Remote sensor technologies allow information on a particular subject to be gathered without requiring physical contact. It collects data via aerial scanning or satellite imagery.
Many countries have utilised this technology to improve their weather forecasting capabilities and measure their agricultural resource production. Now, the government of the Philippines is looking to capitalise on the benefits to the agricultural sector.
It was recently discovered that remote sensors will help increase rice production in the Philippines. Remote sensors have the power to report on agricultural production and spot crop irregularities. This is done by the generation of agricultural insights from using satellite imagery and ground data.
Dr. Enrico Paringit, the program leader for The Philippines Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Disaster Risks Exposure Assessment for Mitigation (DREAM), recently explained the benefits of this technology at a recent conference. While explaining the power of these technologies, he stated, “The El Niño phenomenon was detected using remote sensing technologies.”
Through the DREAM initiative, DOST is planning to deploy 2 micro-satellites in 2016. This initiative aims to increase the Philippine’s weather forecasting abilities and agricultural resource management.
These satellites will capture data on a daily basis over the next two years and report it back to the station in Subic, Zambales.
This station will be renamed the Philippine Earth Data Resources and Observation Center. It is going to be the hub for insights on the conditions of regional vegetation. This data is to be delivered to crops and climate experts.
These satellites will also process data on areas such as the rate of pests, annual yield of rice, and other such issues. This will help government agencies with decision-making and planning.
“Just imagine, we can now determine if our rice production is sufficient by comparing our annual yield data against our needs. Through this we can now have empirical basis if there is a real need to import rice so we can truly help our local farmers in optimizing their profits,” said Dr. Paringit.
The DREAM program is to run for two years, reporting daily on the conditions of weather and agriculture across the Philippines.