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NEWS & EVENTS

Mar 28, 2023

Plant-based soil amendment to improve organic vegetable farming

Plant-based vermicompost can help improve the growth and crop performance of hot pepper and other organically grown test crops, according to on-station and on-farm trials of the study conducted by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). In 2019, UPLB research team conducted a study to validate the technical and financial viability of upscaling locally-developed and Philippine National Standards-compliant organic soil amendments for improved organic vegetable production systems. Through the research project funded by DA-BAR, the research team led by UPLB- Organic Agriculture program leader Dr. Blesilda M. Calub confirmed the potential of plant-based organic soil amendments over merely relying on animal manures as raw materials.The study revealed that damping-off can be prevented through the application of the said plant-based vermicompost during the seedling stage of the crops. It was also observed that the harvesting period of hot pepper was prolonged by 3-4 times compared to the same crop grown using conventional farming.“In general, we have confirmed that the use of plant-based vermicompost, whether singly or mixed with other organic soil amendments, really improves the growth and performance of various crops including hot pepper,” Dr. Calub said. She added that the said soil amendment can benefit farmers by leaving residues in the soil which become available for the next planted crop.Dr. Calub also warned against the use of animal manure from conventional farms as it contains heavy metals and residues of antibiotics, synthetic steroids, and growth hormones. These residues when applied as raw or processed fertilizers to the soil can be absorbed by crops based on studies.“Most organic fertilizers and compost or soil conditioners make use of animal manures and crop residues. However, there are issues to be resolved in terms of using raw animal manures from non-organic or conventional farms,” she stressed.Meanwhile, a plant-based liquid supplement and microbial inoculant are being tested. These research-based products shall enable farmers to scale up the volume, availability, and value of their organic produce resulting in an increased income. “When made commercially available to consumers, these three products will significantly contribute to improve productivity of organic farms resulting in a more reliable year-round harvest of better-quality organic products that farmers can sell at better prices and with assured supply and quality,” Dr. Calub said.

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Apr 12, 2023

MSK-MASINOP confirms profitability of native pig production, processing

Munting Sambayanang Kristiyano-Magsasakang Sinusunod ang Organikong Pagsasaka (MSK-MASINOP) native pig raisers and processors reported sustained income after adopting the technology introduced by DA-CALABARZON on 12 April 2023 in Gumaca, Quezon.“Noong Enero, nakapagproseso kami ng dalawang inahen na native pig. Nakagawa kami ng tapa, tocino, at longganisa na may kabuuang bilang na 251 packs kung saan kumita ang aming asosasyon ng halos PhP 20,000,” MSK-MASINOP member Manuel Odi shared.In 2020, DA-CALABARZON through funding support from DA-BAR intensified the native pig production, capacitated farmers with the processing technology, upgraded processing facilities for larger production, improved shelf life of the products, and established market linkages.The research team implemented the roll-over scheme to achieve a steady supply of native pigs. Through the said scheme, initial recipients of native pigs have to transfer the same number of breeders which they initially received to next-in-line beneficiaries.Jennifer Argel, MSK-MASINOP member, shared that her native pig production has grown significantly over time. “Mula sa dalawang inahen at isang barako, nakapag-produce na ako ng 48 na baboy. Sa pamamagitan ng mga ito, nakabenta na rin ako ng humigit kumulang PhP 50,000 dahilan para makapagpatayo ako ng mas malaking babuyan,” she added.The members were trained to process native pig into marketable value-added products such as tapa, tocino, and longganisa. They were also assisted in upgrading their processing facility and improving the quality and shelf life of their meat products.“Native pig farming has a significant potential to provide sustainable income to farmers. In addition, the value-adding of culled sow and oversized pigs can provide additional livelihood opportunities to partner-associations,” DA-CALABARZON project leader Ginalyn D. Bocaya said.Through native pig production and meat processing, other MSK-MASINOP members were able to expand their piggery farms and renovate houses resulting from their increased income. 

