latest

NEWS & EVENTS

Jan 24, 2023

DA-BAR foregrounds participatory planning in Ifugao

DA-BAR OIC-director Joell H. Lales highlighted the significance of inclusive and participatory planning and mapping to ensure that appropriate and timely interventions will be provided to farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs), processors, and communities. “In this event, we want to be more inclusive and participative, hindi nalang ito naka-focus d’on sa researchers lang ang nag-uusap, lahat kasama, even you as our prospective partner-beneficiaries, you are already part of the planning, para talagang demand-driven and market-driven,” said OIC-director Lales in his opening message during the Agrobiodiversity Project Scoping cum Project Conceptualization Writeshop held in Banaue, Ifugao on 24 January 2023. He elaborated on the bureau’s approach wherein stakeholders–composed of farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs), processors, local government units, regional office of DA, and other relevant national agencies, academe, among others–are brought together to map out and match the needs of farmers and fishers vis-a-vis existing windows of opportunity of support; and collectively identify and plan sustainable interventions and action points by prioritizing those related to technology transfer, upscaling and commercialization leading to enterprise development of the targeted communities.Relative to this, he also underscored that DA-BAR, with its limited resources, is transitioning on bringing research for development (R4D) innovations and technologies to areas with high poverty incidence and low agricultural productivity. “Now, in the DA, we want to focus more on the poorest areas of the country so that whatever funds that we have, it will really create an impact. . . .  Ina-identify na namin ‘yong areas na mababa ang productivity at mababa rin in terms of classification and then we work with the stakeholders,” he added.  The scoping cum project conceptualization activity was conducted and facilitated in collaboration with the Project Management and Coordination Unit (PMCU) of the “Dynamic Conservation and Sustainable Use of Agrobiodiversity in Traditional Agro-Ecosystems of the Philippines'' or the ABD project of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This was participated by ABD project’s partner FCAs and processors; municipal local government units of Hingyon and Hungduan, led by mayors Florencio Nalula and  Casan Dumulag, respectively; representatives of Ifugao provincial agriculture office; Ifugao State University-Hapao Campus; DA-Cordillera Administrative Region, represented by Research Division chief Dr. Luis Lang-oy; DA Agricultural Program Coordinating Office Ifugao; DA Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo; FAO-ABD Project staff; and DA-BAR officials and staff. Prior to the writeshop, the abovementioned offices in the region presented their respective relevant agriculture and fisheries programs and resources that communities may tap. With the gains of the ABD project serving as springboard of the discussions, FCAs and processors from Hingyon and Hungduan: Footprints Farmer Association, Baang Rural Improvement Club, Dackitan Farmers’ Organization, Pitawan Highland Farmers’ Organization, Hungduan Heirloom Rice Producers Organization, Baang Women's Organization and Rural Improvement Club, Bangtinon Women’s Association, Wayne’s Food Products, and Bokiawan Women’s Organization, shared to the group their identified needs, activities, and plans, which will serve as main reference for further discussions and planning on possible activities, collaboration, and interventions from DA, LGU, and other partners. The FAO-PMCU, through its national project coordinator Virginia L. Agcopra, expressed its gratitude to ABD project partners: DA-BAR, which served as the national project coordinator FCAs and processors; and LGUs for their collaboration and support to the project and their active participation in the scoping cum project conceptualization activity.

newsevent
Jan 26, 2023

DA, BAR tackle possible corn R4D programs

Sustainable corn breeding program and comprehensive corn research for development (R4D) program were discussed during the meeting held at the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research on 26 January 2023.Led by OIC-director Joell Lales, the meeting saw the presence of the Department of Agriculture's assistant secretary for Operations Arnel de Mesa, technical adviser to the assistant secretary for Operations Dr. Vivencio Mamaril, National Corn Program Office's technical adviser Dr. Candido Damo, and DA-Cagayan Valley officials led by regional technical director for research and regulations Dr. Rose Mary Aquino.Also present during the meeting was Atty. Rhaegee Tamaña, chief of staff of Senator Cynthia Villar, who is the current chair of Senate Committee on Food and Agriculture.One of the meeting's agenda was to improve the existing hybrid corn varieties in the country, thus setting the implementation of a comprehensive yellow corn breeding program.The program shall contain the grain production cost, seed production cost of white, yellow, conventional, hybrid, and genetically modified (GM) corn varieties.It will also identify additional grain production areas, preferably for those where productivity is low. Corn Production Technology awareness and promotion component shall also be part of the program.Once implemented, it will support farmers’ demand for location-specific and affordable varieties for animal feeds and develop open-pollinated white corn varieties for food staple and food processing.It will be implemented by DA-Cagayan Valley in partnership with DA-BAR and DA-Agricultural Training Institute."[The corn] seed development was brought up (during the senate hearing) because of the intention to improve the livestock, poultry, and dairy industry," Atty. Tamaña reiterated.The meeting also discussed the short, medium, and long-term plans to be possibly taken to further improve the corn R4D industry in the country.“We need to develop a comprehensive R4D program for [corn] varietal improvement, ‘yon ang request ko sana,” said asec. De Mesa. For BAR's part, it will prioritize the funding of yellow OPV seed production of DA Cagayan Valley's production of breeder, foundation, registered, and certified seeds. 

