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The Philippine government should prioritize recruiting a young and competent team for the Agriculture department in order to effectively handle the issues surrounding rice availability and affordability. It is evident that a senior agriculture undersecretary in his mid-80s is not equipped to meet the demands of modern agricultural challenges.

There is a lack of skilled IT professionals in the Information Communication and Technical Services unit at the Department of Agriculture (DA) due to low salary levels compared to the private sector. This hinders the department’s capability to effectively utilize technologies such as drones and satellites to obtain real-time data on rice farmlands. Advanced algorithms can process this data to predict potential crop failures and identify signs of pests and diseases early on.

The Philippine Rice Information System (PRISM) is a project that aims to use satellite imagery and remote sensing technologies for better decision-making in the agricultural sector. However, PRISM faces issues such as poor satellite magnification and the lack of geo-tagging for farms, which requires additional budget allocation.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) manages the Diwata microsatellite series, including Diwata-1 and Diwata-2. These satellites have remote sensing instruments that can provide valuable inputs to enhance the agricultural sector and food security.

While the government’s recent investment in Kacific Broadband Satellites Group aims to support connectivity rollout and communication infrastructure, it should also consider the comparative advantages and reliability of other satellite technologies like Starlink. Evaluating cost-effectiveness and technology suitability is important in making investment decisions.

Both Geo-synchronous orbit (GEO) and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites have their advantages and limitations for monitoring agricultural fields. While GEO satellites provide broad overviews and weather data, LEO satellites and drones offer more detailed and frequent observations. Combining these technologies, along with ground-based sensors, can provide comprehensive monitoring of agricultural fields.

However, effective data analysis, integration, and collaboration among different government departments are crucial to translate collected data into actionable insights. There needs to be better coordination between the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to ensure that resources and investments align with the goals and needs of the agricultural sector.

In conclusion, it is necessary to build a young and technologically competent team in the Agriculture department to effectively address challenges in rice production and food security. This includes utilizing the potential of satellite and digital technologies, analyzing data for actionable insights, and improving coordination among government departments involved in agricultural planning and management.

The post The Need for a Younger and Technologically Competent Team in the Agriculture Department appeared first on ISP Today.