Volume 10 Issue No. 8 A monthly publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research AUGUST 2009

BINHI AWARDEE (2007)Agricultural Newsletter of the Year

hronicleCVisit our official website at http://www.bar.gov.ph

ISSN 1655-3942

RDMIC Bldg., Visayas Ave.,cor. Elliptical Rd.Diliman,Quezon City 1104PHILIPPINES

Entered as second class mail at the Quezon City Central Post Office under permit no. 753-01 NCR

NEWS

BAR hronicleCDEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FLORENDO AWARDEE (2003)Outstanding Information Tool for Print

ISO 9001:2000

In this issue

DA Sec. Yap underlines importance............................

BAR’s 5th Tech Forum and Product Exhibit...............

BAR, UPLB partnership pushes tech com..................

US Ambassador Kenney visits BAR’s Tech................

BAR marks 22nd anniversary; R&D TechCom............

2009 Outstanding BAR employees awarded...............

In-demand products for livelihood featured................

Impacts of climate change on agriculture...................

GAP is the way to go.....................................................

4 BAR-supported publications launched during........

Indigenous vegetables in Cagayan boost...................

BAR highlights promising UPLB-Limno......................

Arrowroot gets new boost in production....................

Bangon San Matias Cooperative recovers..................

Best booths announced during 5th Tech Forum........

Rice harvest for the first half of 2009...........................

1

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

turn to page 16

�

Let the businessmen do what theydo best.” This was the coremessage of Department of

Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur C. Yapreferring to the business sector's capabilityto penetrate the market during the openingceremonies of the 5 National Agricultureand Fisheries Technology Forum andProduct Exhibition held on 27 August2009 at the SM Megatrade Hall 3, SMMegamall in Mandaluyong City.

Sec. Yap, who was the guest ofhonor for the event, has long beenchampioning technologycommercialization projects, thus theurging for the Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) to conduct technologyfairs so that the researchers and theirproducts will be easily linked toentrepreneurs and potential investors.

According to Sec. Yap, “there is abig gap with the country's technologytransfer program.” He then raised thequestion as to which is the proper venuefor technology commercialization. He

th

DA Sec. Yap underlinesimportance of businesssector in tech transfer

“said that the television could be the bestmedium for this endeavor. “We have notbeen able to harness informationcommunication technology and media todisseminate technology transfer to ourpeople”.

He even cited the case of Brazilwherein two cable channels are allottedfor agricultural technologycommercialization. One cable channeldevotes its programming into a 24-hournonstop information dissemination ofthe recent technology breakthroughs andthe other one does TV auction of hogs,cattle, horses, and other agriculturalproducts.

The Secretary also mademention of two threats that theagriculture sector is facing today – theliberalized trading order and climatechange. “In order to address theliberalized trading order, we have to startexporting to support the program foraggressive buying and aggressiveimporting,” said Yap.

DA Sec. Arthur C. Yap delivers his keynote address atthe opening of the 5th Agri & Fishery Techno Forumand Product Exhibit at SM Megamall.

PHOTO: ACONSTANTINO

True to its desire to provideawareness to the public on thecommercial potentials of

technologies and products generatedform research and development(R&D), the 5 Agriculture andFisheries Technology Forum andProduct Exhibit, organized by theBureau of Agricultural Research(BAR), was successfully concludedattracting more than 7,000 visitorsduring its four-day duration. Seventy-

th

BAR's A/F Tech Forum & Exhibit successfullyconcluded; draws more than 7,000 visitors

eight percent of the attendees this yearwere walk-ins with the rest comingfrom the private/business sector, theregions, and state universities andcolleges (SUCs).

“The SM Megatrade Hall hasbeen our home since last year and weare proud and happy to be back in thisvenue which I honestly believe isstrategically located and is easilyaccessible from all points of themetropolis providing us maximum

exposure and broad captive market,”said BAR Director Nicomedes P.Eleazar during the opening ceremony.

According to Ms. Digna L.Sandoval of the TechnologyCommercialization Unit (TCU),BAR's arm for the activity, much ofthe success of this year's event is dueto the intensified promotion throughmulti-media exposures in television,print, and radio and an increase ininvited exhibitors. “This year's

turn to page 7�

In line with this, he ordered theNational Food Authority (NFA) to startexporting corn by mid-September. Thismust be done, according to Yap, “tosalvage the aquaculture, municipalfisheries, hog, chicken, and chicken eggindustries which are all corn-dependent.”

Meanwhile, Yap also explainedwhy climate change is the other bigthreat. “The droughts are getting longer,the storms are increasing in severity.Water is lacking. And this is prevalent allover the world.”

Yap is advocating for people togo into processing, and adopting value-adding measures to ensure thesustainability of agricultural products.He likewise urged the state universitiesand colleges and other technical peopleto “study the market and do a thoroughmarket research program.”

“Bring in more foreign investorsand business people who will explorewhat can be done with our agriculturalproducts. Then you will now have theprivate sector to help you invest.

, they can see whatcan be done with all these agriculturalproducts. They will come and help youin processing, value adding.

.Another guest of honor, Dr.

William D. Dar, director general of theInternational Crops Research Institutefor Semi-Arid tropics (ICRISAT) whichis based in India, was not able to gracethe opening due to an equally-importantevent. However, he extended hisgreetings, message of support andcongratulations through a speechdelivered on his behalf by Dr. SantiagoR. Obien, BAR's technical consultant.

Hindikasi natin kaya lahat. Pero kapagmaraming negosyante

Maykatulong tayo ”

(Don P. Lejano)

DA Sec. Yap... from page 1

Rice harvests for the first half ofthis year inched up by 3.65percent to reach 7.38 million

metric tons representing an incrementalrise of 255,477 metric tons of overharvests in the same period last year.

This was announced byAgriculture Secretary Arthur Yapfollowing a first semester report submittedby GMA Rice Program Director, Dr.Frisco Malabanan who told the farmofficials that the healthy rise in riceproduction in the country for the firstsemester indicated that the 17.48 millionmetric tons target for this year remainsattainable.

Undersecretary for OperationsJesus Emmanuel M. Paras welcomed thegood news citing that the best performeramong the rice producing regions in thecountry for the first half of this year wasthe Bicol Region which registered adouble-digit rise in harvests at 17.30percent, followed by Ilocos Regionincluding Pangasinan at 13.08 percentgrowth.

