BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) in collaboration with International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is now using satellite information system to monitor rice production and prepare for and mitigate the effects of disasters such as typhoons and El Niño in rice areas.
The Philippine Rice Information System (PRISM), a research and development project, utilizes satellite imagery to accurately estimate rice yield, rice crop area, and area damaged by flood and drought in a timely manner.
PRISM gathers information on rice to include where it is grown, when it is grown, and what is affecting the rice as it grows through integrating remote sensing and information and communications technology (ICT).
Noel Villa, Cordillera PRISM focal person, explained that the farmers can easily adopt rational and relevant management strategies thru the project.
For instance, during the typhoon Lawin which struck the region last semester, the flooded area was assessed easier and faster. The satellite showed various images which were analyzed as to how widespread and extensive the flood had affected rice areas with standing crops. The data generated through this tool was used as a basis for the rehabilitation plan for the affected areas.
While for crop health, with the continuing data gathering, the presence and prevalence of pest can best be understood in terms of seasons, farmers’ practices, weather disturbance, fertilizer and pesticide application and rice varieties that may affect the yield volume and quality.
Currently, PRISM delivers detailed maps of rice area, seasonality, and yield, and reports on pest injury and disease observations. Graphs and tabular representations of the occurrence of pest injuries and diseases, yield and farmer inputs that include fertilizers, pesticides and rice variety used are also offered. The information is then given to the local government unit for reference.
Villa said that these data will be consolidated by season during the three years of its implementation to have more accurate information especially for crop health and damage assessment purposes.
PRISM is currently in its research phase and the results of the project will be presented by June of this year.
By Jenny M. Dayao