CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — The Mindoro State University (MinSU) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the implementation of the research and development (R&D) project that would improve agricultural production in the MIMAROPA region.
The MOU signing for the “Policy Study on the Application of Select Smart Agricultural Technologies to Improve Agricultural Production in MIMAROPA” project took place during the 89th Regional Development Council (RDC) Full Council Meeting in Pasay City, March 7.
The project, with a budget of P3 million from the Fiscal Year 2024 of NEDA’s R&D Fund, is set to start this March 2025.
Under the agreement, NEDA will oversee and monitor the implementation of the R&D project. This includes ensuring that research activities and pilot testing are conducted efficiently and in alignment with the project’s objectives. By providing strategic guidance and evaluation mechanisms, NEDA aims to guarantee that the study produces actionable policies and recommendations that can significantly benefit the agricultural sector in MIMAROPA.
Meanwhile, MinSU president Enya Marie D. Apostol said their institution will serve as the primary research hub, offering its facilities, workspaces, and specialized equipment to support the project.
In addition, the university will provide technical expertise and human resources, including researchers, faculty members, and students, who will actively contribute to the study.
The partnership underscores the importance of research-driven policymaking and technological innovation in addressing agricultural challenges. By leveraging MinSU’s academic and technical capabilities and NEDA’s policy oversight, the project is expected to generate data-driven solutions that will enhance food security and economic growth in MIMAROPA.
According to the project brief, the proposed commodities for the study include rice, coconut, corn, banana, lanzones, rambutan, onion, various fruit crops, and vegetables. These commodities have been selected based on their economic significance and potential for productivity enhancement through smart agricultural technologies.
The primary beneficiaries of the study will be smallholder farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and local farming communities in MIMAROPA.
Also, agricultural extension workers, research institutions, and policymakers will benefit from the study’s findings, which aim to promote the adoption of innovative farming techniques, improve crop yields, enhance climate resilience, and support sustainable agricultural development in the region. (LTC/PIA MIMAROPA)
