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Our government needs a young and competent team in the Agriculture department to effectively address the brewing crisis on rice availability and affordability. It is clear that expecting a senior agriculture undersecretary in his mid-80s to handle this situation is not practical.

Recruiting a younger generation of professionals who are well-versed in new technologies is essential in tackling various problems, including food production. Currently, the Information Communication and Technical Services unit at the Department of Agriculture (DA) lacks capabilities due to the inability to attract top IT talent, primarily due to low salaries compared to the private sector.

To overcome these challenges, we should make more extensive use of drone and satellite technologies to provide decision makers with up-to-date data on the status of our rice farmlands. Advanced algorithms can process the collected data from drones and satellites, enabling us to predict potential crop failures and take appropriate action.

Drones can play a crucial role in early identification of pests and diseases in crops, allowing authorities to take targeted measures to mitigate their spread and minimize crop loss. Real-time data from drones and satellites can also guide informed decisions regarding resource allocation, such as adjusting irrigation schedules, applying fertilizers or pesticides, and planning for crop diversification.

One initiative that can serve as the country’s platform for the use of satellite and digital technology in agriculture is the Philippine Rice Information System (PRISM). However, PRISM faces challenges, including poor satellite imagery quality and the absence of geo-tagging for farms, which requires additional budget for effective monitoring of individual farmers’ properties.

Additionally, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) manages the Diwata microsatellite series, including Diwata-1 and Diwata-2, which are equipped with remote sensing instruments that capture images and data to enhance the agricultural sector and food security.

Recently, the Department of Trade and Industry’s investment arm made a significant investment in the Singapore-based Kacific Broadband Satellites Group. While the investment is aimed at expanding broadband services and communication infrastructure, it is crucial to consider how this technology can contribute to improving outcomes in agriculture. Comparisons with other satellite technologies, such as Starlink, should also be made in terms of cost and reliability.

Both geosynchronous or geostationary equatorial orbit satellites (GEO) used by Kacific and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites used by Starlink have their advantages and limitations in monitoring agricultural fields. While GEO satellites may not offer as much detail as LEO satellites or drones, they can still provide valuable information. LEO satellites can capture detailed images with higher resolution and offer near real-time monitoring, making them suitable for emergencies or natural disasters.

Ultimately, a combination of GEO and LEO satellites, along with drones and ground-based sensors, can provide comprehensive monitoring of agricultural fields. However, effective data analysis, integration, and collaboration among government departments are necessary to translate the collected data into actionable insights for agricultural planning and management.

It is crucial for the concerned departments, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Department of Trade and Industry, to coordinate their efforts and align their goals before investing in GEO or LEO resources. Transparency and collaboration are essential to ensure the optimal use of limited resources and achieve the desired outcomes.

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