Maguindanao rice farmers were impressed by the efficiency and precision of the drone seeder introduced at a PalaySikatan site in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Aug. 20, 2024.
“I was amazed! It’s beyond my expectation that it can broadcast seed over 1 hectare in just 15 minutes. It’s time-saving and reduces production costs for labor and seed,” said 32-year-old farmer Norly A. Odin.
“We thought drones were only for military use. Now, my perspective has changed. Technological innovation is an opportunity to meet our needs,” he added.
This event, which was part of the PalaySikatan 2.0 initiative under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Program (RCEF), showcased not only the drone seeder but also other advanced technologies such as the drum seeder and spread seeder.
The machines were demonstrated to 170 farmers and representatives from RCEF implementing agencies and other stakeholders, with 50ha being planted with NSIC Rc 160 using these mechanized methods.
The use of drones in agriculture is becoming increasingly prevalent, serving various tasks such as seeding, fertilizer application, and pest management, all of which contribute to the overall efficiency and productivity of farming operations. For instance, drone seeding, which can be completed in just 15 minutes per hectare, significantly reduces labor costs and ensures more precise seed distribution.
Drones are also employed for crop health monitoring, irrigation planning, and damage assessment, providing real-time data that optimizes resource management. This technology is part of a broader push towards precision agriculture, a movement aimed at making farming more sustainable and cost-effective across the Philippines.
The collaboration between RCEF, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources (MAFAR) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and local farmers underscores the commitment to integrating advanced farming technologies into local practices, ultimately improving crop productivity and supporting the agricultural sector’s modernization. (DA-PhilRice, Kimbie Pedtamanan)
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