“Central Luzon came in closethird with yield ticking up by 9.23 percentfollowed by the CALABARZON orSouthern Tagalog Region that hauled in7.44 percent of yield hike. Rounding upthe five top performing regions was theZamboanga Peninsula that harvested 4.95percent more than harvests in the sameperiod last year,” Paras said.

Paras attributed the productionrise to stable irrigation water during thesupposedly dry months with rains comingeven during the second quarter of theyear, a notable doubling in the use by

palay

Rice harvest for the firsthalf of 2009 up by 3.65%

farmers of certified seeds plus stablefarmgate prices which encouraged morefarmers to increase the area theyplanted with the staple grain.

He said that based on theBureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS)final estimate, the 7,373,196 totalharvest came from 1.95 millionhectares planted to rice during the dryseason planting. The increase areaplanted was 68,461 hectares.

For his part, Malabanan saidthat the BAS estimated that the areaplanted for harvest this rainy seasondue for harvest from September toDecember this year totaled 2.66 millionhectares which was projected to yieldanother 10.07 million tons more of raw

.This will be right on target for

the rice program as it was projectedwhen launched last year to make thePhilippines self-sufficient by 2013.

The GMA Rice Self-Sufficiency Program was launched in2008 when the country was forced toimport 2.4 million tons due to shortlocal supply from other East Asiancountries and the United States, in whatSecretary Yap said as a way for thecountry to control its own destiny interms of its needs.

Tight supply in the Philippinesmade it the top rice importer in theworld and had pushed retail prices inMetro Manila to an all-time high of P50per kilo for commercial rice and alsopushing international rice prices to aglobal high of $1,000 per ton in 2008.

palay

(DA-GMA Rice Program)

BARBUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

RITA T. DELA CRUZmanaging editor/layout

MANUEL F. BONIFACIO, PhDVICTORIANO B. GUIAM

MARLOWE U. AQUINO, PhDJOHANNA B. BENAVENTE

RITA T. DELA CRUZDON P. LEJANO

consulting editors

EDMON B. AGRON

FLORANTE A. CRUZ

writers

contributor

BAR Chronicle is the official monthly publication of the Department of Agriculture-, mandated to ensure that agricultural researches are coordinated

and undertaken for maximum utility to agriculture. This publication provides regular updates onDA-BAR s activities as the country s national coordinator for agriculture and fisheries R&D. It alsohighlights features and news articles concerning NaRDSAF-member institutions.

Bureau ofAgricultural Research (DA-BAR)

RICARDO G. BERNARDOANTHONY A. CONSTANTINO

MARICEL F. FORTALEZAVICTORIA G. RAMOS

reproduction/printing

circulation

JULIA A. LAPITANhead, ACD

adviserDR. NICOMEDES P. ELEAZAR, CESO IV

For subscription and inquiries please contact us at:Applied Communication DivisionBureau of Agricultural Research, Department of Agriculture3/F RDMIC Bldg., Visayas Ave., cor. Elliptical Rd., Diliman, Quezon City 1104 PHILIPPINESTrunkline +63 (02) 928-8505 local 3012, 3026 Fax: (02) 927-0227 loc 3021e-mail:Articles are also available online. Visit us at:

acd@bar.gov.phhttp://www.bar.gov.ph

NEWS

2 BAR hronicleC August 2009 Issue BAR hronicleC 15

BAR hronicleCDEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

The official monthly publication of DA-BAR

photo from www.worldofpangasius.com.vn

August 2009 Issue

NEWS

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research(DA-BAR) and the University of

the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)continued their partnership todisseminate technologies generated bythe University.

According to Vice-Chancellorfor Research and Extension Enrico P.Supangco, BAR has been assisting theuniversity in its technology promotionefforts. A number of projects aimed atimproving the packaging of UPLBproducts are being funded by BARthrough its National TechnologyCommercialization Program (NTCP).

“Another important aspect ofBAR's assistance is its sponsorship ofevents where our products are furtherintroduced to the market”, he added.

These activities, according to

BAR,UPLB partnership pushes tech com

BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar,"are aimed to strengthen the partnershipbetween research organizations, such asUPLB, and the private sector towards amore progressive agriculturaldevelopment."

On 27-30 August 2009, UPLBparticipated in BAR's 5th Agricultureand Fisheries TechnologyCommercialization Forum and Exhibitat the SM Megamall in MandaluyongCity.

Earlier, UPLB participated intwo other exhibits sponsored by the DAand BAR. UPLB's food and foodprocessing products were featured in theFirst Food Industry Summit at the DusitThani Hotel in Makati City on 28-29July 2009.

On July 10, about 40technologies developed (e.g. crop

BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar (left) discusses with UPLB Chancellor LuisRey I. Velasco (right) during his visit at the UPLB/UPLBFI booth.

The UPLB/UPLBFI booth during the 5th Agri & Fishery Tech Forum andProduct Exhibit held at the Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall.

varieties, food and dairy products,alternative energy, farm mechanizationand crop protection technologies) byUPLB units were exhibited at thePhilippine Food Processors andExporters, Inc., the PhilippineChamber of Commerce and Industry,and the Philippine Chamber of FoodManufacturers, Inc. at the Bureau ofSoils and Water Management(BSWM) Convention Hall, QuezonCity.

During these events,Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap,who has been urging themainstreaming of UPLB technologies,expressed optimism that the businesssector would take these activities asopportunities to shop for technologiesto adopt and commercialize. (FloranteA. Cruz, UPLB)

PH

OT

OS:E

AG

RO

N

The 5 National Agriculture andFisheries Technology Forum and22 BAR Anniversary

Celebration came to a successfulconclusion with a simple awardingceremony held on 30 August 2009 at theSM Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall inMandaluyong City.

The event was attended by theBureau's top executives, DirectorNicomedes P. Eleazar and Asst. Dir.Teodoro S. Solsoloy.

“This 5 National Agricultureand Fisheries Technology Forum is yetanother milestone for the Bureau ofAgricultural Research because of itshuge success. We are very happy withthe number of guests and visitors whodiligently inquired about the varioustechnologies that we have developedthrough research in all parts of thePhilippines,” said Dir. Eleazar in hisspeech.

The highlight of the closingprogram was the giving of awards andprizes to the event participants.

The awarding of Best Boothsfollowed right after Dir. Eleazardelivered his speech. The booth of theCoco Value Chain of the Philippines and

th

nd

th

Best booths announced during5 A/F TechForum closing rites

th

the DA Regional FieldUnit (RFU) 3 baggedthe first and secondprize, respectively,while the DA RFU 11was declared the grandwinner.

