In line with its goal to enhance the availability of Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB)-developed varieties and technologies to seed growers and farmers, the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)-IPB turned over seeds, seedlings, and Simple Nutrient Addition Program (SNAP) hydroponics starter kits (3S) to the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Urban Agriculture Program on 22 September 2021.
The abovementioned planting materials and starter kits were produced from the program titled, “Research for Development (R4D) Towards Upscaling of IPB-developed Varieties and Technologies,” which was funded by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research under the Stimulus Package for Agriculture under the Bayanihan Act II.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar, in his message, believes that the partnership between DA and UPLB can be elevated much more, especially in this new normal environment, to meet the growing needs of the country.
“Dapat may sapat na pagkain. Hindi lang sapat na pagkain, dapat din ang ating pagkain ay ligtas at nutritious,” he said.
Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., UPLB chancellor led the ceremonial turn-over of R4D 3S to Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, DA-Bureau of Plant Industry assistant director and Urban Agriculture Program national director.
Chancellor Camacho, Jr. mentioned that this is an important undertaking of the university in support to the agriculture department’s Plant, Plant, Plant Program.
The program shall cover at least 10 DA-Regional Field Offices under the following components: 1) vegetables, field legumes, and root crops; 2) fruit crops; and 3) plant health and SNAP hydroponics. Specifically producing breeder seeds, breeder stocks of roots, planting materials, quality seeds and seedlings, among others while enhancing the testing and evaluation of elite lines and germplasm of various crops.