MARAMAG, Bukidnon (December 9, 2025) — Agricultural stakeholders introduced safe and modern farming practices during an information caravan at Central Mindanao University

Organized by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) in collaboration with partners from the government, research institutions, and the private sector, the November 17 activity gathered students, farmers, and practitioners for updates on fertilizer and pesticide standards, handling procedures, and science-based field practices.

Organizers also demonstrated how to spray using a drone for accuracy and reduced manual work.

FPA Supervising Agriculturist Lorna Sajol said farmers must complete training before operating drones.

“Dili pasabot nga kung naa kay drone, makasugod na dayon ka og spray. Kinahanglan makat-on sa husto nga pamaagi, safety guidelines, tukmang dosage, ug responsable nga paggamit sa pestisidyo, abono, ug uban pang inputs—sa drone man o manual spraying—aron mas epektibo ang operasyon ug mas lig-on ang proteksiyon sa tanom, mag-uuma, ug palibot,” Sajol said.

(It doesn’t mean that if you have a drone, you can start spraying right away. You need to learn the proper procedures, safety guidelines, correct dosage, and the responsible use of pesticides, fertilizer, and other inputs—whether through drones or manual spraying—so operations are more effective and protect crops, farmers, and the environment.)

Agridom Solutions Corp. Research and Development Director Genaro Valencia said drone spraying allows farmers to cover fields at a much faster rate.

“Pinaka-importante ang health and safety sa atong tanom, kay daghan na ang nadanyos tungod sa sayop nga paggamit sa mga ekipo sa panguma. Dako’g tabang ang drone spraying kay 40 ka beses kini mas paspas kaysa manual ug makahimo pa og ‘chemical curtain’ nga motabon sa uma sa dili pa maka-react ang mga insekto, usa ka moderno ug epektibong paagi sa pagpanalipod sa tanom,” Valencia said.

(The health and safety of our crops is most important because many have been damaged due to the wrong use of farm equipment. Drone spraying helps a lot because it is 40 times faster than manual spraying and can create a ‘chemical curtain’ that covers the field before insects can react, a modern and effective way to protect crops.)

The caravan supports national efforts to strengthen digital agriculture and encourage responsible management of farm inputs. Organizers said they aim to provide communities with updated information and practical tools that the sector needs.

The organizers said they will continue advancing safe and modern practices to help farmers adopt more efficient methods.(Janice Nina C. Lumambas/PIA-10/Bukidnon)