The recipientsof the Best Boothawards were given theopportunity to givetheir reactions aboutthe event. They wereone in saying thatindeed this activityhelped them a lotbecause they weregiven an avenue to

showcase their products andtechnologies to the market andpotential investors.

In the meantime, a specialrecognition was given to Ms. VivianZolina, a beneficiary of the Libacao,Aklan – based Satre Foundation, Inc.

because of the various handwovenabaca products that she personallymade. Her products were among thosewhich were frequently visited duringthe product exhibition. Ms. Zolinareceived a plaque of recognition andprize money.

Before the ceremony finallyended, plaques of appreciation werealso distributed to each of the sponsorsand exhibitors. Dir. Eleazar and Asst.Dir. Solsoloy were assisted by Ms.Gelli Victor of RX Monster radio, whoserved as host for the event, in handingout the plaques.

Asst. Dir. Solsoloy said in hisclosing speech that “ all this would nothave been possible if not for the Lordso let us bring back all the glory toHim.” The four-day event wasformally closed with a fellowshipamong BAR staff and officials alongwith the participants from the regions,sponsors and exhibitors. (Don P.Lejano)

(L-R) Nenen Telebangco, Chum Fernandez and SMIARC Manager Alfredo Cayabyab (right) pose with BAR DirectorNicomedes Eleazar (2nd from right). Behind them is the DA-RFU 11 booth, grand winner of the 2009 Best Booth.

Chum Fernandez (left) and Bing Corpus (right) of DA-SMIARC receivingthe plaque for this year’s Best Booth Award.

PHOTO: EAGRON

PHOTO: NDELROSARIO III

NEWS

14 BAR hronicleC BAR hronicleC 3

NEWS

August 2009 Issue August 2009 Issue

United States Ambassador KristieKenney paid a visit to the 5Agriculture and Fisheries

Technology Forum and ProductExhibition held at the SM MegatradeHall 3, SM Megamall in MandaluyongCity on the second day of the event.

Specifically, she visited thehuge exhibit area of the CocoaFoundation of the Philippines(CocoaPhil) and the SUCCESS Alliancewhich comprises of the United StatesDepartment of Agriculture (USDA),World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), Mars,Inc., and the Agricultural CooperativeDevelopment International andVolunteers in Overseas CooperativeAssistance (ACDI/VOCA), which arealso co-sponsors of the Bureau ofAgricultural Research (BAR) inorganizing the technology forum and

th

US Ambassador Kenney visits BAR'sA/F Tech Forum and Product Exhibit

product exhibit. The booth of theCocoaPhil featured a description of thecocoa value chain in the Philippinesfrom seed production to productpackaging and marketing.

The visit of AmbassadorKenney at the BAR's agri and fisheryproduct exhibit served to kickoff the2009 Philippine Cacao Summit whichdiscussed ways of strengthening theindustry and meeting global demandsas well as identifying strategies andplans for the cocoa sector growth.

In her keynote address duringthe opening ceremony, AmbassadorKenney commended the effort of thesector in slowly reviving the cocoaindustry and that, given the doubleeffort coming from the government andpartner-institutions, it will not take along time before she sees “Philippine

cocoa” at par with the leadingEcuadorian cocoa in the world market.

In a press statement given byACDI/VOCA Chief of Party, NicholasRichards, he said that cocoa is highly-suited for intercropping and mixedfarming systems in the Philippines,and is now an attractive crop as itsprice has doubled over the last 18months. He added that the Philippinesis in the position to be a “futuresupplier of quality cocoa beans forlocal, regional and international trademarkets given that some 100,000hectares of cocoa will be producing100,000 tons of cocoa by 2015 valuedat $300 million can be attained, thusmaking it possible for cacao tobecome one of the country's top threeagricultural products. (Rita T. delaCruz)

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney (left) handshakes withBAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar (right).

Opening of the Coco Value Chain of the Philippinesbooth, a multi-sectoral efforts of CocoaPhil, ACDI/VOCA,WCF, Mars Inc., SUCCESS Alliance, and DA-HVCC.

Nicholas Richards (right), ACDI/VOCA Chief of Party,shows various cocoa products to Ambassador Kenny.

The Philippines is inthe position to be a“future supplier ofquality cocoa beansfor local, regional andinternational trademarkets.

(L-R) USDA Agricultural Counselor Emiko Purdy, DA-HVCC Program Director Rene Rafael Espino,US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, ACDI/VOCA Chief of Party Nicholas Richards, President of FigaroCoffee Pacita Juan, CocoaPhil Field Operations Manager Josephine Ramos, DA-BAR DirectorNicomedes Eleazar, CocoaPhil President Eduard David, and MARS Inc. President Charito Puentespina.

PHOTOS: NDELROSARIO III

PH

OT

O:N

DE

LR

OSA

RIO

III

Reaping the gains of communityparticipation and activeinvolvement of local farmers are

the signs that success has been achievedby the Bangon San Matias Multi-purpose Cooperative (BSMMPC)farmer-members. This was revealedduring the recent visit of the Bureau ofAgricultural Research (BAR) organicagriculture focal team for Luzoncomposed of Jude Ray Laguna andRene Cris Rivera to the Central LuzonCooperative on 17 August 2009.

After three years of continuousassistance extended by BAR through itsNational Technology CommercializationProgram (NTCP), the Central LuzonIntegrated Agricultural Research Center(CLIARC) in San Fernando, Pampangaand the provincial government ofPampanga, the BSMMPC finallyreached this turning point for which theproponents shared their heartfeltgratitude to the visiting BAR team.

As a consequence of thissupport, there was a ripple effect thatled one good thing to another in thecommercialization of organically grownvegetables in the area.

Bangon San Matias Cooperativerecovers with BAR agri support

BAR got involved in theCooperative during its establishment inJuly 2006 through capability buildingactivities, particularly communitymobilization and organizationactivities, as well as providing initialsupport funds to implement the wholeprogram of organic agricultureproduction management.

In the aftermath of the Mt.Pinatubo eruption in 1991 and theunfavorable climatic condition over theyears, the Cooperative desired toorganize and direct sustainableoperation and its members identifiedorganic vegetable production as thesolution.

Through continuous supportcoming from the national and localagencies, the Cooperative receivedbasic infrastructure such as a village-level drying facility and container vansfor production and transportation aswell as other postharvest handling andmarketing of the produce, the latesttechnologies in support to theirpractice, additional financial supportand even partnership with marketinstitutions.

