Agrotechnology: Cultivating Sustainability through Technological Breakthrough in

Agriculture in Tajikistan and The Philippines

Adiba Zahra Sefira, Aulia Sarah Andraina, Farah Amira Nuralisha

Abstract

Agrotechnology, encompassing biotechnological and digital innovations, is pivotal in

advancing sustainable agriculture by enhancing productivity, efficiency, and environmental
stewardship. This research explores the implementation of agrotechnology for enhancing socio-
economic sustainability in Tajikistan and the Philippines. Utilizing qualitative methods including
literature review and analysis of regulatory documents, the study investigates current agricultural
policies and their impacts. In Tajikistan, efforts such as Law No. 241 aim to bolster the agro-
industrial complex, while in the Philippines, initiatives like Republic Act No. 8435 prioritize
modernization and sustainability in agriculture. Results highlight diverse challenges and
opportunities posed by agrotechnology adoption, including social impacts like job displacement
and economic benefits such as enhanced productivity. By examining these contexts, this research
underscores the importance of inclusive policies and international collaborations in leveraging
agrotechnology for sustainable agricultural development.

Introduction

Agrotechnology, or agri-tech, revolutionizes agriculture through advanced technologies

aimed at boosting productivity, efficiency, and sustainability (Sharma et al., 2018). It spans diverse
innovations from biotechnology, including genetic engineering for improved crop traits and
resilience, to digital tools like sensors and drones that optimize farming practices.

Agrotechnology and sustainable agriculture converge in their shared mission to improve

agricultural productivity while ensuring sustainability across environmental, social, and economic
dimensions. Traditional industrial farming methods have often degraded ecosystems through
practices like monoculture and heavy chemical usage, leading to soil erosion, water pollution, and
biodiversity loss. In contrast, sustainable agriculture advocates for practices that preserve natural
resources and ecological balance (Muhie, 2022).
 Many countries over the world supporting agricultural technology for their people. The
United States has been investing in digital agriculture, with a focus on using IoT-based services
and IT systems for agricultural companies (Dhal et al., 2024). The country has also implemented
programs to support farmers and improve agricultural productivity. Serbia has been investing in
digital agriculture, with a focus on using IoT-based services and IT systems for agricultural
companies (Vukadinovic et al., 2022). The country has also implemented programs to support
farmers and improve agricultural productivity

Agrotechnology plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable agriculture by offering

innovative solutions to these challenges. Precision agriculture utilizes technologies such as GPS,
sensors, and data analytics to optimize resource management, minimizing waste and
environmental impact. Biotechnology enables the development of resilient crop varieties, reducing
dependence on pesticides and enhancing food security in the face of climate variability.

While agrotechnology offers substantial benefits, its adoption requires careful management
to address potential drawbacks such as job displacement and unequal access, especially for small-
scale farmers. Conversely, excessive reliance on agrotechnology may reduce the demand for
human labor, leading to job losses and economic displacement in rural communities (Yang & Li,
2023). This can widen socio-economic disparities and disrupt traditional farming practices,
undermining social sustainability and community resilience.

In the context of Tajikistan and the Philippines, exploring how agrotechnology can
effectively enhance socio-economic sustainability is crucial. This research will examine current
agricultural laws, conflicts regarding agrotechnology, and resolutions that have addressed these
issues in Tajikistan and the Philippines.

Methods

This qualitative research utilizes a literature review, internet sources, and regulatory
documents to explore the implementation of agrotechnology for enhancing socio-economic
sustainability in Tajikistan and the Philippines. Literature will be sourced from academic literature,
governmental and non-governmental websites, and regulatory documents. Thematic analysis will
identify common themes across these sources, synthesizing findings to offer a comprehensive
overview of practices and challenges for enhancing socio-economic sustainability through
agrotechnology in Tajikistan and the Philippines.

Results

National Laws Regarding Agrotechnology in Tajikistan and The Philippines

The Philippines, a developing country where 9.5 percent of GDP is derived from the
agricultural sector, faces challenges due to its reliance on traditional production methods. President
Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has prioritized addressing food insecurity and enhancing the
country's agricultural sector on a global scale. This commitment is supported by key legislation
such as Republic Act No. 8435 (AFMA) and Republic Act No. 7607 (Magna Carta for Small
Farmers) (FAO, 2024). AFMA aims to modernize Philippine agriculture and fisheries, promoting
profitability and competitiveness through comprehensive plans for sustainable resource
management. The Magna Carta for Small Farmers complements this by providing small-scale
producers with access to credit, technical support, and infrastructure to improve socio-economic
conditions. Recent initiatives under the Philippine Department of Agriculture's "One DA Reform
Agenda: Eighteen Key Strategies" further underscore the country's push for inclusive agricultural
modernization (FAO, 2024). These strategies emphasize technological advancements, sustainable
practices, and enhanced market access. Together, these efforts reflect ongoing efforts to modernize
Philippine agriculture and enhance its global competitiveness.

