To assess the progress and discuss plans for the optimum utility of DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR)-supported facilities, DA-BAR director Junel B. Soriano, together with technical staff, visited the engineered greenhouse facility and the ongoing construction of Corn Innovation Center in Cagayan Valley on 28-29 September 2023.

With funding assistance through the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund research and development grant, two engineered greenhouses were established in Cagayan State University-Gonzaga to promote the production of lettuce, strawberry, and other high value crops in typhoon-prone areas like Cagayan. 

“With built in sensors for nutrient management, temperature, and irrigation system, the facility mimics the environment conducive to growing high value crops normally grown in cold areas like Benguet while being resilient to catastrophic effects of typhoons,” CSU project team explained.

Director Soriano lauded the innovative design and purpose of the facility, particularly on integrating smart agriculture technologies. By taking advantage of  lettuce and other high value crops production, he discussed with the researchers the potential of value-added products as well as other strategies to ensure farmers’ and researchers’ benefit through the facility.

Funded under the bureau’s Research Facilities Development Grant program, the now in-construction Corn Innovation Center in Ilagan, Isabela intends to provide a venue for innovating and promoting technologies in corn production for farmers, researchers, students, and other stakeholders.

Director Soriano discussed with the project team and Ilagan City mayor Josemarie L. Diaz plans for the efficient use of the facility. He further instructed the project team to craft strategies that will ensure that technologies developed in the center will be transferred and utilized by corn farmers in the region and even in the entire country, eventually. (### Angelo N. Padura)