As second component of updating the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA), the georeferencing of farm parcels primarily aims to map the approximate farm area being tilled by the farmer through Global Positioning System (GPS).

 

It was noted that the project shall prioritize to cover effective farm parcel areas which each field size not less than 500 square meters, tilling rice and/or corn as priority commodities. Also, RSBSA registration of the farmer is a prerequisite to proceed with the georeferencing.

 

Through the georeferencing, the verified farm area of the RSBSA-registered farmer shall be accurately linked to the geospatial location of the farmer’s field. Moreover, detailed particulars of the field such as farmer registrant’s name, crops planted, can be viewed. Having the exact measure of the field size is crucial in determining accurate interventions intended for the farmer.

 

Around 79 field assistants were deployed to undertake the georeferencing activity. Pilot areas to be covered include 18 municipalities in the region for the target of 35,000 hectares of rice production areas, and four other municipalities for the 5,000 hectares devoted to corn.

 

The completion of the georeferencing activity is said to play a vital role in mechanism enhancements relating to disaster preparedness and response, climate forecasting, agricultural growth, and farm interventions appropriate to the farmers.

 

Photo Credits: ICT/ Manalo