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Management and Network of Agricultural Information in Bangladesh

M. A. Zaman
Professor
Department of Farm Power & Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University,Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

This paper presents the recent developments of management and network of agricultural information in Bangladesh. Future development strategies are also discussed. Agricultural information, are generated by the agricultural research institutes and agricultural universities and supplemented by other R&D organizations. Management and handling of information is very poor in all the institutes due to lack of proper planning, funding and manpower. Printed information in various forms are produced by the institutes and retained by the institutional, public and private libraries. Three information documentation centers collect information from different sources and create databases; only one center is engaged for documentation of agricultural information. There is lack of cooperation and coordination among the major libraries and information centers. Creating an Integrated Library System, by efficient networking through electronic media and promulgated by the Library Legislation may resolve the problems. The Govt. has formulated IT policy and action plans for development of IT sector. The IT sector is taking off in global arena following policy support of the government and participation of private sector Digital telecommunication and electricity supply systems are improving to augment growth of IT sector. Private sector entrepreneurs are coming up to provide internet and networking services. Most of the NARS institutes have internet facilities, but lacking websites. Leading research institutes should have their own websites for access to the users. Sustainable Development Networking Project (SDNP) is engaged in developing internet connectivity among the institutions located in 6 divisions using VSAT, radio modem and fiber optics. Telecommunication and IT facilities are now confined in urban areas and the farmers living in villages can not reap the benefits of these facilities. The government has a plan for quality IT education and the first IT university is going to be established. Development partners or countries should be approached to provide funds to set up necessary IT infrastructure and for development of human resources.

Keywords: Agricultural information, Management, Network

Location: Department of Farm Power & Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Resource Development and Management

Non-commodity: ICT

Objectives:

To developed the Management and Network of Agricultural Information in Bangladesh

Methodology:

The Government has declared ICT as thrust sector and put much emphasis on the computerization and establishing e-governance in all aspects of development. Bangladesh Telephone and Telegraph Board (BTTB) is the only public organization that provides dial-up internet connections to individuals, private ISPs and govt. and non-govt. organizations. Sustainable Development Networking Project (SDNP) is providing networking and web development services to academic, national and international agencies and development partners. Utilizing SDNP backbone, Internet services could easily be extended to the remotest regions of Bangladesh through its regional hubs and information centres. Uninterrupted electric supply is a prerequisite for telecommunication and information communication technology. Out of 87,319 villages, only 38,898 villages have been electrified by 67 PBS up to August 2003. There are more than 30 agricultural research institutes and 3 agricultural universities working under 8 ministries and supplemented by other R&D organizations. A department or cell must be created soon in the name of IT Management within the institute to handle collection, processing and delivery of agricultural information. The National Agricultural Research System (NARS) is composed of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) and ten national agricultural research institutes (ARIs). AIC as per mandate prepared a number of databases both in print and electronic media. The database includes natural resource management, Land resources appraisal, Bangladesh country almanac, soil profile database, technology database, AEZ/GIS database on Agroecological Zones, Thana Land & Soil Resources Utilization Guide (Thana Nirdeshika) and CD-ROM Databases on crop, soil, horticulture, food science and technology, plant gene, veterinary and trees, Poverty mapping, Hill Farming system development, etc. A RMIS has been developed for BARC and other NARS Institutes following the methodology developed by ISNAR, the Netherlands. RMIS contains the following modules: Personnel Management System, Research Project Management System, Human Resource Management System and Equipment Inventory Management System. Eleven NARS institutes, 33 other agricultural research institutes, 3 agricultural universities and 1 forest research institute are located at 17 different places of the country. All these research institutes should be connected to AIC using wide area network (WAN) so that the institutes can share information on-line. The researchers within an institute should have internet connectivity by LAN. ICT is now being extensively used in organizations like Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO), Local Government & Engineering Department (LGED), Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), Water Resources Planning Organization (WARPO), Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) and Institute of Water Modeling (IWM). In order to improve the socioeconomic conditions of the rural people ICT should be utilized in agro-based industries, agricultural research, and dissemination of agricultural technology to the farmers, agribusiness development and preparation and maintenance of agricultural database. There are several agencies in the country, which provide extension service to the farmers. These include government agencies, such as, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Bangladesh Rural Development Board (BRDB), Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), Forest Department, Department of Livestock Services and Department of Fisheries. Many NGOs, commercial enterprises also provide extension service to the farmers.

Source of Information: 2004 AFITA/WCCA JOINT CONGRESS ON IT IN AGRICULTURE

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Most of the NARS institutes have internet facilities, but lacking websites. Leading research institutes should have their own websites for access to the users. Sustainable Development Networking Project (SDNP) is engaged in developing internet connectivity among the institutions located in 6 divisions using VSAT, radio modem and fiber optics. Telecommunication and IT facilities are now confined in urban areas and the farmers living in villages can not reap the benefits of these facilities. The government has a plan for quality IT education and the first IT university is going to be established. Development partners or countries should be approached to provide funds to set up necessary IT infrastructure and for development of human resources.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings