Expanded tech-based farming programs backed by PH lawmaker
Believe it or not, many countries are now using AI robots to automate farming. Artificial intelligence enables farmers to delegate most of the physical labor of cultivating crops to robots. Moreover, these machines are starting to raise livestock too. Soon, these technologies will change how countries sustain their food supplies. Nowadays, various companies even use artificial intelligence to check soil quality and weather conditions to confirm their plants can grow on their land.
For instance, the Farmers Business Network in San Carlos, California, uses AI systems to analyze massive amounts of data. As a result, they help local farmers accurately predict what to plant, when to plant, and other conditions. These AI predictions give farmers a higher chance of gaining yields and profiting from their crops. It’s like using a crystal ball that uses grounded science instead of fantastical hocus pocus.
In the Philippines, the chairperson of the House Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) recommends expanding technology-driven farming programs. Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco said the government must equip farmers with the latest tools and skills to maximize productivity and income potential. He also said that embracing technology-driven farming methods is key to strengthening our agricultural sector.
He cited small water impounding systems, fertigation techniques and drip irrigation in Hermosa and Dinalupihan, Bataan, which boosted crop yields. “According to the agriculture department, these technologies can cut fertilizer use by up to 70% and reduce water consumption by 30%,” he added. Moreover, the lawmaker said the national expansion of these farming programs will help farmers optimize resources and decrease production costs.
Tiangco urged that we need to replicate these programs nationwide. Expanding their reach will help farmers optimize resources and lower production costs. He called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to explore additional private-sector partnerships to boost farmer welfare. Also, he highlighted the DA-Agricultural Training Institute’s Digital Farmers Program (DFP).
It provides farmers with tablets, smartphones and internet access to enhance agricultural productivity. The lawmaker stated: “The lack of access to smartphones and internet is a major barrier to technology adoption among rice farmers.” He also said that connecting agricultural services online will provide farmers with valuable data and easier access to government assistance. “The government must invest in programs that give farmers access to digital tools,” Tiangco said further.
Fortunately, the Philippines has promising AI farming programs, such as Agriconnect. This is a farm tracking app that helps rice companies manage the risks through AI and IoT. It facilitates farm risk management with three steps: Collect data from multi-spectral IoT sensors; Transmit AI insights to the mobile app; Then, farmers can act on these insights. The sensors can detect soil moisture, water levels and pests. Then, the app will summarize the data and classify the threat as “serious,” “mild” and “good.”
Reference: Lawmaker advocates expanded tech-based farming programs
