In a
transformative move towards modernizing agriculture, agrarian reform
beneficiaries (ARBs) across the Philippines are increasingly adopting drone
technology to enhance rice production. This shift is part of the government's
broader initiative to promote precision agriculture, aiming to increase yields,
reduce costs, and attract younger generations to farming.
In the
rice paddies of Nueva Ecija, a quiet revolution is unfolding. It's not marked
by loud protests or sweeping land reforms, but by the soft hum of propellers
slicing through the air. These are not toys or tech novelties—they are
agricultural drones, and for thousands of smallholder farmers and agrarian
reform beneficiaries (ARBs), they represent the future of farming.
From Hand
Tools to High-Tech. For decades, agrarian reform in the Philippines has focused
on redistributing land to landless farmers. While land ownership is a critical
step toward equity, it has not always guaranteed prosperity. Many ARBs have
continued to face poverty, largely due to high labor costs, low productivity,
and limited access to modern technologies.
Now, with
the introduction of drone technology through government and NGO initiatives,
that paradigm is beginning to shift.
“Before,
we needed five workers to plant seeds on one hectare. Now, a drone can finish
it in under 30 minutes,” says Ricardo Santos, a 48-year-old farmer from Isabela
and member of a local ARB cooperative. “We save money, time, and we can do it
without exhausting ourselves.”
The Drones4RiceProject: Pioneering Precision Agriculture. Launched in April 2024, the
Drones4Rice Project is a collaborative effort between the International RiceResearch Institute (IRRI) and the Department of Agriculture-Philippine RiceResearch Institute (DA-PhilRice). The project focuses on developing standardized
protocols for drone applications in seeding, fertilization, and pesticide
spraying. By implementing these protocols, the initiative seeks to optimize
input usage, leading to higher yields and cost efficiency for farmers.
Collaborative
Efforts and Support. The Drones4Rice Project is also supported by various
stakeholders, including the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Agricultural
Research (DA-BAR), the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), and the CivilAviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). These collaborations aim to streamline
regulations and facilitate the widespread adoption of drone technology among
smallholder farmers.
Government
Support and Subsidies. Recognizing the potential of drone technology, the
Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated ₱300 million to support its
commercial application. Through a voucher system, organized groups such as rice
clusters, irrigators' associations, farmers' cooperatives, and ARB
organizations can access drone services. Each beneficiary is entitled to a
₱2,000 voucher per hectare, covering comprehensive drone-assisted farming
operations from pre-flight planning to pest and disease control.
Objectives
and Scope. The project focuses on developing standardized protocols for
drone-assisted applications in rice production, including seeding,
fertilization, and pesticide spraying. By establishing these protocols,
Drones4Rice aims to optimize input usage, enhance crop yields, and reduce labor
costs, thereby promoting precision agriculture and sustainable farming
practices.
Implementation
and Benefits. Drones equipped with advanced sensors are utilized to monitor
crop health, assess soil conditions, and apply inputs precisely. This
technology enables real-time data collection, allowing for informed
decision-making and efficient resource management. The adoption of drones is
particularly beneficial in addressing challenges such as labor shortages and
high production costs, which are prevalent in the Philippine rice farming
sector.
Efficiency
and Cost Reduction. The adoption of drones has significantly improved farming
efficiency. For instance, drone seeding can complete crop establishment in just
20 minutes per hectare, compared to half a day or more using traditional
methods. This rapid deployment not only saves time but also reduces labor costs
by up to 50%. Additionally, drone-assisted operations have demonstrated higher
yields; a study showed that drone-seeded fields produced 6.85 tons per hectare,
surpassing the 6.38 tons achieved through manual broadcasting.
Empowering
Farmers and Promoting Inclusivity. Beyond efficiency, drone technology is
empowering farmers by reducing the physical demands of farming, making it more
accessible to women and the youth. The ease of operating drones for tasks like
seeding and fertilization is encouraging more individuals to participate in
agriculture, promoting gender inclusivity and rejuvenating the farming
workforce.
Women and
Youth in the Fields—Again. Perhaps
one of the most powerful impacts of drone adoption has been social. Farming,
once seen as a physically grueling and low-prestige profession, is being
reimagined as a modern, tech-enabled enterprise.
“Drones
have made farming attractive again, especially for young people,” says Angelica
Ramos, a 26-year-old ARB and agribusiness graduate who now manages a drone
service cooperative in Bukidnon. “We used to think we had to leave the farm to
succeed. Now, the farm is where the future is.”
Women,
too, are stepping into leadership roles in drone operations, as the technology
lessens the need for brute strength and rewards technical skills and
organizational savvy.
Regulation
and Safety Measures. To ensure the safe and effective use of drones in
agriculture, the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) is developing
regulations and protocols. These measures aim to safeguard users, consumers,
and the environment, while also preventing potential misuse of drone
technology.
Challenges
and the Road Ahead. While the
benefits are clear, challenges remain. Not all ARBs have immediate access to
drone services, especially in remote areas. There's also a learning
curve—farmers need training not just in how to operate drones, but how to
interpret the data they provide.
To
address this, Drones4Rice and its partners have launched capacity-building
programs that include hands-on training, certification, and community-level
workshops. Pilot sites in Laguna, Nueva Ecija, and Iloilo have become models of
success.
A Glimpse
into the Future. The
integration of drone technology into Philippine agriculture marks a significant
step towards modernization. As ARBs continue to embrace these innovations, the
country moves closer to achieving sustainable and efficient farming practices,
ensuring food security and improved livelihoods for its farmers.
As the
Philippine agriculture sector grapples with the impacts of climate change,
aging farmers, and global competition, drone technology offers more than just
convenience—it offers resilience and hope.
“We’ve
always worked hard,” says Santos, shading his eyes to watch a drone sweep
across the sky. “Now, with these new tools, our hard work is finally paying
off.”
In the
skies above Philippine rice fields, drones buzz quietly, almost humbly. But on
the ground, their presence is anything but silent. For agrarian reform
beneficiaries reclaiming not just land but dignity and opportunity, these
machines are heralds of a new, more equitable agricultural era.
Photo courtesy of Philippine Information Agency
