by Jan Michael Carpo, Reporter
Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize Philippine agriculture by increasing food security and potentially attracting a new generation to farming and fisheries.
Experts believe that artificial intelligence could streamline agricultural practices, enhancing productivity, reducing waste, and ultimately improving farmer livelihoods.
At the recent two-day AI conference held at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, the Department of Agriculture (DA) emphasized the necessity of using AI to modernize and digitize farming.
Honorio Flameño, director of the DA’s information and communication technology service, highlighted AI’s potential to address key challenges, including food scarcity, economic shifts, and disruptions to the supply chain. “These impending challenges underscore the urgency of digital transformation,” said Flameño, outlining how artificial intelligence can play a role in sustainable food production and agricultural stability.
The Department of Agriculture has recently acknowledged the ongoing challenges within the Philippine agricultural sector, including inadequate rural infrastructure, limited access to financing, and the slow adoption of modern technology.
Artificial Intelligence to play a key role in sustainable food production
Among the notable AI projects presented at the conference was Fish-I, a pioneering tool that could help monitor fish stocks in Philippine waters more safely and efficiently.
As explained by Dr. Laura David, head of the UP Marine Science Institute, the technology reduces the risks associated with traditional methods, where human divers often have to conduct underwater assessments. Fish-I also addresses the scarcity of marine experts in the country.
By analyzing coral reefs and fish populations, Fish-I provides valuable data for policymakers and industry stakeholders, helping them understand and manage resources more effectively.
“The regular assessment of fish stocks is vital for food security,” said David, explaining that local government units can now contribute to fish stock monitoring by submitting data for analysis. “This information goes through our AI servers, and in two to three weeks, they receive detailed reports,” she added. This system allows for more regular monitoring and data collection, which can be carried out by local entities, ensuring timely decision-making.
Artificial intelligence’s utility extends beyond fishery management. It has also shown promise in disease control, an area crucial to livestock health.
At the same conference, Dr. Homer Pantua from UP Los Baños showcased an AI-powered system capable of tracking pig behavior, enabling early detection of African Swine Fever (ASF) and avian influenza. This innovation can potentially limit the spread of diseases, thus safeguarding the health of livestock and minimizing losses.
“This technology enables rapid response to outbreaks, saving farmers millions in potential losses while boosting productivity,” said Pros Naval, a project co-lead. The artificial intelligence-driven device not only detects diseases early but also lessens the need for continuous manual monitoring, a critical advantage for farms aiming to scale up operations.
The complementary role of AI in enhancing expertise
Another artificial intelligence initiative presented was aimed at helping calamansi farmers manage crop health. By identifying infections with an impressive accuracy rate of 87.2%, this AI tool eliminates the need for manual inspection of each calamansi tree, allowing farmers to address issues proactively.
“Our model gives farmers an advanced tool to detect diseases early, which is vital for crop management and productivity,” said Madecheen Pangaliman, a researcher on the project. The tool empowers farmers to detect infections early and act quickly, reducing crop loss and maximizing yield.
This wave of artificial intelligence-driven innovations is not only reshaping farming techniques but also making agriculture an attractive career for young Filipinos.
AI tools and modern practices may counter the perception that agriculture lacks technological advancement, potentially encouraging more young people to consider careers in agriculture and fisheries.
David added that rather than displacing workers, tools like Fish-I are seen by experts as valuable aids, enabling more insightful analysis and research. “Fish specialists have welcomed Fish-I, as it frees up their time for data analysis and drawing deeper insights,” she explained, emphasizing the complementary role of AI in enhancing expertise.
Through projects like Fish-I and AI-driven disease management, the Philippines is setting the stage for a more efficient, sustainable agricultural sector. As AI becomes further integrated into farming and fisheries, the benefits — improved productivity, enhanced food security, and new job opportunities — could reshape the nation’s agricultural landscape, securing its food supply and supporting the livelihoods of future generations.