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Apr 03, 2023

Increased crop production through affordable soil management

To increase crop production in a sustainable manner and help rejuvenate the country’s degraded soils, the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) developed the enriched rice-based spent mushroom substrate (SMS) soil conditioner for vegetable crops.The process of preparing this technology is simple. The first step is the preparation of the liquid organic plant supplements such as Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO) and Oriental Herbal Nutrients (OHN).To prepare IMO, one kilogram of cooked rice is placed in a wooden box covered with paper and plastic then placed in a shady, leaf-littered area for three days. The moldy rice is then mixed with 1kg crude sugar, and fermented for seven days.While OHN is prepared by chopping and mixing together water and 100 grams each of onions, garlic, ginger, lemon grass, and hot pepper. After 12 hours, 300g of crude sugar is added to the mixture, and the material is left to incubate for 7 days.The second step is the collection and shredding of rice-based SMS. These are then mixed with dried chicken manure at a 4.5:1 ratio. The third and last step is the formulation of the rice-based SMS soil conditioners. This is done by mixing 5% liquid organic plant supplements (IMO and OHN starters), 5% molasses, and 90% clean water. The diluted IMO or OHN are then sprinkled on the rice-based SMS and chicken manure mixture, ensuring a moisture content of approximately 60%. The formulated rice-based SMS soil conditioners are placed in plastic containers and covered to undergo composting until the desired soil-like texture is attained. This technology was developed through a DA-BAR-funded project implemented by DA-BSWM and implemented from 2018-2021. The results of this project were reported during the virtual pre-completion review in March 2023.The project addressed the problem of low crop yield and decline in soil quality. First, the addition of liquid organic plant supplements (IMO and OHN) in carbon and nitrogen rich-SMS contributed to increase in yield of selected vegetable crops such as lettuce and long pepper with an average of 26% yield increment over the recommended inorganic fertilizer alone. Moreover, through the project, all rice-based SMS soil conditioners complied with the specifications on total N-P2O5-K2O 5-content, C/N ratio, % organic matter, and allowable level of pathogens and heavy metals, based on the PNS/BAFS 183:2020 on organic soil amendments. Soil chemical properties were generally improved as well with the addition of the rice-based SMS soil conditioners. Soil pH, organic carbon, organic matter, phosphorus, and potassium levels were improved by the rice-based SMS soil conditioners.

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Feb 23, 2024

DA and CGIAR forge stronger partnership for agricultural development

In a significant step towards agricultural development and addressing global challenges, DA met with representatives from the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) to explore areas for collaboration and utilize CGIAR's expertise to effectively support the priorities of the Philippine government. DA undersecretary for Operations Roger V. Navarro, with the participation of key DA Officials including undersecretary for Bureaus Mercedita A. Sombilla, assistant secretary for Operations U-Nichols A. Manalo, DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research director Junel B. Soriano and assistant director Joell H. Lales attended a meeting on 23 February 2024 at the Discovery Suites Manila.On the CGIAR side, the delegation was headed by the executive managing director Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, along with key officials from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Dr. Cao Duc Phat, Dr. Ajay Kohli. and Joanna Jane-Potaka.Director Soriano led the discussion on various research for development (R4D) initiatives with the different CGIAR centers, highlighting DA-BAR and IRRI’s collaboration over the past eight years. “We are thankful to DA-BAR for all the projects supported but we want to get to the next level. We want the Philippines to be fully self-sufficient and the Philippines going out and saying ‘We have done this and IRRI has helped us in that.’ That’s our goal.” Dr. Ajay Kohli said.Potential areas of collaboration were explored during the meeting, specifically on agri-fisheries developmental studies to support R&D priorities, development of farmers' institutional capacities, policy support and implementation, knowledge sharing on various strategies, and technology transfer. Dr. Phat and Dr. Kohli provided insights on rice varieties which can pave the way for future cooperation in agricultural innovation.Further to the discussion, director Soriano emphasized the need for a collective action, “We have to work together, not individually, IRRI, PhilRice, local government units, and regional field offices. We need to plan for a big program and all stakeholders, all players must be there.” He also reaffirmed the intention of increasing the collaboration with other CGIAR centers to fully utilize the partnership’s potential and explore other R4D initiatives in crops, livestock, fisheries, water, and other related areas. Dr. Ismahane reiterated CGIAR’s support for this endeavor and expressed readiness to organize meetings with other centers to realize these aspirations.The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen the collaboration between DA and CGIAR, emphasizing the mutual resolve to accelerate agricultural development for the benefit of Filipino farmers and communities.

