The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and XAG have joined forces to drive agricultural innovation and sustainability in the Philippines through the use of drones and precision farming technologies.

Philippines: The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and XAG, a leader in smart agriculture technology, have formalized a collaboration aimed at enhancing digital agriculture and precision farming in the Philippines. Through a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), the two organizations will conduct research to validate the application of drone technology in rice-based cropping systems, with the goal of advancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture.

XAG, through its Philippine partner Agridom, has donated agricultural drones to IRRI to further the institute's mission of promoting precision farming. The collaboration leverages the innovative capabilities of drones for crop monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and the efficient application of fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds, all of which have the potential to reduce costs and increase yields.

Steve Klassen, IRRI Senior Scientist and Digital Agriculture and Precision Farming Lead Engr. said: "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 input application, and data-driven decision-making, drones provide the potential to significantly reduce costs and increase yields, optimising resource use and minimizing environmental impact."

This collaboration marks a significant step toward improving agricultural competitiveness in the Philippines and supports IRRI's broader efforts to enhance global food security and sustainable farming practices.

According to TechSci Research, the partnership between the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and XAG represents a significant leap forward for the agriculture industry in the Philippines, particularly in the realm of precision farming. By introducing advanced drone technology, the collaboration addresses key challenges faced by local farmers, such as low productivity, high input costs, and vulnerability to climate change. Drones will enable farmers to monitor crop health, assess growth patterns, and apply inputs more efficiently, optimizing resource use and reducing environmental impact. This technological integration can lead to higher yields and more sustainable practices, making the agricultural sector more competitive both domestically and globally.