MANILA, Philippines - Advances in information and communication technologies have been put into good use in virtually every field of human endeavor. The widespread use of the mobile phones has allowed people easy access to other individuals. Computers, laptops, and other equipment have enabled people to access relevant information, be it up to date on developments in their field of interest, and linked with others in social networking websites. In the field of agriculture, the mobile phone is soon to be put to good use with the innovation introduced by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) which develops new rice varieties and crop management techniques. The non-profit organization, which has its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, now hopes to harness mobile phones to bring cutting-edge techniques to an ancient system. Recognizing that the use of mobile phones has continually expanded in the Philippines, with some 70 million mobile phone users sending up to 300 million messages a day, IRRI will use text messaging to send precise management advice and fertilizer recommendations to local farmers by Interactive Voice Response (IVR).
Under this system, all the farmer has to do is dial a number on his mobile phone, toll free. An automated voice message will then ask him a series of questions to which he should respond by pressing a number on the phone keypad. After he has answered all the questions, he will receive a text message with recommendations on the amounts, sources, and timing of fertilizer applications for his specific rice paddy. The automated voice recording is available in English and Filipino. This new system will go a long way in providing timely advice which should boost the productivity of rice farmers in the country.
