TARLAC CITY — The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III (DA-RFO III) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Tarlac State University (TSU) for the creation of an agriculture and fisheries network in Central Luzon at the Office of the University President Friday.

Dubbed as the Central Luzon Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, Research and Extension for Development Network, the network aims to connect stakeholders in the region to boost the agricultural and fisheries sector.

The MoU states that the TSU will serve as a voluntary Research for Development and Extension partner institution, working alongside other state universities and colleges, local government units, private institutions and Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations across Central Luzon.

According to Regional Technical Director for Research, Regulation, and Integrated Laboratory Services Dr. Irene M. Adion, the TSU is a premier university that has the expertise to develop technologies such as solar-powered irrigation ans internet of things used in precision agriculture.

“They have the capability to help the DA achieve the goal of precision agriculture in the coming years,” she said.

The official cited that the collaboration shows a shared commitment to excellence in education, research, and community development.

The MoU also cited that the partnership is dedicated exclusively to the network’s operations in planning, prioritizing, and implementing key initiatives, including knowledge management, technology incubation, scaling of innovations, co-creation and co-design of technologies, responsive interventions and policy development.