#AgricultureTechnology #GreenhouseFarming #SmartFarmSystem #Climate-ResistantCrops #SustainableAgriculture #InnovationinFarming #FilipinoFarmers #BukidnonAgriculture #KoreanAgriculturalAid
Crop Productivity
In a groundbreaking initiative, South Korea’s MAFRA has injected P100 million worth of advanced greenhouse technology into the heart of Bukidnon’s agricultural sector. These state-of-the-art greenhouses, equipped with cutting-edge Korean tech, were handed over to the Department of Agriculture in Region 10 (DA-10), signaling a significant leap forward for high-value crop farmers in the province.
During a recent strawberry farm tour at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, An Jae-rok, the executive director of the Korean Agency of Education, Promotion, and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, showcased the capabilities of MAFRA’s Smart Farm system. This technology provides farmers with remote control over their greenhouses, collecting data on various factors both inside and outside the facility.
The Smart Greenhouse employs sensors to monitor carbon dioxide levels, temperature, and air humidity inside, while external sensors track rainfall, temperature, wind direction, and velocity. Jae-rok emphasized that farmers can now mitigate the challenges posed by unpredictable weather through manual or remote adjustments using the Smart Farm Mobile App with internet connectivity.
Joel Rivera, a greenhouse farm adopter and red bell pepper farmer from Bukidnon, expressed enthusiasm for the transformative potential of this technology. “This is unique. It gives us a chance to dream bigger, heaps of perfectly ripened strawberries at a time,” he remarked, gazing at the thriving plants inside the facility.
In comparison to traditional farming methods reliant on manual labor and basic controls, these greenhouses incorporate modern irrigation and automation systems, including complex environmental control and growth development information. Cora Dumayaca, the technical director for research and regulations for DA-Northern Mindanao, highlighted the technology’s goal of boosting productivity and ensuring higher profits for Filipino farmers.
“It’s not just technology. It’s empowerment. This high-tech farming also combats climate change worries. Imagine vibrant strawberries thriving alongside climate-resistant leafy greens–that’s the future the government is building,” Dumayaca emphasized.
Approximately 30 percent of the project’s total cost is borne by Northern Mindanao’s agriculture department, with Korea’s MAFRA generously contributing over 70 percent. This collaboration signifies a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and prosperity in Filipino agriculture.
The introduction of Korean greenhouse technology in Bukidnon marks a pivotal moment for Filipino agriculture. Empowering farmers with unprecedented control through the Smart Farm system, this initiative not only promises bumper harvests and improved farming practices but also addresses climate change concerns. The collaboration between Northern Mindanao’s agriculture department and Korea’s MAFRA underscores a commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future for Filipino farmers.