newsevent
Jan 30, 2024

DA-BAR strengthens international partnerships; explores possible collaborations

DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) furthers its commitment to establish and strengthen strong partnerships and collaborations with different international institutions and organizations.In separate meetings in January 2024, DA-BAR director Junel B. Soriano and International R&D Relations Section head Julia A. Lapitan welcomed visitors and participated in virtual discussions regarding durian research for development (R4D) and other related fields, transboundary plant pests and diseases, ongoing efforts on climate change resiliency, and the development of production-related technologies.Through an initial meeting, DA-BAR and the Department of Agriculture (DoA) of Thailand explored possible collaboration, specifically on improving the production and quality of durian for potential export. Tropical fruits are also considered for possible collaborative studies. Also, through succeeding consultation with the International Affairs Division, the bureau will be seeking guidance on the proper protocols and procedures to pursue the collaboration.Joint esearch on transboundary plant pests and diseases (P&D) was the focus of the meeting between DA-BAR and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, as an identified research during the 2023 Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting. With this, the bureau presented the list of ongoing and completed projects on P&D, a list of current transboundary P&D in the Philippines as consulted with DA-Bureau of Plant Industry and National Crop Protection Center, possible research on this area, as well as the process flow of joint research projects in the country.Meanwhile, Greg Willis, International Livestock Feed Advisor, AANC Pty Ltd; Manir Ryne, Country Focal, NIRAS, and Dr. Saturnina Halos discussed the progress of the ADB Technical Assistance on three research for development activities focused on developing climate-smart agriculture technologies on abaca value chain, seaweed, and livestock feed.This takes part in the ongoing activities being conducted in crafting policy reform agenda in line with the DA-Climate Change Action Program. Director Soriano provided insights and recommendations on the packaging and implementation of R4D projects.  These include catch-up efforts on identifying and working with R4D implementing agencies, crafting policy recommendations towards improving technical capacities, and increasing the budget for climate resiliency R4D.During the said meetings, Director Soriano discussed and presented the bureau’s Research for Development and Extension (R4DE) programs, impact pathways, services, and existing partnerships. 

newsevent
Jan 13, 2023

Improving queen pineapple through SSNM approach

Inspired by the success in other crops, DA-Bicol Region, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), is currently implementing a project aimed to improve the queen pineapple productivity and quality by adapting the Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) technology.The experience with  corn, bolstered by studies on fertilization as a way of improving crop productivity, shows that SSNM technology has already proven its effectiveness and efficiency in closing the yield gaps of several crops such as rice, wheat, corn, and cassava particularly in Asia. The SSNM is considered an optimal crop nutrient management because it takes into consideration the factors affecting yield, such as soil fertility, crop management practices (particularly crop variety, crop residue management, crop rotation, and organic nutrient inputs), climate, water availability, fertilizer source, and price. DA-Bicol Region believes that the SSNM practice for pineapple production, like in other crops, can provide optimum profit and sustainable production to pineapple growers.As a starting point, the establishment of baseline information for SSNM in pineapple is very important for them to ensure that the technology to be shared to the farmers is correct and accurate to boost production of pineapple and thereby increase profit of the growers. To monitor the progress of the SSNM project, DA-BAR conducted an onsite monitoring of nine on-farm and on-site demonstration farms on 9-13 January 2023. The project is being implemented in 17 different sites in Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Masbate, and Catanduanes.Commended for its good implementation of the project activities, the DA-BAR team underscored the importance of proper data collection and analyses, hence, all results should be documented and presented in the pre-completion Review scheduled on 1 March 2023.

