The Department of Science and Technology said it is now using short message service, or text messages, for quick information dispatches on technology and other information services in agriculture, forestry and natural resources.

The DOST said in a press release that it recently purchased 174 units of cellular phones from Globe Solutions for its SMS service.

Secretary Estrella Alabastro said they believe that the project will be helpful to farmers who can now easily access the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development regarding information on agricultural technologies and indigenous knowledge and practices. Eduardo Gonzales, president of the Development Academy of the Philippines, said that the project will also be made available soon to extension workers, development facilitators, farmers and fisherfolk, and selected cooperatives nationwide, the press release from DOST said.

Through the e-Farm and e-Consortia, the project "Knowledge Networking toward Enterprising Agricultural Communities or K-AgriNet," is seen to benefit PCARRD's research and development consortia, Farmers' Information and Technology Service centers, and Magsasaka Siyentista by intensifying knowledge generation and exchange among partner R and D institutions and by enhancing dissemination of information to extension workers and farm communities.

The two-year project initiated the short message service system. The PCARRD SMS will enable client to send queries as text messages over a mobile phone or computer and get quick response to their questions on technologies, Magsasaka Siyentista, publications, experts, contact farmers and frequently asked questions, the press release added.*

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