Press Release
July 1, 2009

In order to create a self-sustaining agricultural system in Aurora through ICT
ANGARA INITIATES THE SET-UP OF AN E-VILLAGE IN AURORA

With the aim of implementing a successful ICT program for the agricultural and fisher folk communities in Aurora, Angara initiated the set-up of the Aurora e-village. In partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute, Development Academy of the Philippines and the farmers and the Provincial Government of Aurora, the e-village is set to provide new information and communications technology by making available modern ICT-wares which include commodity-specific-production-system, training and technical assistance, and linkages to existing research and training institutions.

"This project is an example of how modern ICT can be brought to the grassroots level. An observation of Indian agricultural innovation, the Aurora e-village is a response to the growing need to level-up the access of our farmers to modern and well-sought information about agriculture. Through the development of this system, cooperatives, farmers, fishermen and organizations will be greatly benefited," informed Angara.

Utilizing the Rice Processing Complex in Baler, Aurora, still another initiative of Angara in cooperation with the Korea International Cooperation Agency, the Aurora e-village aims to synchronize and implement a modern system for an effective and improved access to information. This project targets to train about 1,200 farmers on rice production technology, specifically organic farming , managing costs, increasing levels of productivity and the establishment of an effective cooperative by farmers for managing and increasing produce.

The project has the following objectives:

1) Creation of a transaction-based, self-sustaining agricultural information system among the municipalities and selected barangays of Aurora Province;

(2) Provision of a collective strategy in the adoption, dissemination, and commercialization of technology-based, market-driven production system for agricultural productivity and competitiveness;

(3) Build the capacities of project implementers and the target beneficiaries in accessing, retrieving and utilizing information primarily relevant to farm operations and management; and

(4) Generate participation and support of the community to the project.

The duration of the project is from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010 and is aimed to benefit the following subsidiaries: a) farmers especially rice farmers; b) private sector including traders, agricultural traders and agri-business entrepreneurs; c) project clients especially the Provincial Agriculturist Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Cooperative Office; d) office in charge of the Rice Processing Complex and e) the Municipal Government of Aurora.

"The application of this new technology gives priority to agricultural development especially to the beneficiary towns of Baler, Maria Aurora, San Luis and Dipaculao. Synchronizing technical assistance to farmers aids them in their planting, harvesting and delivery schedules which thus result an efficient and progressive farm and agricultural yields," added Angara.

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