newsevent
Jan 01, 2024

Promoting urban farming through automated aquaponics system

Capiz State University, in collaboration with the Local Government Units of Capiz and fisherfolk cooperatives and association, is conducting a research project for the establishment of a small-scale solar-powered and Internet of Things (IoT)-supported aquaponics geared towards an eco-friendly urban farming system. Dr. Rey dela Calzada, project leader, cited that aquaponics system will utilize water efficiently through its recirculating system, limit waste and effluents, and increase density of crop production. Also, it has an efficient two-in-one production system for producing two agricultural commodities. The research considers African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and green leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa) as culture commodities because of its suitability to certain parameters and selection criteria such as tolerance ability to high nutrient levels, possibility of year-round production, and strong market value. The smart aquaponics system with installed sensors is expected to retrieve data that can be accessed in real time through the  internet-based mobile applications. Data include levels of pH, dissolved oxygen, and water; temperature of water; and amount of ammonia, nitrate, and fish feed. With funding assistance from the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research, the said aquaponics system will be evaluated in terms of its performance, production, and economic viability that can attract commercial farmers and home gardeners  and address the growing interest in locally grown food.

newsevent
Jan 09, 2023

Farmer-friendly microbes: Enhancing productivity, counteracting soil-borne disease in organic vegetables

Not all kinds of microorganisms are harmful. Although microorganisms become readily attached to diseases and infections, you probably have heard of “good bacteria” playing vital roles in the human body such as optimizing food digestion and improving one’s immunity. The same is true for plants.Due to their succulent root system, vegetables are highly dependent on beneficial soil microbes and nutrients for optimum growth. However, this also makes them vulnerable to soil-borne plant diseases and infections.In 2022, Caraga State University (CSU) started implementing a research project to determine the effects of biochartilant, a microbe-loaded biochar, on soil fertility, incidence and severity of soil-borne diseases, soil microbe diversity, and the productivity of selected vegetable crops. The study focuses on promoting a good population of three known beneficial microbes - bacillus, Trichoderma, and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in the soil to optimize crop productivity while counteracting soil-borne diseases to highly susceptible crops like bitter gourd. From agricultural waste to biofertilizer“Aside from soil degradation and incidence of soil-borne diseases, unutilized farm waste products become contributory to the drastic decline in the yield of major horticultural crops – in which vegetable group is the most affected,” CSU assistant professor and project leader Reuben James Rollon explained.In response, CSU researchers utilized agricultural wastes like coconut shell, coconut coir, sawdust, rice hull, cacao pod, and corn cob in formulating biochartilants. In doing so, the said agricultural wastes were converted into biochar through the process called pyrolysis.Biochar made from coconut shells showed the highest population of bacillus even after 30 days of storage. Further, those that were applied with coconut shell and oil palm waste showed two- and four-times higher bacillus counts as compared to media without biochar application. Meanwhile, experimental trials conducted using different biochar formulations showed an increased number of Trichoderma on the different carrier formulations except in coconut coir. Among the materials used, carbonized rice husk revealed the highest population of the microbe.“With the best formulation of microbe-loaded biochar, the study targets to come-up with an ideal and low-cost soil amendment that will benefit farmers,” project leader Rollon said. Niching microbes on the beneficial sideOn-site trials were conducted by CSU in determining the effect of a well-formulated biochartilant in enhancing crop productivity and lowering the incidence of soil-borne diseases such as bacterial wilt.After confirming the presence of soil-borne pathogens in the field, the research team planted bitter gourds and measured the incidence of the bacterial wilt. Initial results of the study showed that plots without biochartilant developed severe wilting eight weeks after transplanting. In contrast, bitter gourds treated with biochartilant showed no symptoms of soil-borne infection.Moreover, the application of the biochartilant boosted the yield of the experimental crop. As compared to a 5.20 tons/hectare yield through farmer’s practice, the bitter gourd’s yield increased to 13.71t/ha after the intervention was made. Hence, the application of the biochartilant promotes optimum growth and performance of bitter gourd resulting in an enhanced productivity yield.“These microbes are really potent in promoting plant growth and suppressing soil-borne plant diseases by acting as effective biocontrol agents. Hence, a good population of these three in the soil benefits the farmers through enhanced crop productivity and disease management,” project leader Rollon said. There’s more for vegetable farmersWith funding support from the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research, the project aims to contribute to the productivity of vegetable farms through the use of enhanced organic agricultural practices in vegetable farming systems in the country.To date, the study continues on determining other influences of the biochartilant application to vegetable farming. On-going experimental trials are currently being conducted and analyzed on how biochartilant application affects the population of parasitic worms and other beneficial microbes in the soil; crop growth and nutrient absorption affecting overall crop growth; and productivity of other susceptible crops such as tomato.By utilizing the results of the study, CSU, along with other partner agencies, envisions capacitating vegetable farmers with technology interventions they can use in their farms.  With high hopes, the research-bred technology underway sets to provide the vegetable farmers not just in the region but in the country with low-cost and highly effective soil amendments to boost their productivity and profit. 

newsevent