KOICA-supported smart greenhouse opened in the Philippines... First harvest of lettuce and cherry tomatoes

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) announced on the 9th that it held a smart greenhouse opening ceremony and first harvest event together with the Philippine Department of Agriculture and the Aklan State Government in Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines on the 7th (local time).

This greenhouse is the first production base established as part of KOICA's 'High-income crop value chain strengthening project in Western Visayas applying smart agriculture in the Philippines'.

It is equipped with four cultivation greenhouses, a nursery, cold storage, and solar power facilities on a 1 hectare (ha) site, which is 1.4 times the size of a soccer field.

We laid the foundation for sustainable operation by introducing an automatic monitoring system for the cultivation environment, including shading, ventilation, temperature, and nutrient solution supply, and solar power facilities that take into account local power supply conditions.

Lettuce, paprika, cherry tomatoes, and melons produced here are supplied to hotels and restaurants in the tourist destination Boracay, contributing to increasing the income of local farmers. Annual production of major crops is expected to reach about 52 tons next year.

KOICA will invest $8 million (approximately 10.9 billion won) from 2023 to next year to carry out projects in four regions, including Aklan, Iloilo, Antique, and Negros Occidental.

The project focuses on expanding the facility cultivation base to help agriculture adapt to climate change in the Philippines, which is vulnerable to climate disasters such as typhoons.

Korea supports farmers in stably producing crops by transferring appropriate smart greenhouse technology that takes into account local climate, energy supply conditions, and operation and maintenance capabilities.

In particular, the key is to help agricultural products lead to actual sales and income.

KOICA supports greenhouses and cultivation technology while also promoting post-harvest management, developing sales channels, and strengthening local operation capabilities. We plan to lay the foundation to enable self-reliance even after the project ends.

This event was attended by 300 people, including the Philippine Minister of Agriculture, Aklan Governor, and officials from the Korean Embassy in the Philippines and KOICA Philippines Office.

Jeong Young-seon, head of KOICA Philippines office, said, "This is the starting point for responding to climate change with smart agricultural technology and connecting local farmers with income opportunities. We will strengthen the foundation for self-reliance of rural communities by supporting technology and sales channels together."

KOICA, which supports the Philippine Department of Agriculture's greenhouse expansion plan 'White Revolution', plans to expand its business in other regions starting with this project. On the 20th, a smart greenhouse opening ceremony will be held in Tigbawan, Iloilo Province.