By Rod G. Asurin
APAYAO, Philippines (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) continues to step up efforts to modernize rice farming, training farmers in Apayao on drone technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase yields.
Farmers in Barangay Emiliana, Santa Marcela took part in a hands-on demonstration showcasing drone-assisted direct seeding, field mapping, and automated application of fertilizers and pesticides on March 26, 2026.
Participants in this activity include 64 farmer-cooperators in said barangay with around 120 hectares of rice fields. The farmers are beneficiaries of the DA’s Drones4Rice project, an initiative under the National Rice Program that promotes precision agriculture through the use of drones.
According to DA-Cordillera Assistant Regional Rice Focal Person Bruce Daculan, local farmers were initially hesitant to adopt the technology during the first techno-demonstration, but said interest grew as farmers saw positive results from earlier demonstrations.
He noted that drones help reduce production costs, lessens labor requirements, speeds up farm operations, and helps optimize input use compared to traditional methods.
Meanwhile, National Rice Program consultant Dr. Andrew Villacorta encouraged the participants to promote the technology within their communities and consider value-adding strategies to increase income instead of relying solely on palay sales.
During the activity, farmers also received guidance on proper fertilizer use based on soil analysis and local conditions to ensure efficient input use and better yields.
Bessie Pascua, a first-time participant, said the activity helped them better understand how modern tools can improve their farming practices.
“Malaking tulong po ito sa amin. Mas napadali ang trabaho at mas nakita namin ang benepisyo ng makabagong teknolohiya sa pagsasaka,” she said.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to modernize agriculture and strengthen food security under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s development agenda. (JDP/RGA-PIA CAR with reports from DA Rafis Cordillera)
