Satellite technology and artificial intelligence (AI) can further enhance the government’s data collection in agriculture, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Monday.

This comes as the DA partnered with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to improve its data sharing and collaboration for statistics in agriculture, in line with the food security targets of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said this initiative will help prompt “right decisions” on production, logistics and food supply.

“Accurate and timely data will ensure that our food security objectives are met. It tells us where production is strong, where it is weak, and where government intervention is needed,” he said, citing that funds will be directed where it is “needed the most.”

In particular, both agencies seek to utilize AI and satellite imagery as part of their deepening technological efforts.

Like in other countries, the PSA has already piloted the use of satellite imagery and AI for crop production estimation.

For his part, PSA Undersecretary and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said this pilot implementation will be more effective with the expansion of the DA’s presence for field validations.

Satellite-generated data can be validated via on-the-ground verification.

Mapa then said this collaboration is essential since the agriculture and fisheries sector are considered “vital drivers” of the country’s economic growth, employment and food supply.

“We want to assure the DA that we are generating reliable and accurate statistics.The accuracy of data is critical in supporting sound policymaking,” he said.

Tiu Laurel said these joint efforts can also intensify proactive response from the government.

“Data should not simply tell us what happened. It should help us anticipate what comes next so the DA can be proactive, not reactive, in protecting the country’s food supply,” he said.

For 2026, the PSA has rolled out the new national census after almost 10 years, which will determine the updated population and consumption data nationwide.

Tiu Laurel said this will help them improve estimates for food requirements, modify production targets, and come up with more appropriate funding for the Philippine agriculture sector. (PNA)