Without the strong supportof BAR and their own participationand partnerships, the memberswould not be reaping the fruits oftheir labor.

To date, the cooperativemembers are part of an agreementwith the SM Harvest Marketing atClark and San Fernando thatsupplies quality vegetables that passstrict certification standards whichcan only come from goodagricultural practices. Part of theagreement include the supply oflowland vegetables under the

group, such as tomato,eggplant, okra, , and stringbeans, and chili and when in season,sometimes watermelon and rockmelon.

Through innovative andappropriate agricultural support, theBangon San Matias MPC membersguarantee to do their part inproviding fresh and quality producefor families and households in thelocal markets of Central Luzon,nearby provinces and urban areas.( ).

Pinakbetampalaya

Marlowe U. Aquino, PhD

PH

OT

O:M

AQ

UIN

O

The Bagsakan Center Project of the Bangon San MatiasMulti-purpose Cooperative (BSMMPC) in Region 3

NEWS

4 BAR hronicleC

NEWS

Hybrid squash seeds

BAR hronicleC 13August 2009 Issue August 2009 Issue

The Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR), the nationalcoordinator for agriculture and

fisheries research and development(R&D) of the Department of Agriculture(DA), celebrated its 22 Anniversary last7 August 2009.

With the theme, “EnhancingEntrepreneurship in Agriculture andFisheries through TechnologyCommercialization,” BAR addressesemerging challenges on food security andpeople empowerment through thegeneration of significant technologiesthat would boost the entrepreneurialskills of Filipinos and create new marketopportunities for them.

As part of the anniversarycelebration and its continuing effort toefficiently manage R&D in agricultureand fisheries and provide timely andrelevant technologies generated fromresearch, BAR launched the “Researchand Development TechnologyCommercialization Center (R&DTechCom Center).

Situated at the lobby of the BARbuilding, the TechCom Center serves as avenue to showcase and disseminateR&D-generated technologies andbreakthroughs supported by DA throughBAR specifically through its two flagshipprograms, the Community-basedParticipatory Action Research (CPAR)and the National TechnologyCommercialization Program (NTCP).The Center also serves as the base for aviable network for business clients orinterested individuals to link with thesuppliers and technology generators.

Gracing the BAR Anniversaryopening program and leading thelaunching of the newly-establishedCenter was DA Assistant SecretaryClayton Olalia together with BARDirector Nicomedes P. Eleazar and Asst.Dir. Teodoro S. Solsoloy.

In a speech delivered by AsecOlalia, he commended BAR for itsexcellent effort of continuously providingthe instrument and the effective means tohelp researchers and technologygenerators to showcase the importantproducts of their researches that would

nd

Arrowroot (

) locally known as“uraro” is a low perennial

herbaceous plant with large leaves,thick, fleshy, creeping roots, and longwhite fibers. Considered as anintroduced crop in the Philippinescoming from tropical Latin Americas,the crop is grown specifically for itsrhizomes for flour production. From itsrhizomes, digestible starch is extractedand sold in markets.

Given its potential as aneffective substitute for corn in broilerration, and its value as an excellentroughage and silage for animal feed, theDepartment of Agriculture-RegionalField Unit IVA (DA-RFU IVA) throughthe Southern Tagalog IntegratedAgricultural Research Center (STIARC)for CALABARZON, developed andimplemented a RDE project thatincorporated good agricultural practices(GAP) and explore other productpossibilities of the commodity.

Initially implemented under acoconut-based farming system inCatanauan, Quezon through theCommunity-based Participatory Action

Maranthaarundinacea

BAR marks 22 anniversary;R&D TechCom Center launched

nd

benefit the intended clients. “By havinga venue such as the TechCom Center,BAR provides a direct link to thebusiness sector by giving them a chanceto shop for the best and profitabletechnologies to commercialize,” hestressed.

Asec Olalia further said that thelaunching of the TechCom Center wouldplay a crucial role in the DA's effort togenerate yield-improving technologies.He said that generating bettertechnologies and expanding them intohigh-value commodities is the key tomeeting the need for opportunities forjob creation and income growth amongour farmers, fishers, and the entire ruralsector. “And I think that BAR is in thebest position to do this, Olaliaemphasized.

The R&D TechCom Centerwas established out of the need toshowcase innovative technologies andproducts from the results of R&Dundertaken by BAR's partners.According to Dir. Eleazar, theTechCom Center will not be limited toBAR-supported projects but will alsobe extended to those high-impacttechnologies from research funded byother sources that will boostentrepreneurship in the agriculturesector.

“This endeavor would nothave been possible without theinitiatives of Secretary Arthur C. Yapwho always stressed the importance of'bringing the technologies where theyare needed the most,” concludedEleazar. (Rita T. dela Cruz)

PHOTO: RDELACRUZ

PHOTO: RDELACRUZ

DA Asst. Sec. Clayton Olalia (center) with BAR Dir. NicomedesEleazar (left) and Asst. Dir. Teodoro S. Solsoloy (right)inside the R&D TechCom Center.

Facade of the R&D TechCom Center locatedat the lobby of the DA-BAR Building.

Arrowroot gets new boostin production management

Research (CPAR) program of DA-BAR, the DA-STIARC has sinceintensified its study into one dealingwith arrowroot production managementsystem. It is envisioned that, withproject success, the arrowroot flourproduced will be a main ingredient inthe fast-paced local delicacy ofCatanauan municipality and othernearby communities.

To date, local processors fromLaguna, Bulacan, and Marinduqueobtain their raw materials fromCatanauan and this alone serves as themotivation of the local farmers todiversify and intensify operation undercoconut-based farming system. Also,local farmers are now into organizinginto a unified cluster farming whichmakes commodity production efficientand sustainable for the increasingdemand of arrowroot-based productprocessing industry.

In addition, the crop wasidentified and elevated as the One-Town-One Product (OTOP) by the localgovernment of Catanauan, to make itcompetitive in terms of production,processing, promotion and marketing.

The technical support extended by DA-STAIRC to the producers of the cropuntil its final processing will make thecommodity more competitive andeventually be diversified into morearrowroot-based products.

With the operationalizationand expansion to other areas of theCPAR project on arrowroot, STIARCwill ensure that all technicalrequirements will be addressed andsupport services provided, especiallyon the agribusiness side by the regionalDepartment of Trade and Industry(DTI) and the Department of Scienceand Technology (DOST) which alreadysignified their support intentions toDA-STIARC and the local governmentof Catanauan, Quezon.

