The Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee (RRDIC) conducted site visits to different key agricultural centers and farms in the region that showcase smart agriculture technologies and solutions. Among the sites visited were the Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center (WESVIARC) at Jaro, Iloilo City, and Ephrathah Farms in Badiangan, Iloilo last September 17, 2024, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) in Jordan, Guimaras last October 10, 2024, and the Herbanext Laboratories Inc. and Dragon Drone Innovation Hub in Negros Occidental last October 11, 2024.

One of the highlights of the activity was the demonstration of an agricultural drone in Guimaras by the LGU of Jordan. This advanced technology which was specifically designed to optimize the spraying of fertilizers and pesticides over the crops, effectively addresses challenges associated with traditional farming methods. Similarly, the Dragon Drone Showroom visit exhibits various units used for crop spraying and geo-mapping.

In addition, WESVIARC, Ephrathah Farms, and BPI Guimaras showcased their smart greenhouse facilities where high-value crops are cultivated. These smart greenhouses employ sensors and automation technology to create an ideal growing environment for these high-value crops.

The committee members also visited the Herbanext Laboratories, a leading industry player in food and pharmaceutical production. The plant tour provided an overview of the various phases of production from the collection of raw materials to processing, packaging, and labeling, showcasing cutting-edge machinery designed to enhance production efficiency.

These visits were joined by the technical working group (TWG) members for Smart Agriculture from both public and private sectors, namely, the Department of Agriculture (DA VI), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA VI), National Food Authority (NFA VI), Iloilo Economic Development Foundation (ILEDF), Innovate Iloilo, Dragon Drone Corporation, and the Western Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVAARRDEC). The group was led by staff from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST VI) and the Provincial Science and Technology Offices (PSTOs) in Iloilo, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental.

By facilitating these site visits, DOST VI aims to establish partnerships to support the adoption and scaling of smart agriculture innovations and contribute to the overall advancement of the agricultural sector, These site visits are part of the preliminary activities for developing a strategic roadmap to guide the implementation of Smart Agriculture initiatives in the region.