Vol. XXX No. 1 Publication of the Highland Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (HARRDEC) January-July 2013

ISSN 0115-6101

STCBF and TMprovide opportunities forcoffee farmers in Sagada

INSIDEUpdates

Coffee development plan underway to boost coffeeindustry in CAR

ATI-CAR assumes RegionalTG Program

Technology and

InformationHighly elevated and shade-grown coffee has better cup quality

Feature

Coffee- A Global Commodity

Arabica coffee grows only in particular environments with adequate rainfall, temperate climates, good soil, and sufficient altitude. In the Philippines, Arabica coffee is cultivated in the rich soils of small farms located in the fertile mountains of Benguet and Mountain Province. The altitude, soil and climatic conditions perfectly combine to produce the aromas, flavors, and complex characteristics of this coffee variety.

Recently, coffee has become an emerging commodity owing to its many benefits. Moreover, the popularization of organic farming

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S&T Interventions to Improve Farming Practices in Coffee Arabica Production

Science & Technology-based Farm (STBF) on Potato Production and Promotion of Potato Chips Processing

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STCBF...FromPage1

has influenced coffee production and escalating its demand therefrom. Organic coffee is more flavorful and a healthier alternative as it helps save the environment. However, the average production of coffee is far less than the potential demand. Coffee trees yield 0.300g/tree on the average not as much as 0.800-1000g/tree harvested in other countries. Notably, this low production yield results from poor production techniques employed at the farm level.

Moreover, unavailability of post-harvest facilities leads to poor quality of beans while insufficient information and linkage with potential markets slows marketing to potential buyers (Sim, 2012). Hence, the Science and Technology Community-based Farm (STCBF) and Techno Mart (TM) projects are now being implemented for two years.

The STCBF project primarily aims to expand the regular Science and Technology-based Farm (STBF) that showcases the effectiveness of S&T interventions to improve productivity, address the needs and empower the farmers in a particular community.

Moreover, the STCBF showcases production techniques such as pruning, rejuvenation, and proper nutrient and water management to boost production and improve quality of green beans.

These practices become essential for a quality produce. In pruning, dead, diseased and infested tree parts are discarded to prevent possible spread and insect infestation while rejuvenation involves cutting of vertical stems of old coffee trees to induce growth of new sprouts.

Proper fertilization of coffee trees is likewise imperative. However, application of fertilization depends on soil condition whereas, the average nutrient requirement to produce 800kg green bean per tree per hectare is roughly 51.5, 10.6 and 37.5 kg of N, P 0 & K 0, respectively. 2 5 2

Utilization of organic fertilizer from composted alnus leaves, weeds, grasses, and sunflower mixed with Trichoderma is more effective. The amount of water in a specified farm affects the cup quality of coffee beans as well. In months when water is deficit, the Supplement Deficit Irrigation (SDI) method may be adopted in which water will be applied at the root zone of the trees. With the SDI method, there will be an increase in berry production ranging from 21 to 24%.

On the other hand, the TM project aims to bring S&T-backed products to its intended market. TM becomes a major R&D utilization programs to fast tract the movement of S&T products from source to the markets, using a variety of rolling up strategies.

The TM, on the other hand, provides value-addition activities to enhance marketability of coffee. For more viable entrepreneurial opportunities, it is desired to enhance the coffee products through standardization, customization and Capability building on packaging, labeling, as well as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The TM program plays a pivotal role in the ICS certification of coffee products.

Moreover, improvement in packaging and labeling of coffee products will be administered alongside the TM project to cater to the standards of local and foreign consumers and requirements set by the different certifying bodies.

Such projects will be implemented with 35 farmer-entrepreneur cooperators owning at least 50 coffee-bearing trees. Their production farms will be used as project sites at the same time.

As it is demanded in large quantity, coffee production in no less than the quality way, now with the STCBF and TM projects, provides more promising income and sustainable livelihood among coffee farmers in the Cordilleras. (Christine L. Lopez)

The Highland Express// 3

UPDATES

Recognizing the potential of the coffee industry as a valuable commodity to boost the Cordillera economy, HARRDEC takes lead in the crafting of the CAR-Coffee Development Plan (CAR-CoffeeDevPlan) through the Regional Development Council Sectoral Committee (RDC-SECOM) on Agriculture.

The CAR-CoffeeDevPlan will result from a concerted effort of all coffee stakeholders to include coffee farmers, R&D Institutions, government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, entrepreneurs, and business industry players.