As the project progresses, theBAR through its National TechnologyCommercialization Program (NTCP)will ensure that support activities willbe continuously provided fromtechnology assessment, promotion andmarketing, not to mention capabilitybuilding activities such as seminarsand training on arrowroot processingincluding packaging and labeling offinished products and marketing. Allof these activities will be in time forthe next product exhibition where newoutputs of research and developmentactivities will be showcased to helplocal farmers and producers to beproductive and competitive and theirproduction profitable and sustainable.( )Marlowe U. Aquino, PhD

Marantha arundinacea plant.

Arrowroot

PHOTO: http://www.ucalgary.ca

PHOTO: http://edibleplantproject.org

NEWS NEWS

BAR hronicleC 512 BAR hronicleC August 2009 Issue August 2009 Issue

Eight employees of the Bureau ofAgricultural Research (BAR)were announced as recipients of

the 2009 Outstanding BAR EmployeesAward on 7 August 2009 during the 22Anniversary of the Bureau.

The Outstanding EmployeeAwards is an annual tradition at theBAR wherein the Secretary of theDepartment of Agriculture (DA)recognizes the employees who haveshown highest degree ofprofessionalism and commitment towork excellence in the performance oftheir duties and responsibilities at theBureau.

This year, Sec. Arthur C. Yapgave the award to the following: 1)Mark M. dela Serna of the Office of theAssistant Director (OAD) forOutstanding Non-Technical Project-Based Staff Award, 2) Ferdinand DaxC. Lorena of the Planning Unit (PU) forOutstanding Technical Project BasedStaff Award, 3) Francisco J. Grettchinof the Office of the Director (OD) forOutstanding Support Service Award, 4)

nd

As part of the overall agenda ofthe Department of Agriculture(DA) to produce the harvest in

agriculture and fisheries and to conserveresources in the natural environmentfrom where farms and fisheryenterprises depend on the Bureau ofAgricultural Research (BAR), inpartnership with NBN Channel 4's

, documented a promisingtechnology in fisheries research,specifically, the production ofendangeredlocally known as “ayungin”. Found inLaguna de Bay, “ayungin” is afreshwater fish is considered as thetastiest fish among all the edible nativefresh water fishes in the Philippines butis under threat due to excessive fishing.

The Limnological ResearchStation of the University of thePhilippines Los Baños (UPLB-Limno)which is based in Mayondon, LosBanos, developed a technology to savethe declining population of “ayungin”through induced spawning. This methodcan be used in aquaculture to save thediminishing population of certain fishspecies.

According to Dr. Pablo P.Ocampo, manager of UPLB-Limno, thecollected from Laguna de Bayresponded very well in the experimentthat they conducted. In fact,broodstocks have already spawned

Mag-Agri Tayo

Leiopotherapon plumbeus

ayungin

ayungin

2009 Outstanding BAR employees awarded

Nicanor B. del Rosario III of theApplied Communication Division(ACD) for Outstanding Non-TechnicalNon-Supervisory Award, 5) Judith A.Maghanoy of the Finance Unit forOutstanding Non-Technical SupervisoryAward, 6) Mariko M. Ramos of theProgram Development Division (PDD)for Outstanding Technical Non-Supervisory Award, 7) Julia A. Lapitanof ACD for Outstanding TechnicalSupervisory Award, and 8) Dr. MarloweU. Aquino also from ACD forOutstanding Division/Unit Head Award.

These employees havedemonstrated consistency in achievingservice above and beyond the call ofduty with unrelenting observance towork ethics worthy of emulation.

Formal awarding rites wereheld during the opening day of the 5National Agriculture and FisheriesTechnology Forum and ProductExhibition on 27 August 2009 where theawardees were handed plaques ofrecognition by Sec. Yap himself.

th

(DonP. Lejano)

Mark dela Serna of OAD

Ferdinand Dax Lorena of PU

Francisco Grettchin of OD

Nicanor del Rosario III of ACD

Judith Maghanoy of Finance Unit

Mariko Ramos of PDD

Dr. Marlowe Aquinoof ACD

Julia Lapitanof ACD

PHOTOS: ACONSTANTINO and EAGRON

BAR highlights promising UPLB-Limnotechnology to save endangered fish species

through the use of chemical hormones,the material used to induce spawning.

Dr. Ocampo said that thetechnology is still being refined but itshould be available soon forcommercial application.

The UPLB Limno is theleading research station for and biologyof aquatic organisms in the Philippines.The station houses three researchlaboratories: Laboratory for OrnamentalFishes, Captive Breeding Laboratory,and Biology Laboratory. It alsomaintains fish hatcheries and grow-outponds.

In line with its vision tobecome a sanctuary for theconservation of endangered endemicfreshwater species and serve as a hubfor the dissemination of aquatic-related technologies, the stationspearheaded the crafting of the “FishArk Philippines: Direction for theConservation of Native and EndemicPhilippine Freshwater Fishes” thatprovides the directions for theconservation of native and endemicPhilippine freshwater fishes.

The UPLB Limno facility,through the leadership of Dr.Ocampo, has the following goals: 1)develop optimum utilization andsustained production of aquaticresources; 2) conduct limnologicalstudies; 3) conduct training andextension activities on differentaspects of aquarium fish production;4) develop culture techniques for livefeeds; 5) develop new aquariumvarieties from indigenous fish species;and, 6) conduct captive breeding onsome selected endemic/endangeredfreshwater fish species. (Edmon B.Agron)

A bountiful harvest of ornamental fishes as evidence of good technology endeavors of the UPLB-Limno.

Limno researcher revives the newly-injected with hormone for induced spawning.ayungin

PH

OT

O:E

AG

RO

N

PHOTO: EAGRON

NEWS NEWS

6 BAR hronicleC BAR hronicleC 11August 2009 Issue August 2009 Issue

As part of the 22 Anniversarycelebration of the Bureau ofAgricultural Research (BAR), the

bureau conducted its 5 Agriculture andFisheries Technology Forum and ProductExhibition at SM Megamall to showcaseviable and commerciable technologiesdeveloped by state universities andcolleges (SUCs) and various national andregional offices of the Department ofAgriculture (DA).