In another developing region such as Tajikistan, a country that faces rather alarming food
insecurity problems, 22.6 percent of the country’s GDP came from the agricultural sector with 45.7
percent of its population working in agriculture (U.S. Agency for International Development,
2022) (The World Bank, 2021). Despite agriculture being a big sector for their income, the lack of
investment in infrastructure, machinery, and equipment for farming hinders the people from having
reliable food supplies and goods to produce, leading to problems such as malnutrition and
inadequate living standards due to low income. However, Tajikistan seems to be working on this
problem as they issued a law, named Law No. 241, that aids the development of the country’s agro-
industrial complex which will enhance their exports. The subsidy for the regulation should be held
and used by legal entities and those who have no predispositioned motives (FAO, 2019).

International Conflicts Regarding Agrotechnology

 In Tajikistan, the introduction of agrotechnology presents both opportunities and
challenges in the context of social sustainability. Traditionally, the country has relied heavily on
labor-intensive agricultural practices, including the involvement of children in farming activities
due to socio-economic pressures (ILO, 2014). However, as agrotechnology has been adopted to
enhance agricultural efficiency and productivity, there has been a noticeable decline in the
employment rate within the agricultural sector. According to World Bank (2024), since 1995,
Tajikistan has experienced a 15% reduction in agricultural employment.

While agrotechnology contributes to increased agricultural productivity and economic

growth, it also poses significant social challenges. The decline in agricultural employment can
exacerbate existing socio-economic issues, including poverty and child labor. With fewer
opportunities in traditional farming, families may face economic hardship, potentially leading to
increased reliance on child labor as a means of supplementing household income.

Furthermore, the shift towards mechanized and technology-driven farming practices may
marginalize vulnerable groups, including rural communities and children who traditionally worked
in agriculture. This underscores the importance of implementing social safeguards and supportive
policies that prioritize inclusive development. Efforts should focus on providing alternative
livelihood opportunities, improving access to education, and enforcing child labor laws to ensure
that agrotechnology adoption aligns with sustainable social development goals in Tajikistan.

The economic sector in Tajikistan also faces systemic issues such as inadequate agricultural
extension services, limited access to financial resources, and weak rural infrastructure that isolates
many family farms from urban markets meanwhile 90% of the rely at it (FAO, n.d). This situation
is compounded by high outmigration rates and an aging population, which further strain
agricultural productivity and economic stability. Agrotechnology offers promising solutions by
enhancing agricultural productivity and reducing dependency on imported food and inputs. Yet,
the adoption of agrotechnology requires substantial investment in technology, training, and
infrastructure, posing challenges for smallholder farmers who lack access to financial support and
technical knowledge. Moreover, Tajikistan's heavy reliance on food imports—covering 75% of its
food needs—and over 50% of agricultural inputs exacerbates vulnerability to global market
fluctuations, such as those caused by conflicts like the war in Ukraine (Sevimli & Jungbluth, 2022).
The economic impact of these challenges is profound, leading to increased food insecurity and
economic instability. The World Food Program predicts a rise in food insecurity, with 30% of the
population expected to face moderate food insecurity by the end of the year.

In the Philippines, agrotechnology presents both opportunities and challenges in terms of

social sustainability. While technological advancements such as automation and digital agriculture
can enhance productivity and efficiency in farming, they also pose risks to traditional farmers'
livelihoods. The automation of agricultural processes may lead to job displacement among rural
communities that rely heavily on manual labor, exacerbating unemployment and socio-economic
inequalities (FAO, 2024). Moreover, the Philippines faces longstanding issues in agriculture,
including unequal land ownership and the failure of agrarian reform efforts to alleviate poverty
among small-scale farmers. Agrotechnology, while potentially increasing productivity, may
inadvertently deepen these inequalities if access to technology and resources remains unequal
across rural communities. Additionally, the country's policy of promoting food self-sufficiency
through restrictions on food imports aims to support local agriculture but can inadvertently impact
food accessibility and nutrition, particularly among low-income families (Tuano & Sescon, 2017).
Restrictions on imports may lead to higher food prices, exacerbating child malnutrition and
affecting long-term human development outcomes.

There is issues persist with the underapplication of fertilizers by farmers and heavy reliance
on imports, which affect overall agricultural output and sustainability. The introduction of
agrotechnology has led to a decline in the employment rate in agriculture, decreasing by 20% since
1995 (World Bank, 2024). While this reflects increased efficiency and productivity in farming
practices, it also highlights the challenge of job displacement in rural areas where agriculture is a
primary source of livelihood. This shift underscores the need for complementary policies and
programs to support displaced agricultural workers, promote alternative employment
opportunities, and ensure inclusive economic growth. Moreover, the slow growth in agricultural
productivity and factors of production expansion further underscores the importance of
agrotechnology in enhancing efficiency and sustainability (Lu, 1968). By leveraging technologies
such as digital agriculture, precision farming, and improved crop management practices, the
Philippines can address productivity challenges, reduce dependency on imports, and enhance food
security.

