ARMM uses modern technology, GPS to determine extent of drought damages

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=862088
• Tuesday, March 1, 2016

(PNA), BNB/NYP/EOF

COTABATO CITY, March 1 (PNA) -- With the use of modern technology and the global positioning system, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARRM), through its Agricultural Research Center (ARC) and Philippine Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is assessing drought damages to crops in Maguindanao, officials said Tuesday.

Saudi Mangindra, senior researcher of ARMM Integrated Agricultural Research Center (ARMMIARC), said under the Philippine Rice Information System Management (PRISM) program, researchers gather exact information as to crop damages using satellite imaging, global positioning system (GPS) and actual field imaging using smart phones.

"Using a tool for precision agriculture, we gather accurate data on the effect of dry spell to crops and the extent of pest infestation,” Mangindra told reporters.

Mangindra explained that using the GPS, actual damages are recorded. Data gathered are then processed by PRISM personnel.

“Accurate data on the extent of damages will help our policy makers and leaders determine what assistance the government can extend to affected farmers,” Mangindra said.

On the other hand, Bryn Arap, PRISM-ARMM focal person, said agriculture technical experts go to the fields, assess the situation and using smart phones gather data that could determine what kind of insects and pests have destroyed agricultural crops.

According to Johny Maloom, PhilRice researcher, the system is using satellite images to come up with drought map.

“What we are doing now is to pinpoint affected areas and come up with data that will help determine the extent of damages,” Maloom said.

Through PRISM, the DAF-ARMM could monitor the damages brought by calamities like floods and infestation using the technology.

This year's drought was the worst to hit rice and corn producing province of Maguindanao in recent history.

Most of the affected farmers rely on government subsidy to survive the dry spell.

And the government is acting by providing interventions from agricultural assistance to monetary aid so affected farmers could move on.