AI drone project launched to detect banana diseases in Davao farms

AGRI-NEWS | Farming Posted on 2026-03-31 07:01:04

DAVAO CITY – The Department of Agriculture in the Davao Region (DA-11) has partnered with E-Supportlink Co., Ltd. to roll out a pilot project using artificial intelligence (AI)-powered drones for banana plant monitoring and early disease detection.

The initiative aims to support the banana industry, a key driver of the agricultural economy in Mindanao, which continues to face challenges such as the spread of Fusarium wilt and limited access to accurate plantation data. Traditional monitoring methods are often labor-intensive and provide limited coverage.

According to experts, Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes yellowing, wilting, internal discoloration, and eventual plant death, affecting crops such as bananas, tomatoes, and cotton.

DA-11 Regional Director Macario Gonzaga said the pilot project will cover around 15 hectares of farms in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro. Initial testing was conducted at Laserna Farm in Ula, Tugbok District, Davao City.

Gonzaga said the project will evaluate how effectively the technology can detect diseases in banana plants, particularly during early or pre-symptomatic stages.

The system uses AI to analyze multispectral images captured by drones, allowing for more precise identification of infected plants before visible symptoms appear.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will oversee project monitoring, including drone operations, AI analysis, and field validation.

Officials noted that despite ongoing efforts, a definitive solution to Fusarium wilt remains elusive, making early detection tools increasingly important.

The integration of drone technology, AI, and remote sensing is expected to enhance plantation mapping, estimate plant populations more accurately, and enable faster responses to disease outbreaks.

If proven effective, the DA plans to expand the use of this technology across banana farms, particularly benefiting small-scale growers. Training programs will also be conducted for DA personnel and farm managers, alongside the development of operational guidelines and a digital database for plantation monitoring and disease surveillance.

The initiative reflects international collaboration, with Japan supporting efforts to improve banana production in the region, given strong demand for Philippine banana varieties.

NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR

Share:

Writer :

Link :