Farm managers and project leaders from the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) will now be able to digitally process and analyse agricultural data for decision-making through the web-based system, MMSU e-Farms. Launched by the Knowledge Management (KM) Unit, e-Farms facilitates easy information retrieval for the university’s research, extension, and business directorates through its information systems and data analytics tools.
E-Farms uses emerging technologies on Internet devices, big data analytics, sensor-based monitoring, and a smart farming management system, ensuring quick, accurate, and evidence-based decision-making. According to a press statement by the university, the system will make the data management of agri-fishery activities more efficient. The platform includes:
- Internet of things (IoT) for soil nutrient, moisture, and field temperature monitoring for informed decision-making
- An offline server-based Wi-Fi monitoring and evaluation system using Raspberry Pi
- A farm machinery management system
- A crop management and production system
- Farm products, supply, and material inventory management system
- A livestock and fishery management system
- Integrated data analysis and reporting system to support data-driven decisions
Other embedded components are the use of solar-powered water supply for piggery and poultry, and autonomous underwater vehicles and closed-circuit televisions as additional layers of security for field monitoring and assessment.
To use e-Farms, managers and project leaders must create their own accounts and register on the platform. They have to upload data from their respective project activities which will be later analysed. The generated results will be used by the top management in its decision-making interventions. The development of e-Farms is in line with MMSU’s PHP 2 million (US$38,855) project, the ‘Establishment of Data Analytics Infrastructure for Improved Health and Agriculture Monitoring and Reporting towards Government Digitisation’. This was funded through its General Appropriations Act.
The project will also develop an infirmary medical and dental record management system. During a virtual pre-training last month, the MMSU President explained that the initiative is a step towards realising the university’s goal to become a Philippine smart-university. The initiative is in support of the Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanisation Act (Republic Act 10601), which underscores efficient and economic farm and fishery management.
Last December, MMSU announced it would establish the Agri-Fishery Technology Business Incubator (AFTBI) to provide a conducive ecosystem for entrepreneurs to improve, promote, and nurture their technology-based enterprises. Granted with a PHP 7.18 million (US$151,522) fund from the Department of Agriculture (DA), the research for development project would facilitate the transfer and commercialisation of university research-based agri-fishery technologies. It will assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region by improving their business operations and productivity by aiding in regulatory requirements and intellectual property protection.
More specifically, the project will offer office spaces, access to a processing facility for food products, business management and mentoring by practitioners, technical support, business networking and marketing, and assistance to find financing. AFTBI will create employment, promote public-private partnerships, and accelerate the creation of new enterprises in the region for economic development. Among other criteria, the AFTBI will select an incubator candidate if their technology has market potential or high market demand.
