The Department of Agriculture (DA) has entered into a partnership with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) to use advanced space technology to increase local farm productivity, improve resource utilization, and enhance project monitoring.
The Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) and PhilSA signed last Wednesday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to modernize data collection, analysis and dissemination, fostering informed decision-making and sustainable growth in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
“The collaboration between DA-BAFE and PhilSA exemplifies the spirit of partnership and synergy that is essential for driving meaningful change. By pooling together our respective expertise and resources, we can co-create innovative solutions that have the potential to revolutionize the way we approach agriculture,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel.
Phase 1 of the project involves joint research, exchange of expertise and information, capacity-building exercises, and project implementation focused on monitoring of farm-to-market roads and major agricultural commodities such as onion and corn.
The partnership will utilize space technology, remote sensing, and sophisticated agricultural systems to drive innovation and efficiency in the sector, with the pilot testing taking place in Nueva Ecija.
Laurel said embracing technological advances is crucial in addressing challenges faced by farmers and ensuring food security in the country.
He added that digital agriculture is essential to unlock opportunities for farmers and fisherfolk, providing them with tools and knowledge to increase productivity.
“Using technology and data analytics, we can gain invaluable insights into crop health, soil conditions, enabling us to make informed decisions and implement targeted interventions,” he added.
The DA believed that information will help policymakers craft better policies with the availability of near real-time data and insights for strategic planning and decision-making.
It also sought collective efforts to overcome challenges related to limited access to digital infrastructure and costly technology, ensuring that the benefits of digitalization are accessible to all.
BAFE will harness other digital technologies including Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System and Geographic Information System for Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery and Infrastructure.