To help farmers modernize their farming and trading practices, a web application for smart crop production and marketing was launched on 23 June 2023 at Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.
Developed by the J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) through a DA-BAR supported project, the application can generate important information on the soil’s physical and chemical properties which aids in deciding the type and amount of fertilizer to be applied to grow quality high value crops. Aside from the soil, the web application also analyzes weather, climate conditions, and crop-land suitability maps and models for precise farming strategies.
Termed as e-Pharian, the application also has a “buy and sell” feature where sellers and buyers can interact and trade. Farmers can post their available crops for sale in the app for interested buyers while consumers can post details of what crops they need for possible suppliers.
Gracing the launch were Zamboanga del Sur governor Victor J. Yu along with other local government officials and farmers. DA-BAR director Junel B. Soriano, assistant director Joell H. Lales, and technical staff Gian Carlo R. Espiritu also attended the launching which served as a venue in showcasing the results of the project implementation and the soil fertility mapping of the province. The fertility maps will be used by farmers as a guide on which crops are suitable to be planted in their area.
In addition to farmers, other expected beneficiaries of the web application are the DA regional office, local government units, researchers, technicians, and students in Zamboanga. The developed web applications will not only help the farmers modernize crop production practices, but will also create livelihood opportunities, generate income, and improve the quality of life of those in the agricultural sector of the province.