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May 08, 2023

Tech transfer of Sorjan farming system shows promising result

Recognizing that most of research outputs do not reach intended users, the Visayas State University-Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Business Incubation (VSU-AFTBI) project started a commercialization program of its technologies dubbed as Research to Market or R2M in 2015. As an offshoot of the program, a TBI for food and agriculture was established to transfer the research-based technologies to enterprises and startup businesses to gain profit from an innovative technology. The VSU-AFTBI provided incubation services which helped the incubatees to build their capacity in managing their enterprise or business. The program also conducted consultative meetings with the incubates and provided on-site assessment, field validation and other technical assistance to the incubatees. Interventions, such as the two-day Entrepreneurial Bootcamp and Business Development Seminar Workshop, were conducted to develop the technical skills of the incubatees in running their own enterprises. Additional interventions, such as technical training on tilapia production and high value vegetables, were also implemented to enable incubatees gain and develop technical skills to independently grow and produce the commodities.To maximize farm productivity and ensure sufficient and regular income for farming families, one technology of the VSU-AFTBI for adoption or technology transfer is the Sorjan cropping system in response to climate change. Sorjan, developed by Indonesian farmers, is a system that constructs an alternate of deep sinks and raised beds. The sink with the impounded water can be used also for rice production and other crops like gabi or kangkong or for fish production. These features can adapt to both dry and wet seasons.“Ideally, the dimension of the raised bed is around 4m wide and 30cm above water level. The bund or embankment around the area is about 70-100cm wide and 30cm high. The sink for growing rice or gabi or kangkong is 4m wide and 30cm deep, while a deeper sink of about 1m wide and 1-1.5m deep can be constructed around the area for fish production,” said project leader Dr. Alan B. Loreto.                                                 William A. Cruz, 24-year-old incubatee, rents an area of 18m by 26m of the VSU Sorjan farm which he planted with various vegetables like upland kangkong, chili pepper, lettuce, pechay, eggplant, okra, bell pepper, Malabar spinach, tomatoes. He also planted papaya along the bunds and cultured tilapia in the deeper sink. Later on, he also adopted the Sorjan farming system in his 6,000sqm farm in Ichon, Macrohon, Southern Leyte.“We already earned PhP 30,000 from the vegetables which we harvest weekly or every other day, especially the kangkong and okra. We have also harvested 1,667kg tilapia amounting to PhP 200,000,” Cruz proudly said. The incubatee directly sold his fresh farm produce to nearby eateries, local communities around the project site, and at the KADIWA center in LGU-Baybay City, Leyte.Nurturing startups in the early stages of existence increases its chance to survive and eventually, make it on its own. The TBI is an effective modality of increasing the survival of technology-based startup businesses by enhancing the capacity of incubatees in managing their enterprise through the provision of incubation services and facilitating linkages and partnerships between the incubates and other stakeholders. For more information:Dr. Alan B. LoretoVisayas State UniversityBaybay, Leytealan.loreto@vsu.edu.ph

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Feb 24, 2024

Optimum fertilization strategy for corn, soil health emphasized in Nueva Vizcaya Field Day