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Apr 06, 2023

Agricultural R&D, climate change tackled during high-level ASEAN meetings

Agriculture research and development (R&D) and climate change in the Southeast Asian region were highlighted during the two high-level meetings on 4-5 April 2023. The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), attended the said meetings.Co-chaired by DA-BAR OIC-director Joell H. Lales, the 8th ASEAN-Climate Resilience Network (ASEAN-CRN) annual meeting held on 4 April focused on the accomplishments and key messages of the regional activities, as well as updates and plans of the ASEAN member states in line with the network priority areas and activities, and ASEAN policy framework.In his message, OIC-director Lales underscored the importance of multi-sectoral interactions in creating climate policies that may be institutionalized and effectively executed, and tools, innovations, and collaborations that can greatly contribute to achieving our common development goals.“We've seen so many opportunities for us to address climate change in all facets and it seems many initiatives are already in place by member countries which other countries can also learn and that is the principle behind networking,” he said.On 5 April, OIC-director Lales facilitated the 17th ASEAN Technical Working Group on Agricultural Research and Development (ATWGARD), in his capacity as the ATWGARD meeting chair and with the assistance of the ASEAN secretariat.He presented the current status of agricultural R&D in the country, as well as the government’s thrust and strategic agenda for 2023-2028.“The thrust that we are following now is community centric. We want to focus more on areas with high poverty incidence, low agricultural productivity, and we want to focus more on beneficiaries and communities, especially those who are in vulnerable groups and societies,” said OIC-director Lales.“For modalities, we want to follow a convergence-type approach, we want to engage the sector, the whole-of-a-nation approach, so by the end of the day the transfer of knowledge and technologies are more effective, more efficient and will ensure that it is responsive and market-driven. That’s why we’re tagging with such a line of ‘Raising the BAR of Excellence’,” he added.The policy framework related to ASEAN cooperation in agricultural R&D, ASEAN Agricultural Research and Development Information System, and the ASEAN Multi-Sectoral Framework on Climate Change: Agriculture and Forestry towards Food Security were also discussed during the meeting.“As members of the agriculture and fisheries R&D sector, I believe that we have done a lot to overcome these challenges — crafting comprehensive R&D programs, implementing projects, and facilitating activities to serve as catalysts for sustained growth and development. But more is yet to be done,” said OIC-director Lales.Singapore will be hosting the next meeting in 2024, following the ASEAN protocol. 

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Feb 18, 2024

Improving durian shelf life through postharvest strategies

The Philippines is one of the major suppliers of durian fruit in Southeast Asia, along with Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. However, seasonality, short shelf life, and high perishability of the fruit affect its quality and supply vis-à-vis market demands and sustained livelihood of the farmers. This was shared by Emma Ruth Bayogan, PhD, a researcher and scientist from the University of the Philippines Mindanao, during the WD DAR seminar series organized by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) on 15 February 2024 via Streamyard and Facebook Live. According to Dr. Bayogan, quality loss in fruit occurs naturally due to physiological, biochemical, pathological and physical processes such as ripening, capsule splitting  and senescence. These lead to changes in texture, color, flavor, aroma; disease development; and overall deterioration of fruit.Based on her presentation titled, Ripe for Success: Durian Storage and Postharvest Strategies, Bayogan said that ‘Puyat’ durian fruit loses 22-26% of its weight in 12 days in ambient tropical conditions after harvest. Durians are highly perishable. ‘Puyat’ durian fruit splits open or shows cracks in the outer shell 8 to 10 days after harvest if picked five days to onset of ripening. Maturity indicators include bulge in the peduncle, rough surface of the peduncle, rind color change, pliable spines, and a hollow sound when tapped with a rubber-tipped stick. The latter is a practice in Thailand. Ripening includes a perceptible aroma produced by the fruit. Results of the DA-BAR funded project showed low-temperature storage (10-13C) of ‘Puyat’ fruit reduced weight losses, extended capsule splitting by 3.5  to 6 days while chilling injury symptoms became apparent in two  weeks at 7℃. ‘Puyat’ durian fruit surface coated with 10% Decco Lustr 444 Wax also resulted in delayed dehiscence for 3.7 to 5 days, lower weight loss, longer retention of good visual quality, and retention of total phenolic content and ascorbic acid levels.“To reduce postharvest losses and wastage, it is always best to use the lowest temperature that does not lead to chilling injury and appropriately handle the fruit to avoid bruising like giving it tender loving care in all stages from harvesting to utilization,” she explained. She added that proper harvesting of commercially mature fruit is also very important. The use of ethephon, a ripening agent, at 500 ppm for a three minute dip hastens ripening.  So did 48% ethephon peduncle but electrolyte leakage in the latter was higher than the control indicating faster deterioration.Two sachets of potassium permanganate, an ethylene absorber, added to four durian fruit in a corrugated carton box retained higher total soluble solids content but showed capsule splitting compared to the untreated lot. The use of 1-methylcyclopropene, an ethylene inhibitor,  at 500 ppm for 12 hours in an air-tight chamber showed higher weight loss than the control when stored in ambient conditions as well as delayed pulp softening at 5 days after treatment (DAT) but not at 10 DAT.Transporting durian fruit surface coated with 10% Decco Lustr Wax and packed in corrugated carton boxes with dividers (four fruit/box) reflected reduced ethylene and carbon dioxide production rates, reduced weight losses, maintained higher ascorbic acid content, and delayed capsule splitting by two days compared to uncoated fruit. This was the result of a four-day transport trial from Davao del Sur to Laguna using a commercial trucker. Bayogan said that the growers, handlers, consumers, and  researchers will benefit from the findings of the research endeavor with the additional information on reducing postharvest losses in ‘Puyat’ durian. She also emphasized that “the current farmers” practices are not entirely wrong. The resources may not be sufficient for them to do what is best and appropriate for their durian harvest. Other players in the supply chain will also need to do their part.” The research team is also conducting simple training on postharvest technologies for those who wish to be trained,” Bayogan said.