THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) XI recently introduced Agriculture 4.0, an advanced era to recognize the way farmers produce food and manage natural resources, presented during the 26th Davao Agri-Trade Expo (DATE) at SMX Convention Center on Sept. 19.
In a speech, DATE’s chairperson Atty. Paulo Claudio said the movement promises to revolutionize the method of how farmers grow, manage, and market agricultural produce.
“With the advent of precision agriculture, our farmers are now equipped with advanced tools like drones, IoT (Internet of Things), devices, and mechanical equipment that enable them to monitor crops in real-time, ensuring optimal growth conditions and efficient resource management,” Claudio said.
Claudio said the data-driven approach empowers local farmers, as e-commerce platforms and mobile applications in this digital age could provide them with direct access to consumers and expand their market reach.
In the same way, Marie Ann Constantino, DA XI regional technical director for operations, shared that the department is currently rounding up the registration of the farmers and nutrition folks under the registry system for the basic sector in agriculture, to ensure that the appropriate and timely interventions are given to the right people.
“Agriculture 4.0 enhances productivity and profitability. With the use of sensors, drones, satellite imagery, farmers can monitor crop health in real time, detect diseases early, and apply treatments more effectively. This not only increases yield but also reduces loss and minimizes environmental impact,” Constantino said.
She mentioned that the transition with the said advancement also comes with challenges, such as requiring significant investments in technology and infrastructure, training for farmers to adapt and utilize such tools, and other support needed.
“We believe in the effort or the strategy of the PPP, or the partnership with the public and private sectors. That is why, currently the Department of Agriculture in Davao region is pushing for systems thinking for power collaboration,” she added.
Claudio further said the remarkable transition to organic farming and agrotechnology will not just lead to the rise in demand for healthy pesticide-free products but also promote biodiversity and environmental health to address the challenges posed by climate change.
“The future of agricultural sustainability is within the tip of our hands. All we have to do is to embrace this change. Agriculture is not just about selling produce, it is also about building relationships and fostering community support for local agriculture,” he added.
Photo by DATE
