Category: Agriculture

  • DJI Launches Agriculture Drones in the Philippines to Enhance Precision Farming Practices

    DJI Launches Agriculture Drones in the Philippines to Enhance Precision Farming Practices

    Manila, Philippines –DJI Agriculture is a specialized division of DJI, the global leader in drone technology. Established in 2015, DJI Agriculture focuses on developing advanced drone solutions tailored for the agricultural sector, aiming to enhance farming efficiency, sustainability, and productivity.

    Innovative Drone Solutions

    DJI Agriculture provides a diverse lineup of unmanned aerial systems, including the advanced Agras series, tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern farming. These drones are designed to perform key agricultural functions such as crop spraying, seeding, and aerial mapping with high precision and efficiency. Integrating technologies like intelligent flight planning, multispectral imaging, and automated obstacle sensing, DJI’s solutions help streamline field operations, minimize manual labor, and ensure accurate input distribution. By leveraging these innovations, farmers can achieve higher yields, reduce costs, and adopt more sustainable and data-driven agricultural practices.

    Global Impact

    By the end of 2024, approximately 400,000 DJI Agriculture drones were in operation worldwide, marking a 90% increase since 2020. This widespread adoption has contributed to significant resource savings, including approximately 222 million tons of water and a reduction of 30.87 tons of carbon emissions.

    Commitment to Sustainability

    DJI Agriculture is deeply committed to advancing sustainable farming practices by leveraging the power of precision agriculture and smart farming technologies. Through the integration of intelligent drone systems, data-driven analysis, and automated field management, the division empowers farmers to make informed decisions that lead to optimized resource use, reduced environmental impact, and increased productivity. By enabling targeted applications of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, DJI’s solutions help minimize waste and prevent overuse of agricultural inputs, contributing to soil health and long-term ecological balance. Ultimately, DJI Agriculture aims to support the global effort to ensure food security while promoting environmentally responsible and economically viable farming methods.

    The DJI Agras T50

    The Agras T50 is a flagship of efficiency and stability, born from a deep understanding of the demands of large-scale farming. It inherits a coaxial dual-rotor design and 54-inch propellers for next-level stability when carrying 40 kg spraying or 50kg spreading payloads, which enables efficient spraying of up to 50 acres (21 hectares) per hour1. T50’s dual atomization spraying system, with an increased flow rate of up to 16 liters per minute with two sprinklers and adjustable-sized spray droplets, is ideal for a variety of applications from fields to orchards. Easily converted to its spreading configuration, the T50 can carry 50 kg of dry granules and spread at a flow rate of up to 108 kg/min2 or 1.5 tonnes per hour2. This combination of power, precision, and versatility sets T50 apart as a top choice in agricultural drones, designed to meet the evolving needs of modern farming.

    – The T50 features an upgraded four-antenna O3 Transmission system, extending the remote controller-drone connection up to 2 km3. For operations over mountains and other complex environments, users can deploy a DJI Relay to extend transmission range and stability for improved operation safety.

    – The T50 features dual Active Phased Array Radars and binocular vision sensors. These work together to accurately reconstruct the T50’s surroundings and detect nearby obstacles, for intelligent obstacle sensing and bypassing, and Terrain Following over slopes.

    – Equipped with an additional pair of centrifugal sprinklers, increasing flow rate to 24 liters per minute. This benefits tasks like orchard spraying that require a higher flow rate to penetrate dense canopies and treat the fronts and backs of leaves

    – Powered by a DB1560 Intelligent Flight Battery, with a capacity of up to 30 Ah and 1500 charge cycles4. The D12000iEP Multifunctional Inverter Generator paired with the Air-Cooled Heat Sink enables 9-minutes fast charging, allowing for continuous operations with a pair of batteries.

    The DJI Agras T25

    The Agras T25 packs all the advanced features of the T50 into a smaller, portable design. It can carry a 20kg spraying or 25kg spreading payload and includes the T50’s top features like multidirectional obstacle avoidance, Terrain Following, ultra-fast battery charging, one-tap takeoffs, and automatic operations. This makes it perfect for solo use in small to medium-sized farms.

    DJI Agriculture Philippines Opens Doors for New Authorized Distributors

    DJI Agriculture Philippines is actively seeking dynamic and growth-oriented distributor partners to join its expanding network and bring the latest in agricultural drone technology, the DJI Agras T50 and T25, to farms and agribusinesses across the country. This is a prime opportunity to partner with a global leader in drone innovation and help revolutionize Philippine agriculture through advanced, efficient, and sustainable farming solutions.

