The fifth episode of the Aggie Ps Talk 5.0: AgriCOOLture Youth Champions was aired last 15 June. The invited speakers were Mr. Sokly Leng of Drone Kmher Technlogy, Cambodia and Mr. James John Dyoco of JAD Family Farm School, Bicol, Philippines. 

To formally open the episode, Dr. Sheryl A. Yap, director of the Institute of Weed Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology, CAFS, delivered the opening remarks. She emphasized on the importance of engaging the youth in agriculture as a means to sustainably increase agricultural productivity and to continue serving the needs for the growing population. 

Drone Khmer Technology for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems 

The first speaker, Mr. Sokly Leng is the Director of Drone Khmer Technology (DKT) in Cambodia. He is one among the group of friends who have experiences in agricultural practice and started DKT in 2019. They envision DKT to be the leading agricultural technology company addressing problems related to agriculture.

Having identified drones to be one of the fittest tools in spraying to help save cost, reduce pesticide use, and minimize hazard to humans, DKT introduced and promotes the use of drone technology as means of spraying for rice, corn, and other crops. During his talk, Mr. Leng shared his experiences in different farms that they have serviced. 

With the aim to further promote the use of drone technology in agriculture, DKT continuously establishes partnerships with micro financial institutions to help farmers avail of drone loans. They also take advantage of social media to advertise their products and services. Moreover, they are also planning to organize training on drone technology to help farmers and farm owners have the skills to use drones. 

The Millennial Farmer Journey

The second part of the episode featured Mr. James John Dyoco, a farmer and agripreneur. He also currently works as the Farm Development and Marketing Head of their family’s farm, the JAD Family Farm School (JADFFS). 

Coming from a family of rice farmers, Mr. Dyoco started The Millennial Farmer facebook page as a hobby where he writes about his experiences and learnings as a novice farmer. After having been immersed in their family’s farming business, he also turned The Millennial Farmer as a business offering naturally grown crops, organic concoctions, planting media, and various meat and seafood products. 

While JADFFS was forced to refocus and remodel the business because of the pandemic, Mr. Dyoco is grateful that this has also given a spotlight to agriculture as one of the most essential industries for a nation’s survival. He also shared that through farming, one may be able to grow their own food, contribute to the country’s food security, work in a cleaner and healthier environment, and impart accumulated knowledge and experience to the next generation of farmers.

Mr. Dycoco, as a millennial farmer, hopes to improve farming and business practices through continuous research and training; strengthen farming’s public image as a profitable and sustainable profession; improve network with local businesses as potential farmers; and tap government and NGO grants and assistance.

This is the fifth season of the CAFS webinar series, Rebooting Agriculture in the New Normal: Webfresher Courses. 

Watch the episode through CAFS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdfkPkc3yMg

By Alyssa Kaye S. Mojar