ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Propelling digital transformation in agriculture
CGIAR reports that mobile advisory services now reach over 30 million farmers in Africa, and more than 7 million in India use digital tools for farm decisions. Yet globally, only 25% of smallholders have access to such technologies according to UN Food and Agriculture Organization. In 2024, IRRI focused on integrating and expanding the reach and usability of digital innovations that translated into higher yields, lower input costs, and better decisions for farmers.
IRRI worked with various agencies of the Philippine Department of Agriculture to advance digital agriculture systems across the national value chain. The institute collaborated with the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) to launch D4AgPH, an online platform consolidating digital agriculture tools and services for stakeholders.
We also partnered with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) to develop standardized protocols and regulations for the use of drones in agriculture. These protocols encompass several applications, including direct-seeded rice (DSR), precise nutrient application, and targeted weed control.
Additionally, IRRI has established key performance indicators (KPIs) to guide surveys assessing farmers' current practices and their willingness to adopt drone technology, which will help accelerate the adoption of this technology. Moreover, a due diligence criteria tool has been created to evaluate drone service providers, such as New Hope and AgriDOM, to determine their readiness for scaling operations.
Through collaboration and co-development, the institute continues to assist its partners in modernizing agriculture and advancing digital transformation.
Drones4Rice emphasizes the rice industry’s need to adapt to emerging trends and technologies, with digital transformation being a key strategy of the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program. It is crucial for our industry to stay current.
Engr. Christopher V. Morales
Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development, Philippine Department of Agriculture