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Archives
January 1-31, 2007
Scientists from ICRISAT visit MMSU sweet sorghum pilot-sites
by Ma. Eloisa E. Hernandez
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| Dr. Belum S. Reddy, ICRISAT principal scientist on sweet sorghum. |
“Sweet Sorghum production is a job-creation investment.” Thus stated Director General William D. Dar of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) during the field visit to some farms in Northern Philippines spearheaded by Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agriculture Research (DA-BAR) from 15 to 19 January 2007.
Dr. Dar, together with Dr. Belum S. Reddy (ICRISAT principal scientist on sweet sorghum), Dr. K.B. Saxena (ICRISAT principal scientist on pigeon pea), Dr. Rosanna Mula (Benguet State University), Dr. Santiago R. Obien (DA-BAR) and staff from DA-BAR Management Information System Division (MISD) visited the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Batac, Ilocos Norte and some farms in Pangasinan and Ilocos Region. MMSU serves as the pilot-site for seed trials on sweet sorghum.
The group first visited Rosales, Pangasinan, under the leadership of Mayor Ricardo Revita. Mr. Rod Valentine from Biofuel Energy, a private sector in Australia, is eyeing Rosales for an establishment of the first distillery in the Philippines. He looks forward to improving the quality of life of people in Rosales through the project. The distillery developed in the community will also provide them health and educational needs. Another LGU counterpart showing interest in the project is former Rep. Eric P. Acuņa of Villasis, Pangasinan.
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| Dr. Belum S. Reddy, ICRISAT principal scientist on sweet sorghum. |
One promising intervention in Ilocos Norte is the village-based mill located in Barangay Bungon, Batac, Ilocos Norte. A commissioning was held on the Barangay-based sweet sorghum cane mill. Products include ethanol, vinegar, jaggery, syrup, cookies, and popgrain. These would later be tapped for seed production. The LGUs also extended their support to the project.
Dr. Flora Gagni, DA OIC-regional executive director for Region I, presented the current status of the Ilocos region. Dr. William D. Dar looks forward to the inclusion of sweet sorghum, pigeon pea, and peanut in the list of priority commodities under the high-value commercial crops.
In an interview with Dr. Dar, the ICRISAT official shared that local farmers benefit the most from this “joint-venture model” to be established by the investors. These farmers, the smallholders, will serve as partners of the investors. “Farmers will benefit tremendously because with two cropping seasons of sweet sorghum a year, they can generate a minimum of P50,000 net income and a maximum of P65,000,” Dr. Dar said.
With the existing techniques on the adoption and testing activities with regards to sweet sorghum, two varieties that have good potentials for commercial venture have been identified.
This is where the national research systems come into picture. DA-BAR, MMSU, and PCARRD in tandem with the local government units (LGUs) along with ICRISAT will develop promotional strategies to expand sweet sorghum production in the country. With this, Dr. Dar said “In the end, we want our smallholders to benefit from this project not only the investors.” The requirement for labor will create jobs in the area. As has been said, it is a “job-creation investment” which helps farmers increase their income.
“I am a Filipino, and I want Philippines to benefit after India and Uganda,” Dr. Dar concluded. 
January 1-31 2007 Articles:
:: PGMA supports sweet sorghum for bioethanol
:: DA sets direction in support to BioFuels Law
:: Dr. Marlowe U. Aquino presenting MISD plans for 2007.
:: High-yielding crops from China tested for Philippine soil; adoption of super sweet corn and soya bean considered
:: Chinese scientists visit RP for agri-sciences cooperation
:: Scientists from ICRISAT visit MMSU sweet sorghum pilot-sites
:: Linking SCUs in commercializing technologies
:: Sweet sorghum to play major role in RP's drive for energy independence and agri job promotion
:: New livelihood opportunities for farmers in watershed areas
:: BAR programs address poverty-stricken areas
:: BAR sets new R&D directions; focuses projects for poorest provinces
:: e-Learning program: A convergence for A/F development
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