The CoffeeDevPlan will cover all aspects of the production of

quality coffee green beans to processing and consumption of value-added coffee products. This will complete the coffee supply chain. The preparation of a single coffee development plan for CAR aims to: 1) Converge all national, regional and local programs, initiatives and plans into a unified, common and realistic direction for the coffee industry in the Cordillera; and 2) Coordinate the implementation of a comprehensive coffee development plan in the region.

A Technical Working Committee (TWC) was identified as the task force to draw initial plans, in ways of planning sessions, workshops, and consultations towards the crafting of the coffeeDevPlan. The TWC consists of: representatives

from HARRDEC, DA-CAR, DENR-CAR, DTI-CAR, DAR-CAR, NEDA-CAR, DOST-CAR, private sector, among other stakeholders.

Consequently, the convergence of all agency plans will generate an inclusive plan for the development of the coffee industry in the Cordillera region. The CAR-CoffeeDevPlan will be designed to strengthen the regional coffee sector and promote its sustainable expansion in a market-based milieu for the benefit of all actors in the industry. With its implementation, the CAR-CoffeeDevPlan is counted on to make a significant contribution towards the growth of a robust coffee trade and to achieve the regional development goals, especially in reducing poverty in the region.

Coffee development plan underway to boost coffee industry in CAR

ATI-CAR Assumes Regional TG ProgramThe year 2013 marks a new beginning for the ATI as it assumes the national coordination of the Techno Gabay Program (TGP), particularly the Farmer's Information and Technology Services (FITS) and Magsasaka Siyentista (MS). DOST-PCAARRD and DA-ATI had taken steps for a smooth transition of TGP coordination over a two-year period since 2011.

As chronicled, the Techno Gabay Program (TGP) was PCAARRD-DOST's banner program to bring science-based

information and technology services to the end-users in agriculture, forestry and natural resources (AFNR) sectors.

The Agricultural Training Institute is the extension arm of the Department of Agriculture (DA). Along with its mandates, the ATI as well ensures that research results are communicated to the farmers through appropriate trainings and extension activities.

With the formal turn-over from PCAARRD, the ATI assures the adoption and mainstreaming of the FITS centers into the ATI's

extension programs and services.

Meanwhile, HARRDEC acknowledges the efforts of all actors behind the successful implementation of the Regional TGP in the past 10 years. Though it was formally transferred to ATI-CAR, HARRDEC will be still in assistance as a collborating agency. Already, HARRDEC and ATI-CAR representatives met for the planning and developing of activities to sustain the RTGP. (Marlo Abyado Jr. with reports from PCAARRD Monitor, p4)

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TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION

Highly Elevated And Shade-grown Coffee Has Better Cup Quality

Production of specialty coffee begins with the origin of coffee--planting a particular coffee variety in a certain growing region. Conditions in the growing areas affect the green bean, physical and cup quality.

Coffee, particularly the Arabica variety, is found to grow favorably and productively in the cool areas (17ºC-24ºC) with high elevations (1,000-1,800 meters above sea level) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and in similar areas in the Philippines.

In particular, the Arabica coffee green beans produced in Benguet and Mountain Province may be claimed to be comparable to the quality of beans from South America.

Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) Oseño Lay-os' farm in Sagada is a showcase for science and technology interventions in

coffee production. On February 7, 2013, the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Sagada, in coordination with PCAARRD and HARRDEC, conducted the first field visit to various sites as part of the Science and Technology Community-based Farm (STCBF) Project.

With farmer cooperators and LGU officials, the field visit covered the coffee plantations of about 1,500 meters above sea level. The coffee trees have ample shading from alnus trees. To provide ample irrigation during dry months, an improvised water impounding system was constructed by MS Lay-os.

Growing coffee trees under alnus shade resulted in higher yield, more robust vegetative growth, and better fruiting performance. The number of berries in one cluster ranges from 16 to 24 while those growing under other shade trees have an average of 15 berries per cluster upon

maturity, as found out in MS Lay-os' Science and Technology-based Farm (STBF) Project.

Coffee production in Sagada has been supplying the local market for years. However, coffee growers can still produce more than the latest harvest with the improvement of some traditional practices and adoption of Science and Technology (S&T) interventions.

Coffee production is a known as backyard crops in the municipality of Sagada, production therefore is relatively low. Data shows that Mountain Province, which includes Sagada, has a total of 1,035,600 coffee trees planted. Average yield of green beans per tree is only at 0.3 kilograms. With relevant S&T-based interventions, production quality and maximum volume can be attained. For instance, shade-grown and increase in the area planted with coffee would mean an increase of marketable coffee green beans in the upcoming years. (Christine L. Lopez)

The Highland Express// 5

S&T Interventions to Improve Farming Practices in Coffee Arabica Production Coffee is one of the most valued crops not only in the Cordillera but also in the Philippines.

