DA database system soon available to farmers, fishers

An electronic database will be made available this year to fisherfolk, farmers and other agriculture entrepreneurs to access relevant and updated information as well as online marketing and trading.

Bureau of Agricultural Research director Nicomedes Eleazar said they are speeding up the implementation of the program to let small farmers, fisherfolk and agribusiness entrepreneurs access the information highway through the electronic database of the Department of Agriculture.

The electronic database will have information on new technologies to help farmers and fishermen boost yields, optimize profits and eventually engage in online trading or marketing of their produce.

Eleazar, in a DA website report, said the project, which is named the Comprehensive Agriculture and Fisheries Integrated Management System (CAFIAMS), will provide access to cutting edge technologies as well as a trading and marketing venue for those in the agricultural sector.

Under the project, farm producers will be able to electronically tie up with fellow growers in other parts of the country to synchronize planting, harvesting and delivery schedules. This will help them command the best possible prices for their products and ensure the steady supply of food staples.

Included in the synchronization are the support services, from land preparation to harvesting, and the access to available credit facilities.

There will also be an e-learning system component which offers online training courses on various agriculture and fisheries technologies.

Local government units will also participate by building, maintaining and providing update to the CAFIAMS database with latest information on agriculture and fisheries in their respective localities. — Ferliza C. Contratista/LPM