CamSur farmer benefits from farming technology

By Keren Anne Bernadas

A few years ago, Raju Bombo (not his real name), a former overseas worker from Pasacao, Camarines Sur, decided to turn to farming as his main source of income by cultivating a parcel of land inherited from his grandparents.

Initially, Bombo struggled due to his lack of experience in agriculture. However, after attending various training sessions, he successfully became a rice producer.

One such training session was under the Digital Farmers Program (DFP) provided by the Shell Training Farm (STF) in Bombon, Camarines Sur. This program taught Bombo how to use technology to streamline farming processes and improve crop yield.

Introduced before the Covid-19 pandemic by the Department of Agriculture—Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), in partnership with PLDT and its subsidiary, Smart Communications, Inc., the DFP seeks to promote inclusive technologies that improve livelihood prospects for farmers throughout the nation.

On May 30, the ATI provided the STF with a comprehensive agricultural technology package.

Christian Tosoc, the focal person for the DFP, said that the package includes an all-in-one educational toolkit designed to promote digital learning in remote and underserved farming communities.

This toolkit contains 10 smartphones, one tablet computer, a projector with a white screen, a portable audio system, a mobile Wi-Fi device, load cards, flash drives with digital learning applications, informational campaign materials, and DFP training modules.

Tosoc added that PLDT and Smart Communications have enabled farmers and trainers to access Wi-Fi connectivity and provided training bags.

“Agriculture is becoming increasingly technology-driven. It is essential for our farmers to learn how to use databases and digital tools to expand their marketing opportunities and improve their farming practices,” he explained.

Tosoc also emphasized that the ATI has strategies in place to help farmers adopt these technology-based tools, with support from the youth sector.

At least 100 young individuals have collaborated with agri-extension workers in various learning sessions through the partnership of the DA-Bicol and local government units.

Noah Israel Portuguez, one of the farmer-trainers at STF, shared that the new technology will greatly enhance farmers’ ability to market their products online and access digital financial tools to improve their skills.

“This package will help our farmers promote their products through social media and learn how to conduct transactions using digital payment platforms,” Portuguez noted.

Additionally, he mentioned that the agricultural apps included in the package can provide vital information on rice varieties, calculate fertilizer requirements, and help monitor crop health and plantation status.

Portuguez expressed gratitude for ATI Bicol’s ongoing support, highlighting that the farm trains around 50 rice farmers from Bombon annually and over 200 more from nearby municipalities in Camarines Sur.

“With the deployment of this digital toolkit, Shell Training Farm is now better equipped to bridge the digital divide in agriculture, paving the way for more inclusive and tech-enabled farming communities in Bicol,” he added. (PIA Bicol)