DA-BAR and IRRI launch online platform for PH digital ag tools

QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA (16 May 2024) – The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) launched an online platform that consolidates active digital agriculture tools and services (DATS) and their distribution in the Philippines’ agri-food value chain.

An integrated public online platform designed to promote and strengthen data-driven decision-making on the country’s rice-based agri-food systems, D4AgPH came as a result of an IRRI-led national assessment and inventory of existing DATS. The assessment aimed to understand the country’s digital agriculture landscape and use collected data and insights to help support the DA’s digital transformation strategy, as outlined in the 2023-2028 MASAGANA Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP).

“MRIDP highlights digital transformation as a cornerstone towards the upliftment of the sector. Despite advancements, there remains a gap in the distribution and availability of digital tools. D4AgPH is a crucial strategy for attaining sustainable agricultural development and likewise ensures that our farmers are equipped with appropriate tools,” DA Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development, Engr. Christopher Morales stated.

The online platform features an intuitive, user-friendly and responsive interface providing users with 1) a searchable facility to view the list of DATS and detailed information, 2) an interactive analytics facility to generate insights on the distribution of DATS in the agri-food value chain, and 3) data entry facility to allow innovators/developers to share their DATS, making the platform a hub of innovation and dissemination. Currently, the database hosts 67 DATS grouped according to several use cases. Mapping the distribution of the DATS across the agri-food value chain shows 61% are specifically tailored to address challenges and opportunities related to crop production and more than 30%, focused on production and inputs, were developed and maintained by government agencies such as…