With the theme “EnhancingEntrepreneurship in Agriculture andFisheries through TechnologyCommercialization”, the event featureddifferent seminars and cookingdemonstrations on practical food itemsand in-demand livelihood opportunitiesincluding sweet sorghum and pigeon peafood products, malungay-based foods andeasy to prepare meat products.

Sweet sorghum and pigeon peaderived products was presented by theIsabela State University (ISU) headed byDr. Edwin F. Macaballug and Mr. Raul F.Palaje.

Easy-to-bake chocolate cookies,muffin cake, banana cake, pineappleupside down made from sweet sorghumare among their specialties. The groupalso presented sweet sorghum syrup for“binalay” - proudly the 'sindigenous dessert, made from steamedmilled glutinous rice wrapped with

nd

th

Ybanag

After the successfulimplementation of theDepartment of Agriculture's

(DA) Philippine Indigenous Vegetables(IVs) pilot project in selected regions ofthe country, the Cagayan Valley regioninstitutionalized its own developmentefforts to address and support on-goingnutritional programs for localcommunities and educationalinstitutions. As part of the nationwideIVs R&D program, the DA-RegionalField Unit (RFU) 2 through the CagayanValley Integrated Agricultural ResearchCenter (CVIARC) established itsdemonstration farm in San Felipe,Ilagan, Isabela provided free sampleseeds of indigenous vegetables tofarmers, households, local governmentunits, schools and children.

The provision of services underthis local effort aims to supply initialseeds for propagation of nutritiousindigenous vegetables in farmers' fieldsand households to augment the regularvegetables in meeting the nutritionalrequirement and consumption offamilies and, at the same time, maintainsteady supply of indigenous vegetablesin local markets. Additionally, underDA-CVIARC's partnership with publicelementary and high schools, studentsare encouraged to be aware of ourindigenous vegetables which are indanger of being forgotten since they arenot part of regular meals and nutritionalprograms.

With this initiative, notedPhilippine indigenous vegetables weregiven a boost through the assistancefrom The World Vegetable Center-AVRDC in Taiwan in cooperation withBureau Agricultural Research (BAR)which started in late 2006. Thevegetables include (bittergourd), (lufa), (bottle gourd),

(ladies finger), native tomatoes,, eggplant, (hot

chili), (jute plant), and.

Through the project, plantingmaterials of existing IVs in the regionwere given to schools and localgovernment units, particularly in the

ampalayapatola upo

okraalugbati siling labuyo

saluyotmalunggay

In-demand products for livelihood featuredin 5th BAR Tech Forum & Product Exhibit

banana leaf, now with sweet sorghumas syrup. Another unique product ispigeon pea brewed beverage like coffee–which the audience appreciated duringthe taste tests.

Moringa-based products werealso featured in the seminar asdeveloped by the Bicol IntegratedAgricultural Research Center (BIARC)of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit (DA-RFU) Vpresented by Dr. Elena B. delosSantos.

( )trees are generally grown in backyards.Its leaves are popular as a vegetableingredient in soup, fish, and chickendishes. However, this lowly vegetableis not just a simple vegetable as it isrich in nutrients that are good forhuman health.

The leaves of areloaded with nutrients. It contains twicethe protein in milk, three times thepotassium in bananas and four timesthe vitamin A in carrots. Healthnutritionists also claim that an ounce of

has the same Vitamin Ccontent as seven oranges. HavingVitamin C, which is an antioxidant,provides the capability to detoxify ourbody from food poisons. It also helpsrelax and promotes good sleep,promotes healthy digestion and body's

Malunggay Moringa oleifera

malunggay

malunggay

immune system, promotes goodcirculation and controls blood pressure.

According to Dr. delos Santos,malunggay is also a good source of ironand high-density lipoprotein or goodcholesterol. It has high calcium content(four times the calcium in milk), that iswhy lactating mothers in thePhilippines are often advised to eatdishes with malunggay leaves toproduce more milk for their babies.

With malunggay's amazingproperties, BIARC has developed anumber of commerciable malunggayproducts. Among the productsdeveloped are; moringga powder thatcan be added to soup and sauces,breads, biscuits, burgers, hotdogs,instant noodles and drinks likemoringga tea. Moringa polvoron,moringa cookies and the moringasurprise are among their other productsthat BIARC continuously improvesthru research and development.

Meanwhile, the Bureau ofAnimal Industry (BAI) presented basicprocedures on how to process meat andmeat products applicable to small scaleand big scale businesses. Some of theirdemonstrations are the “how-tos” ofmaking siomai, hamburger and skinless

.The BAI resource person

explained the details and functions ofdifferent non-meat ingredients, thefunctional properties of fresh meat andthe different factors affecting thequality of fresh meats - because thisbasic knowledge could make a bigdifference especially in the taste andquality of the processed meat and meatproducts intended for business or forfamily consumption.

langonisa

(Edmon B. Agron)

(Clockwise, starting from left ):Marilyn Edrosolan and Zenaida Vinculadoof BAI show how to cook skinlesslongganisa, siomai, and burger.

Dr. Elena delos Santos of BIARC explains thewonder health benefits from Moringa powder.

Dr. Edwin Macaballug of ISU demonstrateshow to cook delicious sweet sorghum cookies.

Attendees of the seminar take a bite of theproducts during the taste tests.

PHOTOS: EAGRON

Indigenous vegetables in Cagayanboost DA regional nutri program

provinces of Isabela and Cagayan, toset up their own mini demonstrationfarms as teaching and learninglaboratories which at the same timeserve as vehicles for increasedawareness on the nutritionalimportance of these commodities inthe daily lives of families in the twoprovinces.

In a related story, the DA-CVIARC inked a partnership with theregional Department of Social Welfareand Development (DSWD) throughtheir of(GK) villages to set up GK IV farmsall over the region. GK IV farmestablishment was successfully notedin Aglipay, Quirino involvingindigenous peoples as key players inthe operation and maintenance of thefarms.

Other similar IVs wereintroduced by the World Vegetable

Bayan Anihan Gawad Kalinga

Center as part of the adaptability trialsof indigenous vegetables whicheventually became part of thedemonstration farms of the researchstations and centers of the pilot regionsin Regions 8, 10, and 4. This fits invery well to the overall program of theDA, through the GMA High ValueCommercial Crops (

), on foodsecurity and the creation of alternativelivelihood for local farmers andfamilies. These activities are designedto increased production and profit,continuous and steady supply ofindigenous vegetables in local marketsthat, at the same time, ensure goodhealth and nutrition of our people andcommunities. Other DA regional units,through their RIARCs have sincefollowed suit in promoting indigenousvegetables in their respective areas.( )

Gulayan Para SaMasa at sa Eskwelahan

Marlowe U. Aquino, PhD

With this initiative, noted Philippine indigenousvegetables were given a boost through theassistance from The World Vegetable Center-AVRDC in Taiwan in cooperation with BARwhich started in late 2006.

