Residents of Chanavayita and Caramucho participated in a hands-on workshop teaching techniques for implementing hydroponic farming systems. The initiative aims to diversify the local economy and utilize clean technologies such as nanobubbles and desalinated seawater.
A group of residents from the northern coast actively participated in the workshop “Hydroponic cultivation in a floating root system and transplanting of seedlings to a basic module”, as part of a project that promotes sustainable agricultural development in coastal areas.
This activity is part of the Public Good project “Zoning, technologies and use of desalinated water in the development of hydroponic crops with nanobubbles in the coastal sector,” supported by Corfo and the Regional Secretariat of Agriculture, and implemented by Support Consultores. The program has a duration of 24 months and an investment of 231 million pesos.
During the training, Catalina Cortés, regional director of Corfo, highlighted that “this instrument of our corporation marks territorial presence on the coast of the region, and also consolidates a project that will be available to all the inhabitants of Tarapacá, especially those of the fishing coves.”
From the Regional Secretariat of Agriculture, head Eduardo Justo reinforced institutional support for the process. “Our commitment is to contribute technical expertise and professionals to support the implementation of this model along the coast.”
The project's objective, according to Alejandra Escalona, director of Support Consultores, is clear: "We seek to generate a platform, methodologies and tools that allow the coves to diversify their productive activity through hydroponic crops, using desalinated seawater and technologies such as nanobubbles, projecting a small-scale agriculture with a community focus."
In the workshop, agronomist Cecilia Poblete explained the technical phases of the floating root hydroponic system, while psychologist Nancy Lemus addressed the importance of individual roles and team collaboration.
In addition, plans include the creation of a virtual platform with theoretical and practical modules available to the entire community, including a demonstration unit that will function as a pilot greenhouse.