In a significant development for the agricultural sector in the Philippines, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and XAG, a leader in smart agriculture technology, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing agricultural automation and innovation. This partnership will focus on the validation of digital agriculture and precision farming techniques, particularly through the use of drone technology in rice-based cropping systems.
As part of this collaboration, XAG, in conjunction with its local partner Agridom, has donated agricultural drones to IRRI. These drones are expected to play a crucial role in advancing precision agriculture and promoting sustainable farming practices in the region. Agridom has been instrumental in introducing XAG’s advanced drone technology to the Philippines, thereby equipping local farmers and institutions with innovative tools designed to boost productivity and sustainability.
IRRI Senior Scientist Engr. Steve Klassen highlighted the transformative potential of drones in agriculture. “Drones have been increasingly used for high throughput phenotyping, crop monitoring, and improving agricultural productivity,” he noted. By enabling efficient crop monitoring, precision input application, and data-driven decision-making, drones could help farmers optimize resource use, reduce costs, and increase yields while minimizing environmental impact. This technology is particularly beneficial for smallholder farmers, who face pressing challenges such as climate change, labor shortages, and rising input costs.
Despite the advantages, the adoption of drone technology in the Philippines faces several hurdles, including limited access to technology, a lack of standard protocols, financial constraints, and regulatory challenges. To address these issues, Klassen emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that includes targeted training, best practice guidelines, financial incentives, and supportive government policies.
Additionally, Klassen’s team is collaborating with the Philippine Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Rice Research Institute on the Drones4Rice Project. This initiative aims to streamline and standardize drone protocols for seed, fertilizer, and pesticide applications, further enhancing the impact of drone technology in rice farming.
XAG’s Head of International Business, Wei Tong, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that it aims to bolster the agricultural competitiveness of the Philippines through drone-based technologies. “XAG’s agricultural drones can be applied to various precision farming scenarios, including direct seeding, pesticide spraying, and remote sensing,” he explained. Tong also emphasized the broader goal of strengthening global food security and tackling climate change, particularly as rice remains a staple food for over half of the world’s population.
Beyond this new collaboration, XAG is also actively involved in the Direct Seeded Rice Consortium (DSRC), led by IRRI, which is focused on promoting direct seeding methods in rice cultivation and training farmers in sustainable practices. This comprehensive approach not only aims to enhance the efficiency of rice production but also seeks to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to adapt to a rapidly changing agricultural landscape.
