The government has released some P100 million for a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) project that would set up and operate internet centers to assist the farm sector.

The project, called Farmers' Information and Technology Services of FITS, is aimed at increasing productivity by giving farmers information on agriculture and natural resources.

The project would also teach farmers the basics of computer operation and familiarization with the internet. The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) is managing the project.

"This is a key towards poverty reduction, as it generates greater economic and higher incomes through higher productivity," Socioeconomic Planning Sec. Romulo L. Neri said in a statement. He said the budget would be for the 179 FITS centers nationwide.

Quoting an impact assessment of the project conducted by DOST-PCARRD late last year, Mr. Neri said net farm income for rice almost doubled to P51, 937 in 2005 from P26, 018 in 2001. On a per hectare basis, the net income rose to P39, 749 from P12, 801.

The rise in farm income resulted in an increase in harvest to P65, 762 per farm from P36, 111 after the FITS was set up.

For corn production, net income also increased more to P118, 332 per farm in 2005 from P25, 356 in 1999. On a per hectare basis, the increase was to P39, 749 from P12, 801.

The assessment has yet to be completed as it only covered rice and corn farms in three FITS centers in the North. - PJLL