14 December, 2009 00:36
Digicel provides access to market information for local farmers
Posted by phamngoctrang at 14 December, 2009 00:36 [ News ]
October 28th 2009 - Farmers to view market produce via their Digicel phones
Digicel, PNG’s Bigger, Better Network and Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) launched a new mobile Marketing Information System (MIS) today that will enable local farmers and consumers to check fresh produce on the market.
According to FPDA, surveys have been conducted across 8 urban markets in PNG (Port Moresby, Goroko, Mt Hagen, Lae, Rabaul, Madang, Wewak and Popondetta). From these surveys, 12 main crops have been identified whose price, quality and availability can be checked by local farmers through Digicel’s Access Code 4636.
Digicel PNG CEO John Mangos said at the launch: “Farmers benefit by having the right market information at the right time. With Digicel’s nationwide coverage, the service reaches out to a vast majority of PNG crop growers.”
FPDA chairman Fabian Chow when thanking Digicel, said the platform provides an excellent opportunity for the farmers to maximize their profit and at the same time deliver the best quality goods at the right market.
The MIS has codes created for both the named markets and the crops mentioned.
- Simple steps that farmers and consumers do to obtain fresh produce information are:
- Create new text message
- Type code for crop (eg: CAB for cabbage)
- Type the word PRICE Send text to 4636
A text message will be received containing information on the price of the crop in all eight (8) centres.
The MIS will be updated every Tuesday and a charge fee of 35 toea will apply to every successful SMS sent to 4636.
The Foundation is working closely mcts 70-562 with Government, non-government organizations, churches and the private sector to get the Foundation’s projects in the areas of Basic Education infrastructure and Family Support related infrastructure off the ground. The launch o cwna certification the two elementary classrooms marks the start of the roll out of 16 elementary school classrooms for 8 comptia a+ certification selected elementary schools nationwide. To date the Foundation has launched 34 Community Learning Centres. The Foundation is also currently engaged in two primary school building projects and a second Meri Seif Haus and mobile clinic project are well underway. By improving cisa exam infrastructure in the areas of basic education and family support the Digicel Foundation strives to empower communities which in turn will endow them with a positive outlook for their future.