MONTEVISTA, Davao de Oro — Farmers in Davao de Oro are poised to embrace a new generation of agriculture as the provincial government officially launched drone-assisted rice farming technology during the PalaySikatan 2.0 program held Thursday, July 16, at the Provincial TESDA Training Center in Barangay Linoan, Montevista.
The initiative signals a major step toward modernizing rice production in the province, with Davao de Oro chosen as one of the pilot areas for the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Drone for Rice Project Demonstration in the Davao Region.
Under the project, 1,500 hectares of rice lands have been allocated for implementation across the province, with 50 hectares in Barangay Linoan serving as the initial demonstration site where farmers will experience drone-powered farming technologies firsthand.
Revolutionizing Rice Farming
The project introduces the use of agricultural drones to perform critical farming operations that traditionally require intensive manual labor. These include direct seeding, fertilizer application, soil ameliorant distribution, and pesticide spraying, all carried out with greater precision and efficiency.
According to the Department of Agriculture, integrating drone technology into rice farming is expected to significantly reduce labor requirements, lower production costs, and improve crop management while increasing overall rice productivity.
The technology is also seen as a practical solution to challenges faced by many farmers, including rising labor costs, labor shortages, and the need for faster and more efficient field operations.
Financial Support for Farmers
To encourage participation and ensure the successful implementation of the demonstration project, farmers enrolled in the program will receive ₱10,000 in production assistance for every hectare they cultivate.
In addition to the financial assistance, participating farmers will enjoy free drone-assisted services, including:
- Direct seeding
- Fertilizer spreading
- Soil ameliorant application
- Pesticide spraying
These services aim to lessen production expenses while introducing farmers to precision agriculture techniques that have already proven successful in several agricultural regions.
Driving Agricultural Innovation
The Drone for Rice Project forms part of the national government’s continuing efforts to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector through technological innovation.
By adopting precision farming methods, the Department of Agriculture hopes to enhance food security, increase farmers’ incomes, and make Philippine rice production more competitive amid changing climate conditions and growing demand for food.
The initiative in Davao de Oro is expected to serve as a model for future drone-assisted farming programs across the region.
Strong National and Local Partnership
The implementation of the project reflects the collaborative efforts between the national government and local leaders committed to advancing agricultural development.
The program is being carried out by the Department of Agriculture with the support and partnership of First District Congresswoman Maricar Zamora-Mabanglo and Governor Raul Mabanglo, whose backing underscores the province’s commitment to introducing innovative farming technologies that will directly benefit local rice farmers.
As drones take to the skies above Davao de Oro’s rice fields, the province is positioning itself at the forefront of agricultural modernization—demonstrating how technology can transform traditional farming practices into more productive, efficient, and sustainable systems for the next generation of Filipino farmers.