The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced plans to collaborate with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) to harness the potential of satellite data in improving floodwater impounding and irrigation planning.
The partnership aims to modernize agriculture by leveraging satellite intelligence and on-the-ground validation to enhance irrigation planning and accelerate disaster assistance.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. has asked PhilSA to identify areas where floodwaters naturally flow and accumulate during heavy rains, allowing excess water to be harvested and reused for irrigation.
The collaboration also involves the use of satellite data to replicate canal systems, which would enable rainwater to be stored and redirected to farms during dry months, ultimately increasing production and reducing dependence on imported food.
Agriculture Secretary Laurel emphasized the significance of understanding floodwater patterns, stating, "Every drop of water we save is another opportunity to increase production and reduce our dependence on imported food." He added, "If we understand where floodwaters naturally go, we can turn a recurring problem into a valuable resource for irrigation."
Discussions between the DA and PhilSA covered various topics, including the DigitalAgri Project, which tracks farm-to-market roads and production of corn and onions, as well as satellite monitoring of pests and diseases, drought, floods, soil moisture, greenhouse gas emissions, and water quality in Laguna de Bay.
The two agencies are also exploring satellite-based mapping of fishing grounds, which could yield information on productive fishing areas, wind conditions, and ocean currents for use by municipal fisherfolk.
Satellite monitoring of floods, drought, and crop health is expected to allow for faster and more objective assessments of damage, as well as quicker payouts to affected farmers and fisherfolk.