With the advent of free trade in the next few years, it has become imperative for coffee

growers to adopt intensely to technologies to improve production. With the insignificant production of coffee in the Region, improvement of coffee bean quality will build up competitive advantage.

Below is a comparison of farmers' practice over S&T intervention in coffee production, harvesting and post-harvest.

Value addition is likewise imperative to further improve the coffee industry.

Particulars Farmers practice S&T intervention

1.Planting materials Use wildlings or any seedlings available Nursery grown, using quality seeds/seedlings

2.Fertilizer application No fertilization; some apply if available such as cow or pig manure

Application of organic fertilizer 2x a year, during the onset of rainy season & after harvest

3. Pruning No pruning; some practice but not properly done

Appropriate/proper pruning

4. Rejuvenation No rejuvenation Rejuvenation of old trees

5. Irrigation Rain-dependent; no irrigation applied during dry season

Irrigate trees during dry season

6.Pests Management Preparing a fire under the coffee trees to emit smoke to suffocate/drive away insects

Removal of unwanted, infested/infected twigs & leaves; handpicking; application of botanical extracts and bio control agents

7. Harvesting Stripping or pulling Careful hand picking of red (ripe) berries only

8. Postharvest Generally use the dry method. Harvested berries are dried &dehulled by pounding. Fresh berries are sun dried and pounded using mortar and pestle to remove the pulp. The peeled berries are again sun dried until ready for dehulling. Seldom grading and sorting.

Use the wet method (flotation, pulping, fermentation and washing, drying (12% moisture), dehulling, Grading and sorting)

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FEATURE

MS Profile

Science and Technology-based Farm on Potato Production & Promotion of Potato Chips Processing

Potato (Solarium tuberosum L.) is

among the major food crops in

almost half of the world's

population. Apparently, potato by-

products (e.g. potato chips) are

gaining much importance due to

its high nutritive value and variety

of uses.

Preliminary investment analysis has shown that potato chips processing is potentially feasible for community-based commercialization (BSU-PCIERD PROJECT 2009-2010).

S&T interventions, therefore, are

imperative to upscale potato

production alongside the

promotion of potato chips

processing. Magsasaka Siyestista

Samuel Felix of Atok, Benguet

shared his experiences.

Sul-Po-Mag supplementation

Sul-Po-Mag is unique in nature as

water-soluble source of magnesium,

sulfur and potassium. Sul-Po-Mag

contains 22.4% water soluble K2O,

11% Mg and 22% S. For this, it is

often referred to as the 3-in-1 fertilizer

material. It can be used to cover the

nutritional needs for sulfur and

magnesium for the majority of crops,

while supplying a portion of the overall

potassium requirement (Hyllton,

1999).

A significant increase in yield, dry

matter and chip quality of potato is

derived from supplementing 200kg of

Sul-Po-Mag mixed with inorganic

fertilizer in 1:10 ratio. The Sul-Po-

Mag and T-14 mixture is used as

basal fertilizer applied along the

furrows, and incorporated into the soil. 2

In an area of 1,550 m , increased yield of 1,178 kg has been observed compared with the traditional practice. At farm gate price of P 25/kl, added sales is realized at P 29, 450. A total added production cost incurred in the utilization of the intervention is P 3, 416. Still, the estimated financial impact of the intervention is Php 26,032.

However, at farm gate price of P 15/kl,

estimated profit is only at P 2 ,757.60

with incurred production cost of P 2 1,022.40 in 420-450 m plating area.

The intervention could increase

production but the financial impact

depends on the planting area and farm

gate price of potato.

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Promotion of Potato Chips

Processing

At a low farm gate price, potato chips processing is a profitable alternative to provide higher income for potato producers.

For processing, large/extra large tubers were carefully selected, washed, peeled and sliced crosswise at 1 mm thick. These were washed three times to remove starch particles, drained and spin dried and were dip fried at a temperature of 180 degrees centigrade using a frying basket for uniform cooking; chips are blot dried in a manila paper to remove the excess oil then sprinkled with flavorings and packed in 0.03 thick Poly ethylene bag (PEB) or plastic containers.

During the STBF project, 2,500

packs weighing 50 g potato chips

were produced out of 500 kg of

potatoes. The total added cost of

production at PhP 43,037.25 was

incurred, however, the estimated

added return was PhP 74,450 at a

wholesale price of PhP 18/pack which

arrives at estimated net financial

impact of PhP 31,412.75. Higher profit

could be derived at a higher wholesale

price.

