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DOST-3 introduces Aurora farmers to smart agri farming

By Zorayda Tecson

May 18, 2022, 7:58 pm

<p><strong>SMART FARMING</strong>. The Department of Science and Technology-Central Luzon (DOST-3), in partnership with Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), introduces a smart agriculture system to farmers and vegetable growers in Aurora. The move aims to help them minimize the impact of climate change, environmental constraints, and production costs.<em> (Photo courtesy of DOST-3)</em></p>

SMART FARMING. The Department of Science and Technology-Central Luzon (DOST-3), in partnership with Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), introduces a smart agriculture system to farmers and vegetable growers in Aurora. The move aims to help them minimize the impact of climate change, environmental constraints, and production costs. (Photo courtesy of DOST-3)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Science and Technology-Central Luzon (DOST-3) has introduced a smart agriculture farming system to farmers and vegetable growers in San Luis, Aurora.

In partnership with the Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) in the capital town of Baler, the DOST-3 put up a typhoon-resilient vertical indoor high-value crop production facility that could help farmers and vegetable growers minimize the impact of climate change, environmental constraints, and production costs.

“Local farmers and vegetable growers have consistently lost the battle against bad weather, especially during typhoon season. Severe weather conditions have led to ruined crops and lost income for those dependent on farming as their source of livelihood. Come now, the technology gives our farmers a fighting chance against the unpredictable weather,” DOST Regional Director Julius Caesar V. Sicat said in a statement on Wednesday.

Sicat said the vertical indoor, high-value crop production system uses less soil and water than traditional farming.

“It uses solar panels to energize lighting fixtures, drive the drip irrigation with fertigation, remotely regulate temperature, and run the ventilation system in a closed environment unaffected by external conditions. Thus, ensuring a bountiful harvest all the time,” he added.

“Karangalan po ng bayan ng San Luis, ng ASCOT at buong lalawigan ng Aurora na may ganitong isang napakagandang programa. Ang napakagandang inobasyon na ito ay para sa ikauunlad ng hindi lamang ng isang pamayanan kundi ng buong lalawigan ng Aurora at pati na ng buong bansa. Tatanawin po itong malaking utang na loob ng Bayan ng San Luis. (It is an honor for the town of San Luis, ASCOT and the entire province of Aurora to have this good program. This wonderful innovation is for the progress and development not only of our community but the entire province of Aurora. The town of San Luis is very grateful),” Roselito Dadero, the chief of staff of San Luis Mayor Ariel A. de Jesus, said.

The project is funded under the DOST Grants-in-Aid (GIA) program. (PNA)

 

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