International competition and the advancement of technology occur in all sectors. But within all the sectors there is one that due to its characteristics is very special, this sector is agriculture. Broad spectrum sector that ranges from agriculture to livestock, through flower cultivation, forestry, fruit trees, horticulture, cereals, poultry, beekeeping and dairy among many others. To define it in a simpler way, we are talking about generating products from the exploitation of renewable natural resources
But in this farm, the use of state-of-the-art technology, both in terms of pesticides, fertilizers and fertilizers, as well as in the genetics of plants and animals, apart from modern machinery and the sophisticated one of airplanes, are becoming increasingly important and transcendental. computerized irrigation systems and the use of satellites.
In a world whose population is increasing exponentially, especially in the less developed countries and in those of South and East Asia, the demand for food is increasing every day, and as the income levels of the central countries increase the Increase in high-quality food is also on the rise. To this great demand for food we must add the ecological problems related to climate change.
Given these circumstances, the search for a system that improves the exploitation of resources, eliminating waste and allowing a more rational use of elements such as land and water, are essential. Until now, more interest has been placed in the advances of machines, equipment, seeds and fertilizers, among others, and in their respective and better use, than in the improvement of processes in the style of how it has been done in the most important industries. advanced.
Well, this moment has come, it is the moment that total quality, preventive maintenance, human resource management, waste elimination and strategic planning are also part of agricultural activity. And one of the best ways to put it into practice is through the Kaizen system. System that pursues continuous improvement in productivity levels, quality, costs, cycle times, and profitability levels.
Until now, more has been said and written about Kaizen applied to industrial and service activities than about its use in the field of agricultural production.
However, immense losses not caused by climatic factors (hail, rains, droughts, among others) make us see the imperative need to activate systems as soon as possible that not only limit said losses, but also significantly increase production levels, accompanied by a lower cost per perceived monetary units, and with a high added value for customers given the higher quality offered.
The systematic detection, prevention and elimination of waste and waste constitutes without a doubt one of the main contributions that the Kaizen system offers to agricultural activity.
- Correct management in the maintenance of equipment, machines and tools, aimed at eliminating breakdowns, avoids loss of production times, avoids loss of production (grains, milk, etc.), improves fuel efficiency, avoids monetary losses due to repairs and loss of value of machinery The use of Statistical Control of Processes and Management allows better control both in terms of quality, productivity and yields, both for the control of the various farms, as well as for the better use of machinery, energy and other inputs. The implementation of the Five "S" enables not only a better use of resources, but also losses caused by accidents. The training and management of high performance work teams.This implies a higher level of qualification, training and participation on the part of the personnel Total quality destined to a production of first quality products, that comply with the regulations on prophylaxis, that are palatable by consumers, and that maintain a high level uniformity.
If it is dairy production that the cows are healthy, and the milk has a minimum of bacteria admitted. If they are flowers, that they have the consistency and quality, lacking prophylactic problems. In the same way for cereals, wood, poultry, eggs, and livestock among other products.
- Analysis of the various causes that destroy, spoil, hinder and devalue production. The possible preventions and their implementation plans. The best use of machinery, tools and facilities in the various production activities.
If we add new concepts in terms of production management to modern technology, we will have a notable increase in the competitiveness and performance of the different companies.
Continuously improving yields, no longer depends only on advances in technology and genetics, it is also feasible to achieve it through better use of resources.