PHOTO: MAQUINO

BAR hronicleC 7

NEWS NEWS

10 BAR hronicleC August 2009 Issue August 2009 Issue

The potential impacts of climatechange on Philippine agriculturewere presented in a seminar by

Dr. Ma. Victoria Espaldon of the UP LosBaños School of Environmental Scienceduring the 5 Agriculture and FisheriesTechnology Commercialization Forumand Exhibit on 27-30 August 2009. Theactivity was spearheaded by the Bureauof Agricultural Research (BAR).

Dr. Espaldon noted that therehas been a steady increase in globalsurface temperature brought about by thegreenhouse effect. The increase intemperature of the planet is causing thepolar ice caps to melt causing sea levelsto rise and the habitat of arctic animalslike walruses to disappear.

In the local context, thePhilippines is also experiencing increasein temperature, sea level rise, extremeevents like heavy rains during summerand stronger typhoons. Agriculture is themost affected by climate change. Heatstress, excessive rainfall, soil erosionand water shortage have decreased cropharvests as well as livestock production.New patterns of diseases have alsoemerged.

th

To help bring Philippineagricultural products at par withinternational agriculture standards,

the Bureau of Agriculture and FisheriesProduct Standards (BAFPS) of theDepartment of Agriculture (DA) ispromoting the “Good AgriculturalPractices” or GAP Program.

This is one of the seminars of therecently concluded 5 Agriculture andFisheries Technology Forum and ProductExhibition Fair organized by the Bureauof Agricultural Research (BAR) on 27-30August 2009 at the SM Megatrade Hall 3,SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Dr. Clarence Agustin,representative from BAFPS, conductedthe seminar on the second day of the four-day activity. Farmers, students,researchers and other participants listenedintently as they were made aware of theimportance of GAP.

According to Dr. Agustin, foodsafety issues were experienced in Taiwan,South Korea, and the Philippines in 2005and in Turkey and India in 2006. Foodcontamination is preventable if people,especially farmers and other stakeholdersare made aware of good agriculturalpractices from the farm to the consumer'stable,” Dr. Agustin said.

Since most of our food comesfrom the farm, BAFPS is promoting theGAP program at the farm level to catchcontamination of crops in the field andencourages farmers or farm owners toseek accreditation. Currently, the bureauis adopting the ASEAN GAP Module thatfocuses on food safety, produce quality,environmental management, and workerhealth, safety and welfare.

Inspections are done on-farm forthose wishing to be accredited. Atechnical team evaluates the farm basedon their location, structure, environment,maintenance, and overall management.Currently, only two farms in the countryhave been accredited by BAFPS. Initialinspection costs are shouldered by thebureau. Once accredited, the farmer orfarm owner must renew their certificateevery year at their own expense.

th

GAP is

the way to go

Dr. Clarence Agustinof DA-BAFPS discussesthe importance of GAPduring the second dayof the 5th National TechForum and ProductExhibit at SM Megamall.

PH

OT

O:JB

EN

AV

EN

TE

PHOTO: RDELACRUZ

Impacts of

on agriculturehighlighted

CLIMATE CHANGE

On the other hand, climatechange is also a challenge. Differentsectors hare finding ways to adapt andmitigate its effects. Dr. Espaldon citedthat rice scientists are now developingrice varieties that are resistant todrought, salinity, submergence andheat waves. Further, stress resistancein other crops and livestock are alsobeing developed.

In terms of nature and extent,she further cited that the potentialimpacts of climate change are yet to beunderstood. “An integrated approach tothe issue must be in place to optimizethe resources that we have in order todeal with the challenges of climatechange,” Dr. Espaldon concluded.(Johanna B. Benavente)

Recent flooding and heavyprecipitation have causedgreat damage to crop production.If the frequency of these weatherextremes were to increase in thenear future, the cost of crop losses inthe coming decades could rise dramatically.

PHO

TOS:

RDELACRUZ

BAR’s A/F... from page 1

attendance is 42 percent highercompared to last year's. In fact,according to our summary report, wehave averaged 1,225 visitorseveryday and there were still

,” explainedSandoval.

Sandoval remarked that mostof the booths especially those comingfrom SUCs highlighted issuesaddressing world challenges i.e.,climate change, food security, peopleempowerment, and globalcompetitiveness— inviting morevisitors both from the academe andpotential investors. It also made theexhibit more relevant to the current

unaccounted visitors

trends of the agriculture and fisheriessector.

The activity, which carried thetheme, “Enhancing Entrepreneurship inAgriculture and Fisheries throughTechnology Commercialization” isparticularly timely, given that theDepartment of Agriculture (DA) istaking on the challenges of addressingfood security and people empowerment.By harnessing the full potential ofcommerciable technologies generatedfrom research, the agriculture andfisheries entrepreneurial skills ofFilipinos are heightened creating newmarket opportunities for them.

The Agriculture and Fisheries

Technology Forum and ProductExhibit is an annual activity of BARin line with the intensified promotionof the National TechnologyCommercialization Program (NTCP)giving emphasis to R&Dbreakthroughs and maturetechnologies generated and developedby research institutions.

It serves as a vital ingredientfor the development of enterprises andthe improvement of agriculture andfisheries-related industries throughappropriate activities that includetechnology transfer, promotion,adoption, utilization andcommercialization. (Rita T. dela Cruz)

· increase market access of horticultural products both in thelocal and foreign markets;

· empower farmers to respond to the demands of consumersthat specific criteria needed to be met to achieve food safetyand quality be met;

· facilitate farmer adoption of sustainable agriculturalpractices;

· uplift GAP-FV farmers profile as members of the nationallyrecognized list of vegetable farmers who are setting thebenchmark for the production of safe and quality fruits andvegetables; and

· enable consumers to exercise the option of buying qualityfruits and vegetables from traceable and certified sources.

