THE importance of science in farming cannot be gainsaid, as throughout history, technological innovations have greatly shaped agriculture.
From the invention of the plow, its transformation into tractors and other agricultural machinery, to the use of drones, artificial intelligence (AI) and global positioning system — science has always supported man’s food production activities.
Humans have developed new ways to make farming more efficient and grow more food. In this regard, science has become indispensable in identifying deficiencies in the soil, natural pests and insects that attack crops, climate and weather patterns that should impact on planting schedules, ways of efficient harvesting to avoid losses, etc.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) under Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel recognizes the importance of improving rice production, among other crops, to benefit local farmers, consumers, with an eye on reducing potential environmental impacts. The government supports technical and scientific research on crop development, resilience, quality, reproduction, and the environment.
`… with technological facilities and tools like the MSL, farmers can be guided to transform both their mindset and their farming methods from the outdated to the modern, all for the benefit of Filipinos.’
Secretary Laurel believes that the right use of technology will go a long way in helping the government achieve food security for Filipinos. Pushing this initiative, the DA has acquired its first Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL) which was inaugurated by President Marcos last Friday.
The MSL, which is a project under the Bureau of Soils and Water Management as part of the National Soil Health Program, is equipped to analyze over 40 chemical, physical, and microbiological soil parameters.
It will deliver test results to farmers within five days, helping them optimize fertilizer use, improve soil health, and achieve higher yields.
The President said the MSL would serve as a “knowledge hub” for farmers, equipping them with new technologies and methods to ensure that the soil is healthy enough to produce “higher and more abundant yields.”
Starting from soil tests, farmers will now be trained in crop rotation, selective breeding, soil and water management, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides, all with the objective of attaining optimal productivity.
The MSL will provide Filipino farmers the needed training and knowledge so that they can better understand the potential of their soil and other natural resources. The laboratory will also provide prompt service — initially for free — as the results from the soil analysis will be received by farmers within five days from the submission of their soil sample, depending on the complexity of the analysis.
Additionally, the mobile laboratory will serve as a training hub to educate farmers on new technologies and soil management practices. The first unit has started to operate in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, at the National Soil and Water Resources Research Development Lowland Pedo-Ecological Zone.
Sixteen MSL units would be deployed nationwide by early 2025, with one in every region. These would be stationed at the Department of Agriculture-run regional soil laboratories to serve 10 beneficiaries per day.
We are confident that with technological facilities and tools like the MSL, farmers can be guided to transform both their mindset and their farming methods from the outdated to the modern, all for the benefit of Filipinos.
