29/05/2026
PCAARRD-funded M3DAS Project has estimated the farm machines and implements needed to modernize and enhance sugarcane production in areas covered by Bukidnon Milling District. Initial results were presented in a validation workshop recently held in Maramag, Bukidnon.
Participants assessed surveyed data, provided feedbacks, and shared insights on the state of mechanization in the areas covered by Bukidnon Milling District. Present were chairpersons and members of sugarcane planters’ associations and cooperatives in Bukidnon, sugarcane farmers, millers, agricultural technicians from the local government units, officials and staff of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), DOST-PCAARRD’s Agricultural Resources Management Research Division (ARMRD), and UPLB’s Center for Agri-fisheries and Biosystems Mechanization (BIOMECH).
In her message of support, ARMRD Director Ms. Maria Teresa L. de Guzman acknowledged participation of workshop participants and expressed unwavering support to M3DAS project team and activities.
Modernizing sugarcane production operation through the use of efficient machines and implements is among the strategies to improve the sugarcane industry. This was recognized amidst issues on farmers ageing population, labor scarcity, low productivity, and other challenges that the industry is facing.
Through the Mobile Survey App, the data and information on sugarcane machines and implements have been collected, analyzed, stored in a comprehensive database system, and mapped accordingly. These outputs will be useful for policy and decision-makers in the government when planning, budgeting, and managing the sugarcane mechanization resources in the country.
M3DAS stands for “Mechanization Resource Mapping, Monitoring, and Data Analysis System.” UPLB-BIOMECH developed M3DAS. Its deployment to SRA as one of the major end users is ongoing. UPLB-BIOMECH implements the project in collaboration with SRA. Funding comes primarily from DOST-PCAARRD with counterpart funds and support from SRA and UPLB. The validation workshop is one of the project activities within the purview of ARMRD’s monitoring and evaluation initiatives.
Project -BIOMECH -PCAARRD
