The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) under the Department of Agriculture has given conditional registration to two products of Syngenta Philippines, namely the Alika 247 ZC and the Match 050 EC, allowing it to be applied to crops with the use of drones.
The Alika 247 ZC is an insecticide specially formulated to control rice bugs, while the Match 050 EC protects corn crops from the dreaded fall armyworm.
Sygenta is making deliberate and significant investments to make sure this technology is available for and maximized by Filipino farmers. Sygenta has previously acquired several drones and is looking to add more to its fleet. The company also looks forward to regulatory approval for drone application of more Syngenta products. Syngenta’s Agronomy and Technical Services team has members ready and trained to use the drones, with one already licensed to fly them.
Apart from product applications, Syngenta will also use drones to help farmers make better-informed decisions. The drones can be used for crop monitoring, area mapping and image capture of crops. This helps determine the plants’ status and health, which may not be readily apparent on the ground. Such information will help farmers plan better and improve their farms before and during the planting season. They can make the necessary preparations or changes to their fertilizer application, choice of crop protection product, product dosage, and timing of application.
(Source: The Philippine Star)