Also, BAFPS is collaboratingwith GLOBALGAP in Asia tostreamline the Philippine GAPstandards. “This is part of theagriculture and fisheriesmodernization program of the

government,” informed Dr. Agustin.BAFPS believes that Philippine

agriculture will eventually achievecompetitiveness and that one way toaccomplish this is by adopting GAP.(Johanna B. Benavente)

Dr. Agustin cited the following objectives of GAP certification:

8 BAR hronicleC BAR hronicleC 9

NEWS NEWS

4 BAR-supported publications launched during 22 BAR Anniversarynd

August 2009 Issue August 2009 Issue

The Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) launched fourbooks funded under its

Scientific Publication Grant (SPG)during its 22 Anniversary celebrationand the 5 Agriculture and FisheriesTechnology Forum on 27 August 2009at the SM Megamall.

nd

th

SPG is one of the servicesprovided by BAR to cover the cost ofpublications including proceedings/symposia, journals, manuals, and booksthat can be availed of by members of theNational Research and DevelopmentSystem of Agriculture and Fisheries(NaRDSAF).

The four books launchedinclude a compendium on sweetsorghum, children's book on brownrice, a guide on the financial viabilityof agricultural commodities, andrecipe book on vegetables.

A promising source of 4Fs - food,fuel, feed, and fertilizer -- sweet sorghumtakes the spotlight in this first of a kindcompendium on sweet sorghum which hasonly been recently introduced in the country.

The book contains food productsmade from the sweet sorghum grains andstalks of which 24 come from grains and onefrom the stalk. It also includes valuableinformation such as guide to the planting ofsweet sorghum, forms of utilization, nutritionalcontent, and suggested menus on sweetsorghum.

Sweet sorghum is a promising cerealcrop that could address problems onmalnutrition and dwindling supply andincreasing cost of wheat flour. Its grain ishigher in protein and lower in fat than corn.

Sorghum grains can beprocessed into flour andmay be used as asubstitute/or is the mainmaterial of the productseither as whole grain,sprout, or in groundform.

Among the food productsdeveloped are soups and porridge, nativedelicacies, meals, and appetizers.

PAC has been conducting its ownR&D activities related to sweet sorghumsince 2004. These include varietal testing,fertilizer trials, development of sweetsorghum-based food products and animalfeed, and ethanol production.

In the first edition of thebook titled, “Popong Eats HisRice”, we met Popong—a boywho doesn't want to eat riceserved by his mother. Until oneday, the Rice Prince appearsbefore him and lets himexperience the journey of arice grain from the field to thetable.

For the second time, author ChatOcampo of the International Rice ResearchInstitute, and illustrator Grace Dy broughttheir talents together to bring relevantinformation in an interesting way, this timethe book takes on the importance of eatingbrown rice. Readers, young and old alike,will be entertained by the story and color-filled pages of this book.

The adventure of Popong and the

Rice Prince continues in “Popong EatsBrown Rice” where Popong is once againtaken into the world of rice. He realizes thehealth benefits of brown rice and promisesto eat this nutritious grain.

Author Chat Ocampo explainsthat she wrote this story to support theinformation campaign of the Brown RiceAdvocates (BRAD) on the benefits ofeating brown rice and dedicates the bookto her two sons.

BRADS is a coalition of NGOs,farmers' groups, business, academe andresearch institutions, Local GovernmentUnits (LGUs) and government agencieswhich advocate better nutrition bypromoting the health benefits of eatingbrown rice for the more deprived andvulnerable sector, particularly the poor andthe children (Rita T. dela Cruz)

The book was prepared as anoffshoot of a series of training on “Enhancingthe Capability of the Bureau of AgriculturalResearch in Supporting SustainableManagement of Technologies forDevelopment: Financial Viability Assessment”funded by DA-BAR and implemented by theConsulting Services Department ofSEAMEO-SEARCA. The training wasdesigned for researchers to equip them withthe needed financial tools to be able todetermine the profitability of technologiesbeing generated in their institutions.

It serves as a guide not only foragricultural researchers and scientists butalso for farmer-entrepreneurs and potentialinvestors who are interested in processingtechnologies and those interested inengaging in micro and small enterprises.

The book contains technologyprofile and financial viability scenarios ofvarious agricultural crop productions andprocessing technologies supported under theNational Technology CommercializationProgram (NTCP) of BAR. Among the

Eating vegetables ishealthy. However coming upwith unique and delicious“gulay” recipes specificallyfor young people is achallenge with their lowpreference for vegetables.

This publicationfeatures the winning recipesfrom students of public high

school in the National CapitalRegion (NCR) who joined the 2 O! May Gulay CookingContest held and exhibited during the 2008Agrilink/Aqualink/Foodlink in October at the World TradeCenter, Pasay City. The activity was designed todevelop vegetable recipes that are easy to prepare,

nd

affordable, and delicious and supportsthe DA's efforts in promoting localagriculture products.

Aside from the NCR entries,recipes from Bohol and Davao werealso included as an offshoot of the O!May Gulay Cooking Contest held inthe Visayas and Mindanao zones. Thebook contains step-by-stepinstructions and pictures of vegetable-based recipes featuring thecreativeness and ingenuity of highschool students.

This book is part of BAR'ssupport to DA in promoting vegetablesas part of a healthy eating lifestyle.

O! May Gulay Recipe Book 2Published by BAR

Sweet Sorghum Food Products: A CompendiumEstrella C. Zabala, Zosimo M. Battad, and Norman G. de Jesus (authors)Published by: BAR and Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC)

Financial Viability of Agricultural CommoditiesPublished BAR and Southeast Asian Regional Centerfor Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA)

agricultural commoditiesfeatured in the book are:mango (tart), fruit wine,strawberry (jam and wine),oregano (wine, juice,vinegar, and tea), purpleyam (powder), cacao,garlic, citrus, sweettamarind, organicvegetables, squash hybridseed, and lettuce.

Each agricultural commodityincluded a technology profile, technologysource, proponent(s), funding, location,intended users, objectives,production/processing technologydescription, and financial analysis.

The results of the financialanalyses for both production and processingtechnologies of agricultural commodities ashighlighted in this book are helpful.

Through this publication, readersare given a complete perspective of variousagricultural commodities that not only havethe potential for commercialization but also

help in establishing new enterprises andagribusinesses. Likewise, this book servesas a vital tool for decision-making asfinancial viability and profitability is one ofthe measures considered in investment.

Popong Eats Brown RiceChat Garrido-Ocampo (author) and Grace C. Dy (illustrator)Published by BAR and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

PHOTO: EAGRON

PHOTO: ACONSTANTINO

PHOTO: ACONSTANTINO

PHOTO: EAGRON