In 2006, Santo received training from a PRODUMER agronomist. With help from PRODUCMER, Santo was able to move away from traditional methods of sesame production and begin using more efficient cultivation techniques. The conservation agriculture methods promoted by PRODUMER involve the use of permanent cover crops, crop rotation and minimal soil disturbance. These practices are much more environmentally friendly in the long run, reducing erosion and developing biodiversity within the soil. Conservation agriculture also has the important long term effect of increasing yields and reducing production costs.

When he first made the switch to conservation agriculture, Santo’s neighbours saw the new technology he was using and thought he had made an unwise decision. However, when they began to see the positive results, they became curious about the methodology and expressed interest in trying it themselves.

Santo changed his cultivation methods because he wanted to reduce labour and production costs. The initial costs involved with implementing these changes are already starting to pay off. The young farmer has already noticed a reduction in labour and is already starting to see an increase in his yield, as the quality of his soil improves.