Having accurate and up-to-date information can assist farmers in preventing crop losses. On the other hand, convincing a farmer to adopt new practices is a remarkable achievement in and of itself. With an aging farming population, young people must respect farming and the usage of smart technologies.

With the wide use of the Internet and mobile devices, farming technologies are now available not only to huge corporations but also to small private farms. It enables farms to optimize productivity and compete with larger agro-companies. Because smart agriculture tactics provide undeniable benefits for businesses over traditional ways, it is worthwhile to explore the specifics of this strategy.

With this, the Agricultural Training Institute in Central Visayas conducted training on Smart Agriculture Technologies (SATs) which feature advanced agri apps such as Binhing Palay, Leaf Color Computing (LCC) app, PRIME, e-Damuhan, Payong Pag-asa, and Rice Crop Manager Advisory Services (RCMAS).

In addition, drone technology was also introduced to the participants. With hands-on field exercises in operating the drone during fertilizer application.

Thirty participants composed of farmer-youth tandem from Amlan, Negros Oriental joined the activity.

Present in the four-day activity, is Mr. Charles Montecino, Municipal Agriculture Officer of Amlan, and Mr. Arnie T. Basay, Rice and 4-H Club focal person of the Local Government Unit (LGU)-Amlan.

Technical Support Staff, Ms. Mayjoy P. Luzon is the Project Officer with the Information Officer, Ms. Shanemie Carelle D. Pradera co-facilitated and managed.