PhilRice introduces drone farming in Ilocos Norte

By Bernardo B. Ver II

Contributor

San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte—Specialists from “FutureRice Farm” of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) introduced drone farming at Brgy. Catuguing, in this town recently.

The drone will monitor rice growth and can also be used in direct-seeding and mechanical trans-planter for rice farms. Fertilizers and herbicides will also be applied using the drone spreader and sprayer systems.

In just 20 minutes, the drone can provide fertilize a minimum of 1-hectare area—or an equivalent of 3 hectares an hour. Far faster than the old-school-type of farming in the province.

The FutureRice Farm’s study on drone and other modern farming technologies is in partnership with Crop Protection Division, Rice Farming Mechanization and Modernization Program, and the New Hope Corporation.

For the meantime, the drone is available is for rent at PHP850 per hectare.

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