DOST equips Butuan farmers, agri workers with smart farming technologies
BUTUAN CITY — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga strengthened the capabilities of local farmers and agricultural extension workers (AEWs) through a training on digital agriculture tools and weather monitoring systems.
A total of 43 participants joined the March 19 activity, which focused on the use of Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines (SARAI) mobile applications, as well as the installation and maintenance of automatic weather stations (AWS).
DOST Caraga Director Noel M. Ajoc underscored the importance of making science-based solutions accessible to farming communities. He said Project SARAI CeNTRO serves as a centralized hub that promotes digital and satellite-based technologies to support climate-resilient and data-driven agriculture.
Participants were introduced to the Smarter Pest Identification Technology (SPIDTECH), a mobile application that allows users to detect crop pests and diseases by capturing field images. Facilitator Engr. Noneth Labastilla demonstrated how the tool enables early detection, helping farmers respond quickly and protect their crops.
Engr. Doreina L. Lawangon also guided attendees on the use of the Community-Level SARAI-Enhanced Agricultural Monitoring System (CL-SEAMS), a platform that provides farm monitoring, climate advisories, and location-specific agricultural data to support better decision-making.
Meanwhile, Engr. Russel John G. Chee led sessions on the installation and basic maintenance of AWS units. He explained that these systems gather real-time data on rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation—critical information that helps farmers plan planting, irrigation, and other farm operations while minimizing climate-related risks.
Local officials, including City Agriculturist Pierre Anthony Joven and DOST Caraga Assistant Regional Director for Field Operations Ricardo N. Varela, also expressed support for initiatives that enhance farmers’ access to modern technologies.
Marciano L. Layola Jr., chairperson of the Butuan-Agusan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, welcomed the program, noting its value in improving pest and weather monitoring for farmers. He expressed hope that similar innovations will continue to be introduced to further boost agricultural productivity.
Aligned with its “Agham na Ramdam” initiative, DOST Caraga said it will continue equipping farmers and AEWs with tools and knowledge that enable informed, science-based decisions, contributing to more resilient and productive farming communities.
NPO News Team | News Information Agency - PR