    DJI’s distributor program presents an exciting opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs operating in the agricultural technology sector. This program is ideal for forward-thinking companies looking to expand their product offerings, tap into new markets, and play a key role in transforming the future of farming through innovation and smart technology.

    Approved partners will gain access to:

    – Exclusive distribution rights in designated regions

    – Comprehensive product and sales training

    – Technical support and marketing resources

    – Access to DJI’s growing agricultural customer base

    Interested parties are invited to contact DJI Agriculture Philippines through apruebo.miguelcarlo@techdynamics.com.ph or +63 956 016 4792, or visit https://www.facebook.com/DJIAgriculturePH for more information about partnership opportunities.

  • Vea Eco Farm Demonstrates the Use of a Composting Machine

    Vea Eco Farm Demonstrates the Use of a Composting Machine

    The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management has a program and advocacy in giving assistance of the young farmers in Ilocos to boost their productivity in agriculture.

    Marvin Vea, owner of Vea Eco Farm, demonstrates the use of a composting machine by crushing coconut husks that transform into cocopeat, a plant-friendly growing medium for lettuce and other high-value crops.

    Vea Eco Farm has received an assistance of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management to boost and increase the productivity in growing lettuce and other high-value crops.

    The Vea Eco Farm in Bagbago, Solsona, Ilocos Norte is also a learning site for practical agriculture.

    Please click the link: Vea Eco Farm, Ilocos composting machine to watch video of a composting machine by crushing coconut husks that transform into cocopeat.

    REFERENCE: Philippine News Agency – Leilanie Adriano

  • VEA ECO FARM FOOD PRODUCTS joins the World Food Expo (WOFEX) 2024

    VEA ECO FARM FOOD PRODUCTS joins the World Food Expo (WOFEX) 2024

    VEA ECO FARM FOOD PRODUCTS will join or participate the World Food Expo (WOFEX) 2024 on July 31, 2024 – August 03, 2024 at the booth of Department of Agriculture Region 1 at World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City, Philippines.

    WOFEX 2024!

  • ADM Receives Excellent Performance Award In Commercial Feedmill For Swine

    ADM Receives Excellent Performance Award In Commercial Feedmill For Swine

    ADM Philippines was recently awarded the Excellent Performance recognition in Commercial Feedmill for Swine by the Livestock Philippines 2023 organizers at the World Trade Center in Manila.

    ADM is one of the leading animal feed manufacturers in the Philippines and has been doing business there for over 20 years, assisting and supporting the country’s livestock and poultry producers. ADM Philippines’ feedmills are situated in strategic locations and are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and technology that allows the company to produce high-quality feed products that are safe, nutritious and affordable.

    EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE AWARD FOR COMMERCIAL FEEDMILL FOR SWINE. ADM’s animal nutrition business in the Philippines, represented by its Managing Director Dr. Lorenzo Mapua and Marcomms and Brand Experience Manager Dr. Aileen Guerrero, accepts the recognition for the Excellent Performance Award for Commercial Feedmill for Swine. Also in photo, (L-R); Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director, ASEAN, Informa Markets, Usec Domingo Panganiban, Senior Undersecretary Department of Agriculture, Mr. Bob Musngi, District Sales Manager and Engr. Arnel de Mesa, Assistant Secretary for Operations, Department of Agricultur

    The company’s feedmill for swine is certified by the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), which gives ADM’s customers assurance that the company’s feed products meet the high standards of quality and safety as set by the DA.

    “Receiving this award is a way of being recognized for ADM’s achievements and efforts in helping the country achieve vital food security. This is a testament to our Philippine farmers who continuously grow their businesses in pig farming through the technology we provide in our animal feed” said Dr. Lorenzo Mapua, Managing Director of ADM’s animal nutrition business in the Philippines.

    Livestock Philippines has always been in the forefront of international B2B events dedicated to the livestock, poultry, aquaculture, feeds and meat sectors. Attendees have access to various technical seminars, conferences, and other activities that ignite knowledge concerning the market trends, news, research, and latest industry developments. The biennial event has been helping to promote and contribute to the growth of the said industries in which ADM is also committed to improve via introduction of innovative products and services.

    President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., currently acting Department of Agriculture Secretary was the guest of honor, as he formally opened this year’s event.

