DA eyes AI-powered drones for smart farming

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking to tap technology developed by a Japanese firm that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and drones to boost farm productivity.

The technology introduced by E-SupportLink (ESL), a Japanese technology provider, uses drones and AI to forecast pest outbreaks and other crop hazards, giving farmers and government officials time to take preventive action.

“The value of this system is that it is not just about flying drones. It comes with predictive analysis and forecasting. We can identify where problems may start before they become bigger issues,” DA Undersecretary Cheryl Natividad-Caballero said in a statement.

The technology uses drones, aerial photography and AI analysis to monitor crop growth, count plants, forecast production, optimize farm inputs and detect early signs of disease.

ESL has conducted pilot tests of its aerial imaging technology on three banana farms in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, the DA said.

The department said it is considering applying the technology to sugarcane and coconut farms.

“We want to see how this can help us address urgent concerns in sugar and coconut. If we can detect problems earlier, we can make better decisions and protect farmers’ income,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

The DA said it is also studying possible government support, including training assistance, for a potential partnership with the Japanese firm.— MCG, GMA News