Japanese agri-tech firm E-SupportLink Ltd. expressed interest in expanding its operations in the Philippines by providing domestic banana producers access to advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and drone systems that help detect plant diseases earlier and improve plantation productivity.
Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, together with Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., met with E-SupportLink Executive Vice President Hiroyuki Fukatsu and senior company officials on May 27 as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s official visit to Japan.
This long-term expansion plan builds on E-SupportLink’s ongoing partnership with the DA, the Department of Science and Technology, and banana industry groups in Mindanao to test modern farming technologies for banana plantations. The project uses drones, AI-assisted image analysis, and digital monitoring systems to help farmers better manage their crops.
The project aims to help Filipino farmers monitor plantations in real time and detect diseases earlier, especially Fusarium infections, which can seriously damage banana crops. By using drone images and AI-powered analysis, farmers can identify problem areas faster, improve plantation management, and increase operational efficiency.
Secretary Roque said the Japanese company’s direction could further strengthen the Philippines’ position as the world’s second-largest banana exporter after the country reclaimed the ranking in 2025.
“This project will directly benefit our farmers, especially smallholder growers and agricultural communities by introducing AI- and drone-enabled solutions. It will also improve productivity, strengthen disease monitoring, reduce operational challenges, and support more sustainable livelihoods for millions of Filipino farmers who depend on the banana industry,” she added.
Beyond bananas, discussions further explored the possible future application of AI-enabled agricultural technologies for other key Philippine crops such as coconut, cacao, and pineapple, as well as broader opportunities for cooperation in agricultural digitalization, AI-driven logistics, and innovation-led agricultural development.
To support these potential investments, the agency added that the government continues to strengthen the business environment through the CREATE MORE Act and ongoing ease-of-doing-business reforms, alongside investment facilitation support from agencies such as Philippine Economic Zone Authority.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism for deeper Philippines-Japan cooperation in agricultural technology, digital transformation, and AI-enabled agricultural modernization.