Optimum fertilization strategy for corn production in relation to improvement of soil health highlighted the Field Day led by DA-Cagayan Valley and DA-Nueva Vizcaya Experiment Station (NVES) conducted in Bintawan Norte, Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya on 20 February 2024.Attended by 78 farmers and representatives from the provincial to barangay local government, the activity was held as part of the project, Use of Optimum Fertilization Strategy to Increase Productivity of Corn in Various Ecosystems in Cagayan Valley, funded by DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) under the Corn Program.Science research technician Melanie B. Lay-o of DA-NVES presented the technology interventions introduced through the project. These are the use of the following: 1) soil analysis as basis for the application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (140-10-0); 2) Carrageenan to promote growth and enhance the yield; 3) organic fertilizers to improve soil structure and balance the soil ecosystem; 4) BioN — microbial based fertilizer — to enhance shoot growth and root development; and 5) biological control agents such as earwig and Beauveria bassiana to manage pests and diseases.Double row planting technology, with planting distance of 80 by 30 centimeters between rows and 20 cm between hills, using a jabber planter was also introduced through the project.Nehemias D. Baysa, farmer cooperator, expressed his gratitude toward DA-Cagayan Valley for the technology interventions introduced which improved the quality of his produce and production, as well as reduced his production cost.While, another farmer cooperator, Mary Joy L. Ortiz, vividly shared her experiences on using the technology interventions and how it compares to the farmer’s practice. She also noted that, “Natutunan ko na ‘yong infestation dapat agapan natin agad. Huwag nang hintayin na lumalala pa ‘yong infestion bago ka gumawa ng intervention— the earlier na maagapan, much better. Natutunan ko rin na ‘yong pag-spray pala ng pesticides para sa fall armyworm kailangan pala early in the morning or late in the afternoon para ‘yong mga uod nandoon talaga sa mga dahon.”Ortiz added, “Salamat sa mga kaalaman, sa mga experience na aming natutunan. Bilang farmer, magagamit ko po ‘yon para lalong mapabuti ‘yong yield. ‘Yong project na ito napakaganda, talagang effective ‘yong technology na ginamit.”Lay-o further explained how the use of synthetic fertilizers degrade the soil health, which in the long run would require farmers to use more fertilizer to replenish the depleted nutrients — hence, entailing additional production cost. She emphasized the importance of using optimum fertilization strategy to improve productivity and yield and at the same time to ensure that the soil remains healthy and viable for a long time.“Isa sa mga importante ring bigyan natin ng pansin ay ‘yong lupa. Isa rin sa mga tinututukan ng proyektong ito ang paggamit ng tamang dami at tamang klase ng pag-aabono. Sana po ay naaalagaan din ang lupa…Kung panay kemikal ang nandyan, kung ‘yon at ‘yon ang nilalagay natin, darating ‘yong panahon na imbis na ma-reach niya ‘yong potential na yield nito ay bumababa na ito,” stressed DA-BAR Cagayan Valley regional coordinator Juan Nikolas A. Paller.Paller also encouraged the farmers to keep an open mind in adopting new technologies that would be beneficial for their farms.Meanwhile, senior science research specialist Edita F. Sunio of DA-Cagayan Valley-Research Division encouraged the corn farmers to continue using the technology interventions introduced even after the project has completed and assistance and free inputs are no longer given.“The hard work that we do today, haan met nga ti gobyerno tayo ti ag benefit. This is only one among the many accomplishments of [DA]. And of course, haan nga ag benefit iti LGU. Ngamin haan met dakami ti kumita, no di ket siyako ti kumita. It is you and your family, and most especially the children, isu ti mangtawid ti hard work nga araramiden yo tatta,” reminded Villaverde mayor Ronelie U. Valtoribio as relayed by his secretary Dawn Ranee V. Algura.(It is not the government who will benefit from the hard work that we do today. This is only one among the many accomplishments of DA. The LGU will not also benefit from it as it is you who are earning from it. You and your family will be the ones who will continue whatever has been started through this project.)Representatives from various partner agencies — Agricultural Training Institute, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, Agricultural Credit Policy Council, DA-Cagayan Valley-Regional Crop Protection Center — also presented the various services that corn farmers can avail of. They reminded the farmers to register to the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture and be part of a farmers cooperative or association to ensure that they will be able to avail of services provided by DA.

