Regional agri TWG convenes to drive smart farming initiatives

A Technical Working Group (TWG), comprising of representatives from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VI, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region VI, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region VI, and the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVAARRDEC) recently convened in response to the Regional Development Council (RDC) Resolution No. 160 series of 2023 regarding smart agriculture. The meeting highlighted the need to bridge the gap between agricultural projects and their practical implementation on the ground.

Major digital agriculture services were spotlighted, including DOST’s Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines (SARAi) Project, as well as DA’s Philippine Rice Information System (PRiSM), Pest Risk Identification and Management (PRIME), and Rice Crop Manager (RCM) Advisory Service. These initiatives aim to equip farmers with essential information to enhance productivity and profitability while suggesting targeted interventions.

Despite challenges such as data inadequacy within existing digital systems, the TWG also identified significant opportunities for collaboration and improvement. The TWG agreed to consolidate resources in developing a cohesive strategic plan to advance and modernize agriculture across the region through the use of smart technologies. (CBNochete/RDIMS)