I have been following this interesting discussion. I have very few additional points to make here. To make the PPP successful, the private player should find enough avenues to derive benefits. However private players those who believe in long run return (not quick profit) would be interested to join these models. In today's rapid/changing economic pattern many such private players would be ready to participate. As we know that the private companies generally deal with some products/services and not all they would like to how the PPP model matches to its own agenda. Otherwise it would be difficult to sustain company's participation and interest. Regarding content there is a need to priorities the needs of the user of e-services. For example for the potato grower the information on disease may be more important than market information. This would also address the issue of creating win-win model. Regarding promotion of ICT in rural areas - In Bangladesh, rural haats, godowns (potato godown in many parts of Bangladesh), assembly markets etc. are some of the best places to promote rural ICT as most of the agri practitioners visit these places frequently. There are strong associations of same occupation groups in rural / small town level. Even these groups need to be tapped to promote rural ICT. Best wishes Kirti Mishra MART India
Submitted by Muhammad Irfan on Wed, 03/26/2008 - 08:59
Hi Folks e-agriculture is really a mile stone towards true ICT implementation in the most neglected area i.e. AGRICULTURE especially in the developing world. Pakissan is working since 2002 with the aim "connecting Agri-Community for better farming". We try our best to provide valuable information not only in English but also in regional languages too. We had been introduced I-Van (internet Vehicle) to our rural community for the first time way back in 2003-04. We also had the experience to establish Tele-Centers in rural areas equiped with internet, PC, FAX, Radio, Photo-coppier. with best wishes Muhammad Irfan
Submitted by Manish Pandey on Wed, 03/26/2008 - 10:33
Dear Muhammad Irfan. Thanks for the intro to Pakissan.com. The website is impressive and rich in pertinent agriculture information. Could you please share more information on Pakissan: Who are the drivers behind it? Is it a public and/or private sector initiative? How has your experience with tele-centers been in terms of delivering the services to farmers and wider communities in the rural areas? You can share with us other relevant experiences regarding e-agriculture. Let me invite you to please join the main Week III discussion and to share with us your insights. Thanks. Manish
Submitted by noel magor on Wed, 03/26/2008 - 10:33
Dear Irfan, This is fascinating. An internet van. Can you tell me more? For the open agriculture program in Philippines there was an internet bus to promote e agriculture extension. I would be interenst to know more about your experience. Noel