Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) explained the key features and ongoing developments of its latest smartphone application – the PalayCheck App.
This integrated rice farm management smartphone application tool aligns with the PalayCheck system, providing guidance for rice farming and recommending methods to enhance yield and income for farmers.
During the recent Ugnay Palay: The 35th National Rice R4D Conference, PhilRice Information Systems Researcher III Mighty Jemuel Sotto expounded on the three key features of the PalayCheck App.
First, the app includes a Cropping Calendar Generator that automatically generates a comprehensive calendar for the entire season.
Covering activities from land preparation to harvesting, this feature assists farmers in planning and scheduling for optimal crop management.
The app also integrates data from the Abonong Swak Generation to recommend precise fertilizer applications.
“Using this, the user is assured to have the [fertilizer’s] right element, right amount, and right timing of application, which we know is crucial to nutrient management. This recommendation is automatically calculated based on the sowing date entered by the farmer and his total rice farm area,” Sotto explained.
Second, PalayCheck’s Crop Insights and Advisories feature provides insights based on the current rice crop stage and specific rice varieties.
It offers guides on various aspects of farming to enhance crop health and yield, along with real-time updates, notifications, and crop health alerts.
Additionally, the app integrated a weather forecast, allowing farmers to align their activities with weather patterns and minimize management risks.
The weather forecast is sourced from PAG-ASA, updated every Monday and Thursday.
“This enables the user to access the weather predictions not only in his registered area but in all towns across the Philippines,” Sotto added.
and third, the app features Record Keeping for Activities and Costs, enabling farmers to maintain detailed records of activities performed throughout the season.
It tracks costs associated with various activities including inputs, labor, and equipment and calculates gross and net costs to aid farmers in financial management and decision-making.
“Digital record-keeping is good because it ensures easy access and retrieval whenever needed… Its functionality can assist farmers in effectively managing their finances and help them make more decisions based on comprehensive financial insights,” Sotto furthered.
PalayCheck App underwent successful pilot testing and evaluation with local farmers from PhilRice Midsayap, PhilRice Agusan, PhilRice Negros, Rice Business Innovations System Implementers, and Technical Management and Services Division Technical Staff last July and August 2023.
The official launch took place last October 2023 during the PhilRice Los Baños Lakbay Palay at the University of the Philippines – Los Baños.
Meanwhile, Sotto introduced ongoing developments of the PalayCheck App.
These include integration of PhilRice Apps such as Binhing Palay, eDamuhan, Pest Risk Identification and Management (PRIME), Leaf Color Computing (LCC), Minus One Element Technique (MOET), and Rice Crop Manager Advisory Service (RCMAS).
This development ensures seamless variety selection, weed recognition, pest advisories, fertilizer optimization, and comprehensive recommendations for farmers.
In terms of advisory generation, the app will provide advisories on weather-related risks, PhilRice program updates, rice variety recommendations, and fertilizer recommendations based on Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund MOET results.
Finally, the PalayCheck App is expanding its accessibility by launching on iOS devices and offering support in the country’s major languages.
An additional KeyCheck assessment feature will also be available to empower farmers in comprehensively evaluating and improving their practices.
“As we embark on this transformative journey, let us remember that the future of agriculture lies in our collective ability to embrace innovation, and adapt to the evolving landscape,” Sotto noted.
He emphasized that the PalayCheck App serves as a testament to the agency’s commitment to the well-being of rice farmers.
It is currently available on the Google Play Store and can also be downloaded through the website palaycheckapp.philrice.gov.ph. (CLJD/MAECR-PIA 3)