Philippines to Modernize Rice Farming with Drone Rollout Next Year

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) announced its plan to roll out the Drones4Rice program next year, aiming to modernize rice farming in the country. The program will provide farmers with training on drone usage to enhance planting efficiency. According to PhilRice Deputy Executive Director for Research Eduardo Jimmy P. Quilang, farmers will be able to access drone services through the Department of Agriculture. The support model will be based on existing programs for distributing agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizers. Initially, drones will be utilized for seeding at a rate of approximately 20 to 40 kilograms per hectare, with ongoing optimization of planting schemes. PhilRice has also developed digital crop management tools, such as the LCC (Leaf Color Computing) app, which helps farmers assess crop development stages. Mr. Quilang emphasized that mechanization, including the use of drones, is primarily a cost-saving measure and a faster method for harvesting, especially crucial for completing harvests before the onset of typhoons. "Through mechanization, you’ll be able to harvest before the rains come. If you do it manually, you’ll get caught by the rain," he stated, highlighting the program's role in improving resilience against weather disturbances. This initiative is part of the Philippine government's broader efforts to drive technological innovation in the agricultural sector and bolster food security. The push for faster and more efficient farming methods is particularly relevant in addressing the challenges posed by climate change in tropical regions.