DAVAO CITY — The City Agriculturist Office (CAgro) is spearheading a move towards modernizing agriculture in Davao City by incorporating advanced precision agriculture technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). These initiatives aim to improve farming efficiency and accuracy in the application of resources.
According to Philippines News Agency, Christian John Abrenica, head of CAgro’s Agricultural Biosystem Engineering Division, detailed the use of these technologies in a recent news release. GIS is employed to create detailed maps of land cover and crop distribution within the city, which assists in strategic planning for the use of machinery and irrigation methods. These maps are also crucial for identifying areas vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods or landslides, enabling proactive mitigation efforts.
The precision agriculture tools employed by CAgro include handheld GPS devices for tracking crop locations and monitoring farm machinery. Soil sensors are utilized to assess moisture and temperature levels, determining optimal planting times. Additionally, variable rate technology allows for early detection of crop issues, facilitating targeted interventions that can prevent larger losses.
To further support local farmers, CAgro has implemented a weather monitoring system that provides real-time data to guide planting schedules. The office also operates two drones that capture aerial photographs to assess damage from disasters and aid in recovery efforts.
Abrenica emphasized the benefits of these technological advancements in making farming more appealing, particularly to younger generations. By reducing the physical strain and increasing the precision and profitability of agricultural practices, modern technology is transforming farming into a more attractive and sustainable profession.