Smart agriculture Philippines is being strengthened in Caraga as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) equips farmers and extension workers with digital tools and weather-based technologies to improve farm productivity and decision-making.

Butuan City- Boosting the local farmers’ capabilities in improving their productivity, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga region introduced them to a capacity-building training on the Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines or SARAI Mobile Applications and Automatic Weather Station (AWS) installation and maintenance recently in Butuan City.

A total of forty-three farmers and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from Butuan City participated in the training, which aimed to enhance their capacity to use digital tools and climate information for farm management.

During the training, participants were introduced to the Smarter Pest Identification Technology (SPIDTECH), a mobile application that enables users to identify crop pests and diseases by capturing images directly from the field.

The session, facilitated by Engr. Noneth Labastilla demonstrated how the application can assist farmers in the early detection of pests and diseases, allowing them to take timely and appropriate crop protection measures.

Meanwhile, Engr. Doreina L. Lawangon provided participants with guidance on the use of the Community-Level SARAI Enhanced Agricultural Monitoring System (CL-SEAMS). The platform allows farmers and AEWs to monitor farm conditions, access climate and crop advisories, and gather location-specific agricultural information that can support more informed decision-making in crop production.

The training also included discussions and demonstrations on the installation and basic maintenance of the Automatic Weather Station (AWS) led by Engr. Russel John G. Chee.

The AWS collects real-time weather data such as rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation, which are essential in guiding farmers in planning their planting schedules, irrigation, and other farm activities. By providing localized weather information, the system helps farmers reduce risks associated with changing climate conditions.

In his opening message, DOST Caraga Regional Director Noel M. Ajoc emphasized the importance of bringing scientific innovations closer to farming communities. He highlighted that through Project SARAI CeNTRO, the agency promotes the use of digital and satellite-based technologies to support climate-resilient and data-driven agriculture in the region.

Also present during the activity were Butuan City Agriculturist Engr. Pierre Anthony Joven and DOST Caraga Assistant Regional Director for Field Operations Mr. Ricardo N. Varela, who expressed their support for initiatives that strengthen the technological capacities of farmers and agricultural workers.

Meanwhile, Mr. Marciano L. Layola Jr., chairperson of the Butuan-Agusan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, expressed his appreciation to DOST Caraga for providing farmers the opportunity to learn about smart farming technologies.

“Dako gyud kaayo og katabang sa pag-monitor sa pest ug disease, ug dako usab siya’g tabang sa mga farmers, labi na sa pag-monitor sa weather. Hinaot nga kining programa nga nasugdan, dungagan pa og mas maayong mga innovation aron mas mapalambo pa gyud ang atong mga mag-uuma,” Layola said.

(It is a great help in monitoring pests and diseases, and it is also a great help to farmers, especially in monitoring the weather. Hopefully, this program that has been started will be supplemented with better innovations to further improve the lives of our farmers.)

Aligned with the agency’s thrust of “Agham na Ramdam,” DOST Caraga continues to strengthen the capacities of farmers and AEWs by providing tools and knowledge that help transform uncertainty into informed and science-based agricultural decision-making, ultimately contributing to more resilient and productive farming communities in the region.

Project SARAI is an action-research program funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) aimed at reducing climate risks by providing agricultural stakeholders with site-specific crop advisories and up-to-date and real-time farm condition information accessible through various hubs, resource centers, and digital applications.

The Project SARAI is one of the initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All.