Ministry of Agriculture highlights Epamig technology for sustainable management of rural properties

Discussions about sustainable development and ways to contain climate change are increasingly on the rise. Proof of this is that, over the last few days, the 26th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP-26) discussed these and other issues with authorities from several countries. In Brazil, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) published the document “Adaptation strategies to climate change in Brazilian agricultural systems”, as a way to bring together initiatives from public and private institutions focused on sustainability. An English version of the document was taken to COP-26 (read here).

Among the institutions highlighted by MAPA is the Agricultural Research Company of Minas Gerais (EPAMIG), responsible for developing the technology for Sustainability Indicators in Agrosystems (ISA). Since 2010, ISA has assisted technicians and producers in preparing diagnoses on the situations of rural properties in Minas Gerais and other states.

According to EPAMIG researcher, José Mário Lobo, the main objectives of ISA are to assess the environmental and socioeconomic balance of rural establishments, pointing out critical points, potential and capabilities for the different uses and occupations of the soil.

“The ISA serves as a management instrument for rural producers in the planning and decision-making process. The technology allows a systemic approach to rural enterprises, performs diagnoses, monitors the biophysical environment and socioeconomic aspects for projects and technical assistance programs”, highlights José Mário.

The indicators

In total, the ISA uses 21 indicators on topics such as soil productive capacity, soil and water management and conservation, assessment of aquatic ecosystems and management of resources available on rural properties.

According to researcher José Mário, the system's proposal is to equip the producer with a tool that offers an overview of the rural property. The results of applying the technology are producers who are more attentive to the guidelines and strategic goals for the Ministry of Agriculture.

“The ISA addresses aspects related to water, soil and biodiversity management. Understanding and monitoring this tripod is essential to guide technicians and rural producers to achieve production systems with greater resilience, adaptability, stability and efficiency in the use and preservation of natural resources”, he concludes.

ISA

The ISA is a public domain tool developed by EPAMIG in partnership with Embrapa Milho e Sorgo, Emater-MG, State Forestry Institute (IEF), the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and the João Pinheiro Foundation

In 2012, the system was institutionalized in Minas Gerais with the recognition of the secretariats of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, Environment and Sustainable Development and Economic Development (formerly Sectes).

Over the years, the ISA system has been applied by Emater-MG extensionists on more than 1200 properties in Minas Gerais, through programs such as Certifica Minas Café, Minas Pecuária and resettlement areas. The tool has also been applied to 212 properties affected by the collapse of the Fundão Dam, in Bento Rodrigues, district of Mariana (MG). Furthermore, the system is present in the states of Espírito Santo, Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Bahia, Tocantins and the Federal District.

Those interested in applying ISA should contact EPAMIG at (31) 3489-5065. The company is linked to the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply of Minas Gerais (Seapa).