    ONE WITH THE PRESIDENT. ADM Philippines is committed to provide the country’s livestock and poultry producers with new technologies and quality products that will improve the industry’s production and business. Dr. Aileen V. Guerrero, Marcomms and Brand Experience Manager joins the guest of honors lead by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Senator Cynthia Villar during the opening ceremony of Livestock Philippines 2023.

    In addition to the Excellent in Performance in Commercial Feedmill for Swine recognition, ADM Philippines was also awarded the Sustainability Booth Design Award for Creativity. This builds on the accolades ADM earned last year with its Sustainability Booth Design Award for Information.

    Reference:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Jollibee Group Foundation, DOST Partner to Elevate Lives and Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers

    Jollibee Group Foundation, DOST Partner to Elevate Lives and Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers

    Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development arm of Jollibee Group, and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which aims to further enrich their efforts in developing the entrepreneurial capacity of smallholder producers and link to agriculture value chains.

    “This partnership is an important milestone for farmer entrepreneurs. PCAARRD’s expertise in research and development in agriculture will surely help create access to more technologies that can enhance farmers’ livelihood to become more profitable,” said Gisela Tiongson, executive director of JGF.

    The agreement between DOST-PCAARRD and JGF focuses on further promoting sustainable agricultural practices through technology transfer, access to knowledge, and tools to enhance productivity. It also aims to improve research and development activities to bring forth science and technology-based solutions for agri-aqua enterprises. The program also includes networking and market linkages to ensure the viability of agro-enterprises.

    Partnership for Agro-Entrepreneurship. The MOU signing was held at the DOST-PCAARRD Innovation and Technology Center in the presence of (seated, from left): (place names in this sequence for easier read) JGF Executive Director Gisela Tiongson (seated, third from left); JGF Senior Program Manager Ma Laize Ar Cruzat (seated, fourth from left); DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora (seated, second from left); and DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia (seated, first from left).

    Of this, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora said, “We believe that this partnership for agro-entrepreneurship will strengthen PCAARRD’s efforts in addressing technology gaps to improve quality and productivity, as well as in building the capacities of farmer groups and partner LGUs to provide opportunities to tap institutional markets. We are also certain that this will pave the way to strengthen the implementation of projects and activities with the end goal of achieving JGF’s mission and PCAARRD’s mandates.”

    This initiative also supports JGF’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), which empowers and helps smallholder farmers sharpen their technical and business acumen, as well as partnership-building skills. FEP uses the Agro-Enterprise Clustering Approach to assist farmer groups supplying Jollibee Group and other markets.

    To date, Jollibee Group has accredited 18 farmer groups across the country that supply more than 9,000 metric tons of vegetables to the company, which accounts for more than P360 million in total sales.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Henry & Sons to bring new life to local coffee market

    Henry & Sons to bring new life to local coffee market

    Henry & Sons, the leading supplier of premium coffee products and services in the country, continues its mission to bring the local coffee industry to the international spotlight with their commitment to providing premium and quality education to aspiring baristas.

    “With the rising demand for specialty coffee in the ever-growing coffee market, Henry & Sons is determined to provide aspiring baristas with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed,” said Michael Harris Conlin, Henry & Sons president and CEO.

    Conlin said the company recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the National University Laguna to establish the Global Coffee School (GCS) in Calamba City.

    GCS courses are recognized and offered in over 40 cities worldwide. The company provides comprehensive educational courses to equip aspiring baristas with the necessary skills and knowledge to create the best coffee products.

    Courses include instruction on brewing methods and techniques, the science of coffee production, and different types of coffee drinks. Baristas will also be given hands-on experience with the most up-to-date coffee equipment, enabling them to develop their skills and gain the confidence needed to become top coffee professionals.

    Conlin, a former Philippine National Barista Champion and semi-finalist in the World Barista Championship, said the collaboration aims to elevate Laguna Liberica to a global coffee brand and teach aspiring baristas in Laguna the skills they need to become sought-after in the coffee industry.

    Last year, Conlin represented Laguna’s Liberica and Benguet’s Arabica at the Global Coffee Championship in Korea. Laguna’s Liberica won silver in the latte competition, while Benguet’s Arabica bagged bronze in the brewer competition.

    According to experts, the Philippine coffee industry is expected to generate $6.3 billion this year or P345 billion.

    Conlin, however, said 97% of the coffee in the country is imported.

    “Our local coffee farmers do not benefit from the billions of revenue generated by the coffee industry. If this continues, Philippine-grown coffee is at risk of extinction. This is a loss not only for our economy but also for our culture and heritage,” he said.

