Agri technologies eyed aiding Phl farmers, communities
Agriculture sector communities are expected to benefit from R&D -generated technologies.
Daily TribuneAgriculture sector communities are expected to benefit from R&D -generated technologies.
Photo | Analy Labor
The country's agriculture sector communities are expected to benefit from research and development-generated technologies of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology.
According to PCARRDD, these technologies include goat production, an automated and water-efficient irrigation system, and a mobile app to identify pests and diseases.
Likewise, an improved extension model for conflict-vulnerable communities in Mindanao and learning how to create ecosystem services from natural resources and how it can help build a competitive agri-aqua innovation ecosystem have been showcased during the recent 7th National R&D Conference at the Philippine International Convention Center.
Technologies from R&D
PCAARRD also said that goat production in the Philippines is mainly seen in backyard farms and treated as a rural asset, particularly when emergency cash is required.
Adding that to establish further the goat's status as a "profitable rural asset," Isabela State University launched a program to enhance the application of artificial insemination to address production inefficiency.
On the other hand, sugarcane farmers are expected to benefit from a computer-assisted furrow irrigation system called Automatic Furrow Irrigation System or AFIS.
Following these developments, PCAARRD said that smartphones, with their mobility, contribute a lot to farming.
With this, insect pests and diseases can now be identified using a mobile application called SPIDTECH, developed through the project, Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines or SARAI.
Proper pest identification is key to good pest management. SPIDTECH, therefore, hopes to help reduce damages and losses to crops due to insect pests and disease infestation, thus reducing the risk of our farmers' income losses.
Aside from helping farmers, R&D also supports communities in gaining livelihood opportunities.
