Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co eyes the use of new farming technologies—satellite technology and solar panels—to address the “persistent challenges” in the agricultural sector and produce more yields for Filipino farmers. 

Calling such technologies “game changing,” the solon led a meeting with agricultural specialists to explore the feasibility of using these technologies “to enhance the efficiency and productivity of the sector.”

In a statement, Co recognized the “vital role that the agricultural sector plays in the country's economy” and identified the “most promising technologies” that could help the sector.

The lawmaker, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, is particularly interested for the farmers to use satellite technology for solar mapping and solar panels as a source of electricity for powering the irrigation system in farm fields. 

“This (satellite) technology enables the monitoring and mapping of crops, providing farmers with valuable information about crop health and growth,” his statement read. 

Through solar mapping, farmers “can achieve higher yields while reducing resource consumption, leading to more efficient and sustainable farming practices.”

On the other hand, Co and the agriculture experts also discussed the possibility of using solar panels “to harvest energy from the sun and power motors for irrigation is a more sustainable and cost-effective option in the long run.”

Another modern technique being considered is fertigation, a process wherein fertilizers and irrigation water are applied simultaneously. 

Co’s statement said this technique has become “increasingly popular” among farmers because it provides crops with precise amounts of nutrients while conserving water.

The House leader believes that “the adoption of new farming technologies has the potential to be a game-changer for farmers, leading to increased crop yields and reduced use of resources.”

“We need to work together to find innovative solutions to the challenges faced by our farmers. With the right tools and technologies, we can build a sustainable and profitable agricultural sector that benefits all Filipinos,” he said. 

The results of the meeting would be presented to House Speaker Martin Romualdez to recommend ideas that would address longstanding issues such as low productivity, poor crop yields, and inefficient resource use.