MEMBER AGENCIES

AgMachIN shall operate through the collaborative efforts of Department of Science and Technology - Philippine
Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCARRD), Department
of Agriculture - Office of the Undersecretary for Field Operations (DA-FOS) and the Bureau of Agricultural Research
(BAR) and other relevant DOST councils and institutes, AMMDA, LAMMA, UPLB and other interested relevant
entities/institutions. PCARRD will serve as the integrating Node, connected to the collaborating and cooperating
agencies through the AgMachIN website. Maintenance of the website and databases shall be established in the
network member-agencies.

 Department of Agriculture (DA)

 Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)
 Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS)
 Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR)
 Bureau of Post-Harvest Research and Extension (BPRE)
 Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)
 National Food Authority (NFA)
 Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice)
 National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC)
 Central Luzon State University (CLSU)
 Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
 Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC)
 Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD)
 Philippine Council for Agriculture Forestry and Natural Resources Research and
Development (PCARRD)
 University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB)
 Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers (PSAE)
 Laguna Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Association (LAMMA)
 Agricultural machinery Manufacturers and Dealers Association Foundation Inc.
 Philippine Agricultural Engineering Council (PAEC)

HISTORY
A lot of information on agricultural machinery is stored in the databank of the different research institutions and key
government agencies. Such information is relevant and useful for various clients. However, despite the presence of
these information delivery facilities, there exists a gap between what the users really want and what is readily
available.

The need for the full utilization of these information was recognized by Philippine Council of Agriculture, Forestry and
Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) and the National Agricultural Engineering Research ,
Development and Extension Network (AE-RDE). This need could be realized by consolidating all information into an
integrated databank for a comprehensive collection and data retrieval. The establishment of centralized information
service for agricultural engineering has been identified as a subprogram of Council on Extension, Research and
Development in Agriculture and Fisheries (CERDAF) approved National AE-RDE Program as well as the PCARRD
Corporate Plan and R & D priorities.

The AE-RDE program specifies PCARRD as the lead agency for the following activities: 1) development and
maintenance of a database system for agricultural engineering; 2) maintenance of a website for agricultural
engineering. The database would then serve as a computerized system for acquisition, storage, processing and
retrieval of information on agricultural engineering statistics while the website will be the medium that will provide
access to the agricultural engineering database system.
In response to the challenge, PCARRD initiated the creation of an Agricultural Machinery Information Network
(AgMachIN) a gateway that will pave the way for the establishment of network information databank on agricultural
machinery. It is a web-based information service that caters to the needs of agricultural machinery stakeholders such
as the manufacturers, dealers, researchers, extension workers and users/farmers. Available services include
interconnectivity of agricultural machinery information systems and services; integration of systems; data
management; enhanced information delivery system; resource sharing; and linkage among various stakeholders.

In line with this, PCARRD has organized a stakeholders’ workshop in May 2003 held at the PCARRD headquarters in
Los Baños, Laguna. Nineteen (19) participants representing eleven (11) agencies attended the workshop, which
aimed to: initially assess the needs of the various stakeholders of agricultural machinery; create awareness on
existing information systems/services on agricultural machinery and serve as an avenue for the initial identification of
gaps and requirements towards the establishment of an information network.

Various consultations/meetings with manufacturers/distributors, users and other sectors in the industry were also held
to create further awareness and appreciation of AgMachIN and validate the outputs of the previous workshop. With
the sharing, analysis and group discussions, participants realized and agreed that information be made useful for the
clients. Sharing of agricultural machinery information must hence be made through network arrangements.

Initially, the project will focus on agricultural machinery as a take-off point prior to its expansion later to address other
agricultural engineering concerns. Strong partnership and linkages with the private sectors will be looked into. This
linkage will be tapped not only for enhancing information accessibility but also for providing resources necessary to
operationalize and sustain the services of the system. Other strategies such as serving as avenue for registration of
agricultural machineries will also be explored.

"Facilitating the sourcing, building-up, delivery and

exchange of information on agricultural machinery to support the sustainable development of natural resources."

The Agricultural Machinery Information Network is a computer-based data bank that serves as a repository of
knowledge/information about the commodity. This will serve as an important development tool in enhancing the
dissemination of available information/technologies generated from various R&D activities. It will also support,
interconnect and share information and information facilities among sectors with common interests.

ALL ABOUT AGMACHIN

Agricultural Machinery Information Network (AgMachIN) is an information service that provides link among
existing information systems on agricultural machinery toward integration, complementation and information sharing.
In addition, AgMachIN provides the added value of networking arrangement among technical and working people to
allow for integration of activities to fast track delivery of services and information to target users.
Agricultural machinery equipment and power units consist of all farm power and equipment for the production,
processing, storage, manufacturing, preserving, transporting, and distribution of agricultural, fishery, aquaculture and
forestry products (Republic Act No. 8559), Philippine Agricultural Engineering Act of 1998).

Information currently included in this site is just an initial attempt to provide the services needed by the stakeholders,
in accordance to the results of series of stakeholders workshops, consultation meetings, and surveys conducted for
AgMachIN establishment. Current information and services available will be continuously enhanced.

AgMachIn shall complement existing information-based systems of different agencies such as the AGRINET,
AFRIDIS, AFGIS and National Information Network (NIN). Connectivity among the various institutions will be through
the PREGINET or the DA.