Kalibo:The governments of the Philippines and South Korea have made significant strides in smart farming through the establishment of an automated greenhouse facility in Aklan. This initiative is designed to support Filipino high-value crop growers by enhancing agricultural practices.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Agriculture (DA), in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has inaugurated the Value Chain Enhancement of High-Value Crops through a Smart Agriculture (VEHCSA) facility. This facility is located at the Aklan Agri-Aqua Demonstration Farm and Training Center in Kalibo.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted the benefits of the greenhouse facility, emphasizing its role in advancing food security while mitigating the impact of adverse climate conditions. The smart greenhouses are engineered to provide a climate-controlled environment, enabling year-round crop production irrespective of weather changes. This will result in a more reliable food supply, improved income opportunities for farmers, and a stronger base for food security.

In addition to the facility, efforts are underway to link these facilities with viable agribusiness enterprises and both institutional and private-sector markets to ensure they achieve commercial viability. Laurel also commended KOICA for its ongoing partnership, noting that technology collaborations like this one can enhance farming efficiency, improve harvest quality and consistency, and increase farmers' earnings.

The VEHCSA project includes additional pilot sites beyond Kalibo, with locations in Tigbauan, Iloilo; Patnongon, Antique; and Bago City, Negros Occidental.