Farmers to access agricultural information and technologies through SMS
Farmers in the region can now access new and relevant information and technologies in the field of agriculture, forestry and natural resources (AFNR) through the use of cell phones or short message services (SMS).
"Texting is one of the most efficient and available forms of communications today, and hence it is a good medium for transferring technologies to farmers and other clients", said Dr. Reynaldo Dusaran, dean of Central Philippine University (CPU), College of Agriculture and Techno Gabay coordinator in the region.
Dusaran added that the use of SMS is a fast, practical and easy way to provide the farmers the information and technologies needed to enhance their farming activities.
In the region, the SMS program will be implemented through the Farmers' Information and Technology Service (FITS) Centers and the Magsaska Siyentista (MS) program.
FITS Centers are one-stop information shop hosted by local government units which aimed at improving access of farmers, traders, processors, entrepreneurs, and students to information and technologies in agriculture. As information and technology service provider the Centers offer different form of IEC materials and conduct trainings, caravans, and demonstration and techno clinics.
Magsasaka Siyentistas, on the other hand, are outstanding farmers who demonstrate successful application of S&T based and indigenous technologies. They are active participants, facilitators and initiators of technology development and transfer processes.
The FITS Centers and MSs will receive cellular phones to be used in bringing the problems and concerns of farmers to Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (Wesvarrdec) and Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (Pcarrd) for necessary action and recommendations.
On their part, Wesvarrdec and Pcarrd will always be ready to respond to the queries and concerns of the farmers within 24 hours.
The use of SMS is part of the program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Pcarrd, known as Knowledge Networking towards Enterprising Agricultural Communities or K-AgriNet which aims to improve access to information, modern technologies, indigenous knowledge by farmers, fisherfolk and agribusiness entrepreneurs through ICT.
Seven (7) FITS centers are included in the K-AgriNet program. These are FITS Tubungan and Barotac Viejo in Iloilo, FITS CapSU-Mambusao in Capiz, FITS Banga in Aklan, FITS Guimaras, FITS Negros Occidental and FITS Libertad in Antique.
Each of these FITS Centers will get two (2) desktop computers with peripherals, two (2) cellular phones, a digital camera, and thumb drive and web cameras. Deployment of the equipment to the FITS Centers will start on March 2, 2006.
Cleto H. Cordero