The Department of Agriculture (DA) launched the first ever Smart Greenhouse Philippines Project (SGPP) in the country, which aims to enhance productivity and produce high quality tomato using the advanced farming technology of Korea.

Agriculture Secretary Manny F. Piñol led the launching ceremony and ceremonial harvesting of tomatoes on March 8, 2019 at DA-RFO-CAR BPI Compound in Baguio City.

The said project valued at USD 2.43 Million (M) or about P122.29 M, was established thru the assistance of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service (EPIS).

This was made possible thru a Memorandum of Agreement signed by the Secretary and KOICA and EPIS in Seoul, Korea on July 5, 2018.

“Our efforts last year in Korea are now bearing fruits,” Piñol said.

The SSGP has a total of nine greenhouse in which 8 greenhouses will serve as farmers’ education and training and 1 facility is alloted for research and development (R&D).

To sustain the project, DA and KOICA will provide capacity development on greenhouse operation and establish distribution channel in related to co-branding and local shipping of value added agro-product.

“We are taking big steps towards modern agriculture, the temperature and water is controlled thru a computer,” Piñol said.

Another KOICA Smart Greenhouse Project is set to be established in Tanay, Rizal this year.

The agri chief hopes to replicate the same horticultural facility in other regions. As such, the Secretary committed P120 M thru the Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) credit for the establishment of SGPP in Pakibato District in Davao.

Piñol also witnessed marketing agreement between farmers’ organization, Starlanes Philippines Inc., Dizon Farms and UBM Corporation.### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)