew, photographer and drone recording each stage of the implementation process this year, we have amassed a collection of photographs and video footage documenting the large-scale operations that have taken place on our plantations. This collection will be available to view on the Unique website over the coming weeks.
Clearing Land to Expand Our Projects
With plans to expand our projects and clear approximately 1,000 hectares of land in this phase, we ensure that all activity on our plantations is executed with the highest level of safety, efficiency and environmental consideration.
Three D6N Caterpillar tractors, a John Deer 700 tractor and a Denic Cimaf DAF 15OD dresser with excavator provide the machinery necessary for fast and efficient land clearing.
We are clearing the land on our plantations with the most ecologically sound and sustainable processes, ensuring that all organic material remains in the soil in order to strengthen tree development when planting. This ensures that all organic material remains in the soil and allows for stronger tree development in preparation for planting.
This machine shreds any cleared shrubbery on our plantations so that the excess can be ploughed back into the soil
In order to maintain the region’s natural biodiversity throughout the clearing process, we have monitored the fauna and wildlife that exists on the land and safely relocated them to a reserve area on our plantations.
The dedicated reserve area for any fauna and wildlife found across our plantations
As one of the leading examples of sustainable agriculture in the region, we have now developed a more productive relationship with the state’s environmental authorities (Semace) and continue to receive the necessary licensing to increase the scale of our projects at a greater pace than ever before. This relationship will be key in enabling us to become one of the world’s foremost producers of neem.
Semace representatives on site at our plantations with Chief Operating Officer Andrew Goodman, General Manager Erika Parente and members of our plantation staff
While the first half of Fazenda Palmeira Grande was cleared and approved for planting over the last few months, we have now received the license to begin the process for the second half. This section of the plantation will be cleared and ready for planting from April 2016.
The sun sets on a good day of clearing on Fazenda Palmeira Grande
Ensuring Irrigation Infrastructure is Sustained Across All Sectors
We are glad to announce that the construction of our pump house is now complete, forming the foundation of the comprehensive irrigation infrastructure that exists throughout each sector of our plantations.
Our newly developed pump house, which will serve as one of the hubs for operations related to irrigation and fertilization
Currently, 234 hectares of Fazenda Lagoa Grande are fully irrigated and specialist technicians housed in this new development will control the level of water and fertilizers distributed throughout these sectors.
The reach of our new pump house is being facilitated by the three-fold increase of the energy capacity on our plantations from 45 kwa to 142.5 kwa. This will allow our pump house to have a greater reach and ensure more efficient water and fertilizer distribution cycles.
By acquiring new generators and installing additional electrical networks across the plantations, we will triple our energy capacity
Preparing the Land for Planting
Now that the land on FRG is cleared and that we have received the appropriate licensing to begin planting, the next step is to prepare the soil. With the planting of 100,000 neem trees in this phase scheduled to begin this week, the soil in the sector has been cultivated and ploughed to break up clods, remove weeds and transform any woody material into organic compounds. This facilitates the development of the saplings in their vital first few months in the soil.
By harrowing the land we ensure that the organic material in the soil surfaces, strengthening root development once the saplings are planted.
As the soil on FRG has already been cultivated, we have now begun digging holes in preparation for planting the neem saplings. Once these have been dug we will introduce organic fertilizer to ensure that all the necessary nutrients for plant growth remain in the soil.
A closer look at our harrowing equipment.
With planting scheduled for this week our next update will focus on neem’s journey from our nursery, where each sapling has been carefully nurtured in their early days of development, to our plantations. The next stage of project implementation is now underway and we look forward to showing you a new generation of neem trees in the ground.
