The chairperson of the House Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on Monday recommended the expansion of government-led, technology-driven agricultural programs to improve farmers’ productivity and income.

In a news release, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco said the government must prioritize equipping farmers with the necessary technology and knowledge to maximize productivity and income potential.

“Embracing technology-driven farming methods is key to strengthening our agriculture sector,” Tiangco said.

He cited successful initiatives in Hermosa and Dinalupihan in Bataan such as small water impounding systems, fertigation techniques, and drip irrigation, which have boosted crop production.

“According to the agriculture department, these technologies can cut fertilizer use by up to 70 percent and reduce water consumption by 30 percent,” he added.

Tiangco said scaling up these programs nationwide would help farmers optimize resources and lower production costs.

“We need to replicate these programs nationwide. Expanding their reach will help farmers optimize resources and lower production costs,” he said.

The lawmaker called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to explore more private sector partnerships to enhance farmer welfare.

Tiangco highlighted the DA-Agricultural Training Institute’s Digital Farmers Program (DFP), which provides farmers with smartphones, tablets, and internet access to enhance agricultural productivity.

“The lack of access to smartphones and internet is a major barrier to technology adoption among rice farmers,” he said.

He added that bringing public agricultural services online will provide farmers with valuable data and easier access to government assistance.

“The government must invest in programs that give farmers access to digital tools,” he said. (PNA)