By Kristianne Andrade.

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — Farmers in Sariaya, Quezon have welcomed precision farming to enhance rice production using agricultural drones.

In a field demonstration held recently, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) introduced the use of agricultural drones to 50 farmer-cooperators during a PalaySikatan caravan in Quezon.

According to DA-PhilRice, the demonstration, conducted in partnership with AgriDOM Solutions, highlighted the benefits of smart farming in modern rice production. It showcased the drone’s capabilities in seed dispersal and fertilizer application across a 26-hectare field.

Benigno Manalo, a farmer-cooperator from Lucena City, hailed the use of technology that is tailored for the agricultural sector to enhance farming efficiency and productivity.

“We learn new technologies and the proper way of using fertilizers. Other farmers are also encouraged to try the new technology because they can see the results with their own eyes,” Manalo said.

“The drone can evenly spread fertilizer, seedlings, and pesticides. It can also map out areas lacking nutrients, detect rice diseases or deficiencies, and estimate the exact amount of fertilizer or nutrients needed,” DA-PhilRice Los Baños stated.

The initiative is part of the DA-Calabarzon’s agricultural assistance voucher program, which aims to improve rice production efficiency and sufficiency through technological innovations.

The program also integrates the use of nutrient decision tools, such as the minus one element technique, as a basis for recommending appropriate nutrients and fertilizers.

Through these initiatives, PhilRice Los Baños emphasized that agri-technologies like drones reduce planting and fertilizer costs and help farmers become more efficient and sustainable.

PalaySikatan is part of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and serves as a catalyst for the dissemination and broader adoption of innovative technologies in rice farming. (KA PIA4A, with reports from DA-PhilRice Los Baños)

Published Date: June 13, 2025