Similarly, 500 kg of the harvest were

processed for the second cycle at the

point when farm gate price of potatoes

fluctuated from PhP 25 to 15/ kg

therefore the cost of processing

decreased.

Correspondingly, the wholesale price

for chips was increased from PhP 18

to 22/ pack. The reduced farm gate

price of potatoes and increased

wholesale price of chips resulted in an

increased added returns (PhP

31,412.75) and net financial impact

(PhP 30,606.35).

Enterprising the STBF result

The Samantha Potato Chips was an enterprise upshot of the STBF project.

Gradually, the Samantha Potato chips inched its way into the market, first in small stores. It soon successfully gained its market niche.

Still searching for new links, an average

monthly income of 20,000 pesos is

derived from this venture.

With minimal problems encountered,

sustaining this enterprise comes at

escalating its demand through

improvement of packaging, and

introducing other variants. (Christine L.

Lopez)

*Source: STBF report by MS Samuel

Felix, Dr. Donita Simongo (Focal

Person) and Ms. Esther Botangen

(Technical Expert); STBF project

implemented on March 2009 to April

2011 at Bonglo, Atok, Benguet.

Editorial StaffThe Highland Express is the official newsletter of the Highland Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (HARRDEC) based at the Benguet State University La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines. It highlights current issues, developments, information, and breakthroughs on highland agriculture, forestry, and natural resources. The editorial staff welcomes contributions particularly from member agencies. Articles may be quoted or reproduced provided these are duly acknowledged.

Editor.........................................Sonwright B. Maddul (Consortium Director)Writers....................................... Christine L. Lopez (HARRDEC-RACG Staff),Marlo C. Abyado Jr. (HARRDEC-RTTG Staff)Layout Artist...............................Christine L. Lopez Circulation..................................Rucely R. Garin (HARDDEC Staff)Technical Adviser.......................Serafin L. Ngohayon (RRDCC Chair)

Highland Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (HARRDEC)2/F College of Agriculture Building, Benguet State University, La Trinidad 2601 Benguet telefax: (074) 422-1656harrdec@yahoo.com; http://maidon.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/regional_consortia/harrdec

In this corner,

interesting coffee stories

will be shared,

contributions are welcome!

Coffee: A Global Commodity You may have guessed that gold and silver are the largest traded commodities worldwide. But did you know that the honor of the largest traded commodity in the world goes to coffee?

Commodity online archive reports that coffee is one of the largest traded commodities in the world broadly divided into two: Arabica and Robusta. Coffee is produced in many countries across South America, Asia and Africa.

Though production increases in these coffee-producing areas, coffee supply will be lower while coffee demand continues to expand. By 2020, Michael Opitz of Hans Nuemann Foundation projected a shortage of about 32 million bags of green coffee around the world.

Opportunities for coffee producers

In the Philippines, coffee has been a substantial produce until

1996. However, production was overtaken by imports in 1997 which has been the case up to the present (Dy, 2011). Reason for this situation is the decreasing production amidst the increasing local demand in the market.

The declining supply is attributed to the deceasing land devoted to coffee since farmers cut down their coffee trees and shifted to producing other commodities. Further, pests and diseases also affected the productivity of coffee.

Arabica Coffee is considered as the premium coffee used mainly for its aroma and flavor. In contrast, Robusta coffee is mainly used for instant coffee production. Thriving best in the cool mountains, Arabica produced in Benguet and Mountain Province has big market demand. Hence, coffee farmers must urged to keep coffee production stable. Moreover, they are urged to save and propagate heirloom varieties alongside coffee production. Like French wines, Arabica can be promoted with good origins.

The challenge

First is getting our facts right: What is the present production in CAR, what varieties do we have? How much is wet processed? Next is marketing it right: we should certify the farms and origins; we should preserve the traditions in coffee production; we should get the best value using Science and Technology. Lastly, making it happen: we should get all farmers together to have one vision; and, we should think of one strategy. At present, CAR cannot compete with the global production of coffee, however, improving coffee (green beans) quality, from production to processing, would mean gaining competence in the global coffee market and improving quality of life among coffee farmers, therefrom.

(Adopted from plenary speech of Ms. Pacita U. Juan, Co-chair of the Philippine Coffee Board during the CofeeDevPlan Regional Consultation Workshop on July 18, 2013 at the ATI-CAR, La Trinidad, Benguet)