Northern Mindanao Gets Synoptic and Agrometeorological Station to Boost Crop Yields

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture’s (DA) regional office in Northern Mindanao and the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) have signed an agreement to establish a synoptic and agrometeorological station in the region. The Synoptic and Agrometeorological Station, situated at the agency’s Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, delivers localized, real-time meteorological information to assist farmers in crop planning. READ: DA allots P300M for climate-resilient crop farming “The localized climatic information will help farmers improve crop planning, irrigation scheduling, and pest and disease management, while supporting LGUs in disaster preparedness and researchers in climate studies,” the DA said in a statement on Wednesday. The agency said its collaboration with Pagasa addresses the need for reliable, localized meteorological information for weather forecasting, agrometeorological advisories, climate monitoring, and early warning services. The station, which will rise within a 1,500 sq. m. area, will help strengthen weather monitoring and promote climate-resilient agriculture in Northern Mindanao, according to the DA. Additionally, this station will send data to Pagasa’s central office and regional units to support weather and climate services. On the other hand, agrometeorological station will send meteorological and biological data related to agriculture. READ: Pangilinan: Only 37 of 257 nat’l irrigation systems fully operational According to the agency, the synoptic and agrometeorological station will operate round-the-clock and conduct three-hourly synoptic observations. This will cover key parameters, including air temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, atmospheric pressure, solar radiation and soil conditions. “It strengthens our shared commitment to the planning and operation of the facility, the provision of personnel, and the sharing of reliable meteorological information to support agriculture,” DOST-Pagasa Weather Services Chief for Mindanao-Pagasa Regional Services Division Anianita Fortich said. /pai