Quezon City—The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is spearheading a pioneering research initiative aimed at revolutionizing coconut farming through Precision Coconut Agriculture. By harnessing cutting-edge remote sensing technologies, including satellite and drone hyperspectral data, the PCA seeks to modernize farm monitoring, enhance productivity, and promote sustainability in the country’s coconut industry.

The research project, “Profiling and Evaluation of Coconut Palms for National Coconut Hybridization through Hyperspectral Data and Image Analysis,” is set to run for 3.5 years with a ₱29.5 million funding from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). This initiative aims to improve farm assessment, optimize coconut production efficiency, and advance hybridization efforts. The Authority is collaborating with the Philippine Space Agency, University of the Philippines Diliman, and University of the Philippines Los Baños to integrate science-based and technology-driven solutions into coconut farm management.

To solidify the research implementation, project researchers recently met with PCA Administrator and CEO Dr. Dexter R. Buted to discuss the scope, methodologies, and anticipated outcomes of the initiative. The meeting facilitated an open exchange of insights between PCA officials and researchers, identifying areas for enhancement and additional applications that could further strengthen the project’s impact on farmers and the industry.

PCA chief underscored the critical role of science and technology in driving innovation and progress in the coconut sector, expressing full support for initiatives that advance data-driven farm management strategies.

A key innovation of this initiative is the development of the Comprehensive Spectral Library for Coconut, the first of its kind in the Philippines. This spectral database will serve as the foundation for advanced plant health models, enabling precise coconut identification (by type, variety, and reproductive stage), early pest and disease detection, and targeted fertilizer recommendations. These advancements are expected to maximize coconut productivity and increase farmers' incomes.

As part of its digital transformation, PCA is also developing machine learning methodologies leading toward Artificial Intelligence (AI). These AI-driven tools will provide coconut farmers with real-time insights on crop health, pest outbreaks, and yield forecasts, allowing for data-driven decision-making at all levels.

Further bolstering this initiative is another proposed project, “Nationwide Management of Coconut Production and Production Component Resources,” which is in the pipeline for ₱70 million in DOST-PCAARRD funding. This project will employ Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing Technology to conduct an automated nationwide coconut inventory, mapping coconut palms down to the barangay level. It will also identify coconut-related industries, locate potential planting areas, assess crop health, and forecast productivity. By replacing manual, labor-intensive surveys, this approach will significantly cut costs, improve data accuracy, and enable efficient resource allocation.

Experts highlight that these science-based monitoring strategies will optimize planting methods, fertilizer application, pest management, and disaster preparedness. Real-time, location-specific recommendations will empower farmers to enhance productivity while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the coconut industry.

With Precision Coconut Agriculture at the forefront, the Philippines is geared to strengthen its position as a global leader in coconut production. PCA’s science-driven approach promises to future-proof the industry, increase farmer incomes, and secure a resilient coconut sector amid climate change and evolving agricultural challenges.