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May 02, 2023

SSNM: The success story of a cooperative realizing the economic benefits of cassava

“May pera sa cassava.”Thus, said Juandrilo A. Alagos, manager of Topland Farmers Cooperative (TFC) in Koronadal, South Cotabato. In an interview, Alagos shared how his cooperative of 83 cassava farmers benefited from the technology called Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) of cassava implemented by DA-SOCCSKSARGEN and funded by the DA-BAR in 2017.The TFC was officially registered with the Cooperative Development Authority in 1991. It started with 42 members, 30 males and 12 females. They cultivate a total land area of 103 hectares for corn production by 2013 to present and 43ha for rice production from 1991 to 2016.  Expansion of membership In 2017, when the SSNM project was introduced by DA-SOCCSKSARGEN, the areas of operation of the cooperative expanded to South Cotabato and targeted at least 100 barangays. This time the cooperative had additional membership of 83 cassava farmers. With this, the membership of the cooperative expanded from 42 in 2013 to 125 in 2017 to 142 in 2023. The interest in growing cassava grew due to the SSNM technology introduced to them by DA-SOCCSKSARGEN. Alagos recalled that during that time their practice in cassava was “basta makatanim lang” (planting anything is good enough). But when the intervention came, the areas of the cooperative’s operations scaled up.  Expansion of area of production According to Alagos, the cooperative first tried the experimental study of SSNM in the five hectares of land planted to cassava. After the project study, they witnessed the good results and decided to branch out to almost 200ha of land planted purely to cassava. He claimed that they were inspired by the SSNM technology because their production of cassava increased along with their income. He recalled, “Dati kaunti lang ang tanim namin na cassava kasi wala po kaming alam. Wala kaming mga interventions na ginagawa para lumaki ang produksyon at kita namin. Wala kaming [market linkages]. Hindi namin alam kung saan ibebenta ang aming cassava.” “Pero nang mag-umpisa kami ay marami na po kaming mga linkages na pwede naming pagdalahan ng aming cassava. Mayro’n na po kami tinatawag ngayon na may pera sa cassava,” added Alagos. Alagos gave credit to the DA for its support in the technical aspect of producing high-volume and good-quality cassava through the interventions from the DA-Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) and through SSNM. “Dahil nga sa tinuro ng [DA] hindi lang sa pagtatanim, kundi tinuruan din kami kung paano naming ibenta, kung paano tumaas ang kita ng kooperatiba,” he mused.The market was already there through the intervention of the San Miguel Corporation, the buyer of cassava in the whole region. “Malaking tulong po dahil hindi na kami mahihirapan sa pag-deliver ng aming produkto at may sigurado na bibili sa aming pananim na cassava,” Alagos shared. Alagos said that through the SSNM technology, the production of cassava increased from 10 to 15 metric tons per hectare, to 25-60 mt/ha. The variety of cassava that they are using are Lakan 1 and Rayong 72. With the good outcome of the SSNM technology, he shared that they would continue to use the technology and share it with other cassava farmer cooperatives. He encouraged all cassava farmers to start planting cassava because it brings increased income. Zaldy M. Boloron, DA-SOCCSKSARGEN regional technical director for Operations and Philippine Rural Development Program deputy project director, said that the adoption of the SSNM technology led to the increase in production area of 2,970ha, in the yield of 29.42mt/ha with a production of 87,387mt/ha. 

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May 13, 2023

DA-BAR-funded technology commercialization center inaugurated in Cagayan

DA-BAR recently marked an important milestone with the inauguration of the Technology Commercialization Center at DA-Cagayan Valley-Research Division in San Gabriel, Tuguegarao City on 8 May 2023. Under the leadership of newly reappointed director Junel B. Soriano, the bureau aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector. The facility was established through funding support from DA-BAR and in collaboration with the Agri-based Developed Processed Products Technology Business Incubator of DA-Cagayan Valley. Its primary objective is to expedite the journey of interested stakeholders and agripreneurs, providing them with the necessary resources and expertise to transform their ideas into commercially successful ventures.One of the center's key roles is to showcase and exhibit all mature technologies developed by DA-Cagayan Valley. This dedicated space serves as a hub for commercializing the region’s intellectual property, enabling efficient knowledge transfer and bridging the gap between research and development activities and the market.By offering essential services and resources, the Technology Commercialization Center aspires to support innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses throughout the process of bringing their groundbreaking ideas to the marketplace. The center will facilitate networking, provide guidance, and nurture collaboration to ensure the success of agri-based ventures.In addition to its role in technology commercialization, the building will also serve as a base for Cagayan and Tuguegarao operations, enhancing accessibility and expanding outreach to potential incubatees.With the establishment of this center, DA-BAR reaffirmed its commitment to drive agricultural innovation and economic growth in the Cagayan Valley region. By creating an ecosystem that fosters collaboration and entrepreneurship, the bureau and its partners aim to propel the agriculture sector forward, ushering in a new era of sustainable and profitable agri-based businesses.

