Innovative satellite-powered alert system poised to transform cacao farming in PHL

Cacao farmers in Davao City may soon benefit from a pioneering alert system that leverages satellites, sensors, and drones to safeguard crops and ensure a steady harvest of premium beans. The new technology, validated through a landmark project, uses satellite data, soil sensors, and drone imaging to provide advanced warnings of potential health disruptions to cacao plants. These warnings are delivered as simple mobile messages, allowing farmers to take prompt action and prevent crop losses.

The project is funded by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) through its Grants for Research towards Agricultural Innovative Solutions (GRAINS) program. Leading the initiative is Ms. Mary Grace Gasco, founder of SpaceCrop, a startup committed to helping farmers adapt to climate change with cutting-edge satellite and AI technologies.

By establishing baseline soil moisture, nutrients, and leaf vigor, the project enables early detection of stressors such as drought, nutrient loss, and disease. Ongoing monitoring revealed that abnormal changes detected by satellites and sensors provide valuable early warnings for farmers. Timely interventions can now be made to prevent the escalation of problems.

Despite Davao’s international accolades for cacao quality, yields have been below target. The new alert system is seen as key to addressing plant stressors like black pod rot, helping bridge the gap between current and target yields.

“This is about giving cacao farmers practical tools to better understand what’s happening in their fields,” said Gasco.

“If the system alerts them to sudden stress, they can take steps right away — whether that’s biocontrol interventions or closer inspection of the crop,” she added.

Additionally, drone-based thermal and multispectral imaging has proven effective in identifying disease at the pod level, enabling non-destructive confirmation of plant health issues.

SEARCA GRAINS supports the transition of prototypes like this alert system into practical field tools. “This satellite-based decision tool highlights how data-driven agriculture can empower farmers and strengthen resilience,” said Atty. Eric Reynoso, Program Head of SEARCA’s Emerging Innovation for Growth Department.

Cacao farming is a primary livelihood for smallholders in Davao and much of Mindanao, which accounts for 90% of the Philippines’ cacao production. With further testing and refinement, the alert system could become a scalable solution benefiting cacao growers throughout Southeast Asia.

For more information and to watch the project video, visit: https://youtu.be/9LXPZ1o0MSA