Korean greenhouses launched in Iloilo

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) have launched smart greenhouses in Jaro, Iloilo which aim to provide innovative farm systems to improve and increase yield of Filipino farmers.

On Thursday, the DA and EPIS inaugurated 10 greenhouses at the Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center (WESVIARC) in Jaro, Iloilo, which aim to educate and enhance the capabilities of local farmers in the production of mushrooms, tomatoes and other high-value crops through the use of advanced technologies.

The DA said the greenhouses were established through a grant from the Korea Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The agency said that the modern technologies featured in the greenhouses can serve as measures to mitigate climate change, which has caused an imbalance in the production of agricultural commodities globally.

In addition, the smart greenhouses also adopt good agricultural practices that ensure food safety through the prevention of contamination that may cause food borne illnesses.

“This showcase manifests that new technologies are crucial in feeding the next generation. Smart technology and precision farming upgrade our productivity levels benefiting farmers and food producers,” Dar said.

Dar thanked EPIS president Jong Soon Lee for collaborating with the DA, and nurturing partnerships through bilateral cooperation that support and promote Philippine agriculture, and open up markets for locally produced crops.

With the ongoing health and energy crises presenting possible danger to the agriculture and fishery sector, Dar is calling for unity and cooperation among all stakeholders.

“We have to bring hope and possible solutions so our country may survive. We have to have enough food, and I believe that this smart farming system is the best solution,” he said.

The Agriculture Secretary said the modern technology being shared by the South Korean government plays a crucial role in the OneDA Reform Agenda, which serves as the foundation for food productivity measures.

“Smart greenhouses are forward-looking, and will surely elevate the food production here in our country,” Dar said.

Dar and Lee agreed to continue cooperation to elevate agricultural development and jointly undertake food productivity initiatives using innovative strategies and smart technologies, as they consented to enhance technical collaboration toward a food-secure and resilient Philippines.

To provide an informed structure for decision-making and direction,  Dar sought the assistance of EPIS for agriculture digitalization, particularly in the establishment and implementation of a centralized system for the DA.

Dar said the institution of the Agriculture-based Central Data Ecosystem (AbCDE) is an  important innovation that would enhance the formulation of policy and strategies for agriculture and fisheries.

For his part, Lee confirmed Korea’s continuous support to Philippine agriculture and expressed intention of expanding the smart technology projects to other areas in the country.

Aside from Iloilo, 11 more smart greenhouses will be opened in Bukidnon this week to provide appropriate technology for nutrient-supplying and soil-based production, for strawberries, potato seedlings, and tomatoes, under the same grant from Korea.

The DA said another set of greenhouses were earlier established in Baguio and Rizal under a Korea International Cooperation Agency grant.- Catherine Talavera