Innovations that make farms more productive are shown at the Davao agri-trade fair
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AGRI TRADE EXPO. Senator Cynthia Villar delivers her speech Thursday (Sept. 28, 2023) as the guest of honor during the opening of the three-day 25th Davao Agri-Trade Expo (DATE) in Davao City. The senator underscores the importance of agriculture as a driver of Mindanao's growth. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)
MindanaoHerald | Innovations that make farms more productive are shown at the Davao agri-trade fair | DAVAO CITY – The SMX Convention Center opened Thursday for the 25th Davao Agri-Trade Expo (DATE). The show featured new technologies, products, and services that could help farmers get ahead and become more competitive.
President John Carlo Tria of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) said in his speech that Mindanao’s agriculture has the ability to meet the expected rise in food demand while also making sure that there is a safe, secure, and sustainable food supply.
It’s important for farms, agribusinesses, and food producers to stay competitive. “Using cutting edge technologies like precision farming, the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, and self-driving machines can make things run more smoothly, cut costs, and boost output,” he said.
Tria said that current technology, like biotechnology and genetics, helps farmers make smart choices by giving them data on how to improve the traits of their crops and animals.
He said, “This can lead to better products and lower production costs.”
Tria said that farmers and agribusinesses should use training, workshops, and industry events to stay up to date on the latest trends, tools, and best practices.
DATE is an event held every year by the DCCCII. Its goal is to improve agribusiness by making it easier for the government and private industry to work together for the growth of agriculture.
In her message, Senator Cynthia Villar said that the event would help Mindanao’s agriculture industry grow faster.
Mindanao makes more agricultural products than any other state in the country. The top five exports from the area are bananas, coconuts, pineapples, other fruits, and nuts.
According to Villar, Mindanao’s long-term growth is based on farmland, which takes up one-third of the island and provides up to 40% of the country’s food needs. (via PNA)
