AKO-BICOL Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co wants to introduce new farming technologies such as solar mapping, the use of solar panels in farms, and the simultaneous application of fertilizers and irrigation (called fertigation) in a bid to increase Filipino farmer's production.

"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," Co said in a statement Wednesday, March 1.

Co, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, said he has been exploring the feasibility of introducing new farming technologies to tackle persistent challenges faced by the agriculture sector.

"With solar mapping, farmers can achieve higher yields while reducing resource consumption, leading to more efficient and sustainable farming practices," said Co, president of the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI).

The solon said solar panels may also be used as a source of electricity for powering irrigation systems in farms. "Using solar panels to harvest energy from the sun and to power motors for irrigation is a more sustainable and cost-effective option in the long run."

Co said fertigation, a process that involves applying fertilizers and irrigation water to crops simultaneously, is a technique that is becoming increasingly popular among farmers. He said fertigation enables farmers to provide crops with precise amounts of nutrients while conserving water.

He said the adoption of new farming technologies has the potential to be a game changer for farmers, increase crop yields, and reduce the use of resources.

"By embracing these new practices, farmers can transition to more sustainable and efficient farming methods, ultimately resulting in long-term benefits for both the economy and the environment," he said.

"By leveraging the latest farming technologies, the industry can overcome longstanding issues such as low productivity, poor crop yields, and inefficient resource use. Ultimately, the aim is to create a more sustainable, efficient, and profitable agricultural sector that can benefit both farmers and the wider community," he further said.