Korean agency plows in modern agricultural methods to Philippines

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has forged a partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to help modernize the state of agriculture in the country.

This, as DA and KOICA marked the grand opening and first harvest of the Value Chain Enhancement of High Value Crops through Smart Agriculture (VEHCSA) Project at the Aklan Agri-Aqua Demonstration Farm and Training Center (AAADFTC) at Barangay Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan.

The event brought together representatives from the Philippine and Korean governments, local government units and other partners to highlight the project’s progress in introducing modern farming technologies and strengthening high value crop production in Western Visayas.

Backed by an $8-million partnership grant from South Korea, through KOICA, the six-year initiative (from November 2023 to December 2027) covers four sites in Aklan, Iloilo, Antique and Negros Occidental.

It is a lifeline designed to cushion smallholder farmers against erratic weather, soaring food costs and market disconnects.

The VEHCSA project was designed to establish a foundation for smart agriculture and strengthening the value chains of high value crops.

It is foreseen that the project will boost farmers’ incomes, improve vegetable quality for Filipino consumers, and build climate resilience through modern smart farming and cold chain systems.

In Aklan, the smart greenhouses are equipped with modern irrigation, environmental control and crop production systems designed to support the cultivation of high value crops.

The facilities also serve as demonstration and training areas where farmers and agricultural technicians can learn about smart farming technologies and improved production practices.

During the ceremonial first harvest, the project showcased the initial production of high value crops grown in the smart greenhouse facility. The activity marks an important milestone in the project’s implementation and demonstrates the potential of smart farming technologies to support improved crop production.

For the first week of November 2026, the harvest includes 454 kilos of lettuce, 62 kilos of bell pepper, and 414 kilos of cherry tomato, with a combined projected harvest of 930 kilos.

For 2027, the facility is projected to produce approximately 22,000 kilos of lettuce, 11,700 kilos of bell peppers, 14,300 kilos of cherry tomatoes and 4,100 kilos of melons annually, along with various herbs.