WITH the inevitable effects of climate change on agriculture, technology is eyed as a good platform to secure agricultural productivity among farmers, a University of the Philippines (UP) professor said.

Felino Lansigan, UP Los Baños Climate and Disaster Risk Studies Center chair professor, underscored the importance of technology in mitigation and adaptation as a responsive measure in addressing the pressing issue on climate change.

In his report earlier this year during the Banana Congress in Davao City, Lansigan said one of the technologies which can be mitigated in addressing climate change is through reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by nutrient fertilizer management and improved water management.

Based from studies conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), usual component of fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. But overuse of such components can result to contamination of surface water and groundwater.

EPA suggests that by using treated sewage sludge, or biosolids, agricultural farmers can have better options in choosing nutrient-rich organic-based fertilizers.

Meanwhile, Lansigan’s report suggests that the country must also have an effective and improved crop yield forecasting as not to waste agricultural crops planted.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) researches show that in the Philippines, seasonal climate forecasts (SCFs) were found to have an average value of around P119/ha/season.

The study used the amount of rainfall in assessing whether it was the rightful time to plant. Forecast was found to be valuable for Filipino farmers in deciding when to plant corn.

Lansigan said adaptive cropping calendar can also help Filipino farmers decide in planting. The crop calendar is based on cumulative rainfall threshold and duration, and expected yields.

Lansigan added technology must be utilized in order to reduce drastic changes and harmful effects of climate change.