    Conlin noted that the program aims to help Mabato coffee farmers introduce their products to the international market and provide stability and sustainability for their livelihoods.

    He also encouraged people to buy coffee sourced from local farmers to support them.

    Recently, Henry & Sons’ opened two new branches of The Giving Café (TGC) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños and SM Marikina.

    TGC is part of the company’s social enterprise program established to support the Foundation for Sustainable Coffee Excellence (FSCE) in its drive to make the Philippines a major player in the global coffee industry through sustainable local coffee farming.

    The FSCE has been supporting farms in La Trinidad, Benguet, for some years now to help and provide farmers and their families with essential needs such as irrigation, medicines, and educational assistance.

    DTI Laguna witnessed the Ceremonial Signing of Memorandum of Agreement between National University Laguna and Henry and Sons PHTrading and Manufacturing Company, Inc. for the establishment of the Global Coffee School (GCS) Philippine Operations in Calamba City, Laguna. Present during the event were the executives of NU Laguna, Mr. Michael Harris Lim of Henry & Sons, Laguna Vice Governor Karen Agapay, and representatives of Calamba City Congresswoman CHA Hernandez and Calamba City Mayor Ross Rizal.

    Opened in July 2017, Henry & Sons opened TGC to provide a haven for coffee lovers. The café serves comfort food, such as champorado, sopas, and arroz caldo, and Chinese dishes, including yang chow, Taiwanese fried chicken, and sweet and sour pork.

    For more information, visit www.henryandsons and www.thevault.ph.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia

  • Sugar shortage? Make life sweeter with Stevia!

    Sugar shortage? Make life sweeter with Stevia!

    The country has been undergoing a sugar shortage for the past few months, causing sugar prices to soar. The price surge of this kitchen staple has affected the purchasing power of Filipinos, who are already having difficulty coping with inflation. Given how sugar is a key ingredient in most dishes, many people have struggled to make their lives and dishes sweeter.

    Fortunately, there’s a healthy alternative that can help solve Filipinos’ sugar woes. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is 300 times sweeter than sugar but has zero calories and does not cause spikes in blood sugar levels. It is better than chemical-based artificial sweeteners because it does not have any aftertaste or carry potential health risks.

    This wonder plant can be used for baking, as a food enhancer for cooking, and to sweeten hot and cold drinks without guilt. What’s great about Stevia is how it sweetens food and beverages naturally, unlike sugar which has been linked to obesity and diabetes. Moreover, Stevia is considered nonglycemic, meaning it does not affect one’s blood pressure levels.

    Given these health benefits, swapping Stevia with refined sugar can be a complete game changer for people who want to make healthier food and beverage choices and maintain a healthy weight range.

    Understanding Stevia’s potential to address Filipinos’ sugary dilemma, Glorious Industrial & Development Corporation (GIDC), also known as the Stevia Company, launched a lineup of naturally-sweetened and healthy beverages. GIDC, the Stevia Company’s line-up of products under its Glorious brand, includes the Glorious 3in1 Premium Coffee and Glorious Iced Tea Mixes and the Sweet & Fit Stevia Tea.

    “We understand how important sweetness is to Filipinos’ taste palette,” said Ms. Au De Leon, president, and CEO of GIDC, The Stevia Company. “By making Glorious available nationwide, we want to empower more Filipinos to discover a healthier way to make their lives sweeter.”

    The company’s latest products are not only good for one’s body, but they taste great too. Hence, people don’t need to sacrifice flavor to care for their health. All Glorious beverages are sweetened with Stevia, and every teaspoon of Stevia is equivalent to three teaspoons of refined sugar.

    Glorious Premium 3in1 Coffee Mix is a delicious coffee blend sweetened with Sweet & Fit Stevia. It is recommended for people with sugar-related concerns, weight watchers, and other health-conscious individuals. Sweet & Fit Stevia has zero calories, zero fat, zero sodium, zero carbohydrates, and zero cholesterol.

    People who want to control their sugar intake can now sweeten up their lives and favorite fruit teas with Glorious Iced Tea Mixes. This product comes in three flavors: Red Berries, Lemon, and Cucumber. Meanwhile, Sweet & Fit Stevia Tea can be used to make other hot or cold beverages together with non-dairy milk or fresh fruits for a healthy little pick-me-up.

    For more information about stevia, visit www.glorious.com.ph and www.sweetandfitstevia.com.

    REFERENCE:

    Lariza Garcia

    Filipino Bloggers Network