Resolutions that Have Done Regarding the Issue in Tajikistan and the Philippine
 Tajikistan has taken significant steps to address agrotechnology issues, focusing on both
social and economic sustainability. The country has collaborated with international organizations
like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Labour Organization
(ILO) to develop initiatives aimed at enhancing digital agriculture and improving labor conditions.
One prominent effort is the workshop organized by FAO and Tajikistan's Ministry of Agriculture
to develop a national roadmap for digital agriculture (FAO, 2022). This initiative aims to educate
stakeholders and foster collaboration among entrepreneurs, digital companies, government
agencies, and academia to promote sustainable and productive agricultural practices. Learning
from experiences and innovations in digital agriculture, particularly from countries like South
Korea, supports Tajikistan in adopting smart farm technologies (EIPP, n.d).

Economically, Tajikistan has secured significant international funding, such as the $58
million grant from the World Bank's International Development Association. This funding is
directed towards strengthening the resilience and sustainability of Tajikistan's agricultural sector.
The project aims to improve productivity, climate resilience, food security, and rural employment,
aligning with broader economic goals. Moreover, initiatives under the ILO's Decent Work Country
Programme and efforts to combat child labor underscore Tajikistan's commitment to improving
social sustainability in agriculture (ILO, 2020). By integrating technological advancements and
international collaborations, Tajikistan strives to modernize its agricultural sector while addressing
socio-economic challenges and enhancing overall sustainability (Alieva & Panajyan, 2021).

The Philippines has implemented several initiatives to address agrotechnology issues in

social and economic sustainability. The government promotes commercial activities in critical
sectors such as irrigation, water resource management, post-harvest facilities, and digital
agriculture. Republic Act 7607 aims to empower small farmers by ensuring equitable distribution
of benefits and opportunities, supporting their socio-economic development (Quilloy, 2015). The
Philippine Rice Information System (PRiSM) utilizes satellite imagery to provide accurate weather
data, enhancing land use efficiency and reducing crop losses (Cordero & Park, 2023). Precision
agriculture technologies have been pivotal in boosting crop yields while minimizing water and
chemical inputs. The Precision and Digital Agriculture Center (PreDiC) exemplifies this
commitment through advanced facilities like spatial variability assessments and modern farming
equipment (DA, 2022). These efforts underscore the Philippines' progress in integrating
sustainable agricultural practices.

Economically, the country's robust growth trajectory is supported by domestic demand and
public investments, bolstered by recent reforms aimed at attracting private investment. However,
agrotechnology adoption has led to a decline in agricultural employment, prompting labor market
reforms by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) (Social Protection, n.d). These
reforms aim to enhance labor market flexibility, improve information dissemination, and resolve
labor disputes effectively. Moreover, initiatives like the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA) provide training to displaced agricultural workers, equipping
them with skills for employment in agri-related industries and other sectors (TESDA, n.d). These
measures highlight the Philippines' comprehensive approach to balancing technological
advancement with social inclusivity and economic resilience in its agricultural sector.

Conclusion

Agrotechnology is transforming agriculture in Tajikistan and the Philippines by enhancing

productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. In Tajikistan, significant efforts are underway to
improve socio-economic sustainability through international collaborations and technological
advancements. Workshops organized by the FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture are fostering a
roadmap for digital agriculture, promoting collaboration among key stakeholders. With
international funding, such as the $58 million grant from the World Bank's International
Development Association, Tajikistan is focusing on improving productivity, climate resilience,
food security, and rural employment.

The Philippines is also making strides in integrating agrotechnology to address socio-

economic challenges. Initiatives like the Philippine Rice Information System (PRiSM) and the
Precision and Digital Agriculture Center (PreDiC) illustrate the country's commitment to utilizing
satellite imagery and precision agriculture to enhance land use efficiency and reduce crop losses.
Additionally, labor market reforms and training programs by the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
aim to support displaced agricultural workers, promoting inclusive economic growth.
 Both countries are leveraging agrotechnology to address systemic issues such as inadequate
infrastructure, limited financial resources, and socio-economic disparities. By adopting innovative
agricultural practices and fostering international collaborations, Tajikistan and the Philippines are
working towards achieving sustainable and productive agricultural sectors. However, it is crucial
to ensure that the adoption of agrotechnology is inclusive, addressing potential drawbacks such as
job displacement and unequal access, particularly for small-scale farmers. This approach will help
bridge the gap between technological advancements and socio-economic development, ensuring a
more sustainable and resilient future for agriculture in both countries.
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