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THE International Rice Research Institute ( IRRI ) and XAG , a global leader in smart agriculture technology , have joined forces to advance agricultural innovation in the Philippines . Their partnership , formalised through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU ), will focus on researching the application of technology , particularly drone technology , in modernising rice-based cropping systems .
Their MOU will additionally support research into how drone technology can enhance agricultural productivity , sustainability , and climate resilience .
IRRI Digital Agriculture and Precision Farming Senior Scientist Stephen P . Klassen highlighted the growing role of drones in modern agriculture : “ Drones have been increasingly used for high throughput phenotyping , crop monitoring , improving agricultural productivity , and supporting precision farming .
“ By providing efficient tools for crop monitoring , precision
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Stephen P . Klassen
input application , and data-driven decision-making , drones provide the potential to reduce costs and increase yields significantly , optimising resource use and minimising environmental impact .”
IRRI received a donation of agricultural drones via Agridom , XAG ’ s local partner . It will be used to further its development initiatives on sustainable and technologydriven farming .
“ IRRI is a key research and technology partner in the Philippines , and through this effort , we hope to contribute to the country ’ s agricultural competitiveness through drone-based technologies ,” stated XAG Head of International Business Wei Tong .
This collaboration supports the goal of making digital farming technologies more accessible to
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Examining an agricultural drone .
smallholder farmers . Addressing rising input costs , labour shortages , and climate-related challenges paves the way for a more sustainable agricultural sector .
Klassen also underscored the challenges of implementing drones in the Philippines . Limited access to technology , lack of standard protocols , monetary resources , and regulatory restrictions contributed to the issue .
“ To overcome these challenges , we need a comprehensive approach that involves targeted training , guidelines for best practices , financial incentives , and supportive
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government policies ,” said Klassen .
The Philippine Department of Agriculture ( DA ), the Philippine Rice Research Institute ( PhilRice ), and other allied bureaus are working with IRRI to advance the Drones4Rice Project .
This initiative seeks to streamline and standardise drone protocols for applying seeds , fertilisers , and pesticides across the country . That said , the newly donated drones will play a crucial role in supporting Drones4Rice and other IRRI-led global initiatives focused on sustainable farming and digital acceleration . – @ AGROBiz
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