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May 10, 2023

Soriano reappointed as DA-BAR chief, Lales reassumes role as assistant director

The DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) warmly welcomed Dr. Junel B. Soriano as he takes on the bureau leadership, following his recent reappointment as director. Consequently, former officer-in-charge Joell H. Lales reassumes his title as DA-BAR’s assistant director. A simple turnover ceremony was held on 9 May 2023, marking yet another significant movement in the bureau directorship.Before stepping down from his post as the officer-in-charge, assistant director Joell H. Lales urged the bureau to pour out their support for the returning director. “I am sure that being a seasoned public servant [...], we are expecting to see a more robust growth and performance from our institution,” said Lales.A special Management Committee (ManCom) meeting convened following the ceremony. Members presented, among others, updates on the current research for development and extension (R4DE) thrusts and priority programs, projects, and activities to keep the incoming director up to speed on the current operations of the bureau.To end, Dr. Soriano presented a set of enhanced adaptive and innovative strategies that will set the direction for the agri-fisheries sector’s R4DE in his term. His 6-pointer agenda covers technology development, information dissemination on relevant R4DE results and outputs, monitoring and evaluation schemes, strategic policies, capacity building, and international linkages. "As we turn a new page in this narrative, we are yet again called to renew and further strengthen our commitment. But one thing that remains certain in all these is that we will tread this path as one Bureau of Agricultural Research," affirmed director Soriano.

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Feb 24, 2024

Pili milk launched in Bicol Region

In response to the popularity of milk products, the pili kernel was explored as a potential raw material for a plant-based milk due to its promising nutritional content. As a result, the DA-Bicol Region introduced the newly developed Pili Milk on 21 February 2024 at SM City Sorsogon.Researchers from the DA-Sorsogon Dairy Production and Technology Center (SDPTC), led by SDPTC superintendent Pedro Oliver and former SDPTC Agricultural Center chief III Agnes Espinola, developed a plant-based milk alternative from the pili nut kernel, taking advantage of its nutritional benefits.The DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) supported the development and market assessment of Pili Milk. This initiative aligns with the vision of the Sorsogon Pili Development Board to boost demand for Pili production, providing additional income to farmers and processors while introducing pili products to both local and global markets, ultimately aiming to declare Sorsogon as the Pili Capital of the country.DA-BAR director Junel B. Soriano emphasized that Pili Milk is more than just a beverage; it symbolizes sustainability for farmers by increasing the demand for raw pili. Dr. Edgar R. Madrid, regional technical director for Research and Regulations, pointed out that unlike traditional dairy sources, pili milk is not affected by animal health issues, making it a reliable alternative.The launching was graced by officials and representatives from various collaborating institutions, including Sorsogon City mayor Ma. Ester E. Hamor, DA-Bicol regional technical Director for Research and Regulations Edgar R. Madrid represented Regional Executive Director Rodel Tornilla, and Sorsogon State University President and Chairperson of Sorsogon Pili Development Board Geraldine F. De Jesus. Other attendees included DA-Bicol Region officials, Sorsogon Dairy Production and Technology Center Superintendent Pedro Oliver, OIC Research Division Chief Ailyn R. Adante, municipal agriculturists from LGU Casiguran, Juban, and Sorsogon City, members of Barcelona Development Cooperative, and pili processors from the region.

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