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A lot of information on agricultural machinery is stored in the databank of the different research institutions and key government agencies. Such information is relevant and useful for various clients. However, despite the presence of these information delivery facilities, there exists a gap between what the users really want and what is readily available.
The need for the full utilization of these information was recognized by Philippine Council of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) and the National Agricultural Engineering Research , Development and Extension Network (AE-RDE). This need could be realized by consolidating all information into an integrated databank for a comprehensive collection and data retrieval. The establishment of centralized information service for agricultural engineering has been identified as a subprogram of Council on Extension, Research and Development in Agriculture and Fisheries (CERDAF) approved National AE-RDE Program as well as the PCARRD Corporate Plan and R & D priorities.
The AE-RDE program specifies PCARRD as the lead agency for the following activities: 1) development and maintenance of a database system for agricultural engineering; 2) maintenance of a website for agricultural engineering. The database would then serve as a computerized system for acquisition, storage, processing and retrieval of information on agricultural engineering statistics while the website will be the medium that will provide access to the agricultural engineering database system.
In response to the challenge, PCARRD initiated the creation of an Agricultural Machinery Information Network (AgMachIN) a gateway that will pave the way for the establishment of network information databank on agricultural machinery. It is a web-based information service that caters to the needs of agricultural machinery stakeholders such as the manufacturers, dealers, researchers, extension workers and users/farmers. Available services include interconnectivity of agricultural machinery information systems and services; integration of systems; data management; enhanced information delivery system; resource sharing; and linkage among various stakeholders.
In line with this, PCARRD has organized a stakeholders’ workshop in May 2003 held at the PCARRD headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna. Nineteen (19) participants representing eleven (11) agencies attended the workshop, which aimed to: initially assess the needs of the various stakeholders of agricultural machinery; create awareness on existing information systems/services on agricultural machinery and serve as an avenue for the initial identification of gaps and requirements towards the establishment of an information network.
Various consultations/meetings with manufacturers/distributors, users and other sectors in the industry were also held to create further awareness and appreciation of AgMachIN and validate the outputs of the previous workshop. With the sharing, analysis and group discussions, participants realized and agreed that information be made useful for the clients. Sharing of agricultural machinery information must hence be made through network arrangements.
Initially, the project will focus on agricultural machinery as a take-off point prior to its expansion later to address other agricultural engineering concerns. Strong partnership and linkages with the private sectors will be looked into. This linkage will be tapped not only for enhancing information accessibility but also for providing resources necessary to operationalize and sustain the services of the system. Other strategies such as serving as avenue for registration of agricultural machineries will also be explored.
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