Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday announced its initiative to explore smart farming technologies from China as part of its strategy to modernize agriculture in the Philippines. DA Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the importance of identifying technologies that are suitable for adaptation to the unique conditions in the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu Laurel highlighted the potential benefits of learning from successful practices abroad. "There's nothing wrong with copying the success of others if it will help others," he stated. This remark followed the DA's recent visit to the Zhejiang Huihong Fruit and Vegetable Farm in Zhejiang province, China, which is operated by Zhejiang Huihong Biotechnology Co. Ltd. and founded by Zheng Yunyu.

During the visit, agriculture officials from the Philippines closely inspected the farm's digital systems, which play a crucial role in crop monitoring and farm management. These systems incorporate environmental monitoring, water and fertilizer management, and real-time production data. The delegation also toured the farm's greenhouses, studying their cultivation practices, including green protection and precision management techniques for fruits and vegetables.

Discussions between the two parties covered various aspects of the farm's operations, including industrial processes, quality control, and ecological planting models. They also explored potential areas of cooperation such as technology transfer, industry partnerships in precision agriculture, crop protection, and ecological farming for fruit and vegetable production.

Tiu Laurel stressed the necessity for the Philippines to embrace these innovative approaches. "We have to modernize agriculture, and we have to find the right technology that will allow us to leapfrog," he asserted. The DA is particularly interested in adopting China's smart farm technology to enhance the management of water, fertilizer, growing conditions, and production data in the Philippines.