R&D generated technologies, models, and valuation set to help PH farmers, communities

The agriculture sector communities in the country are seen to benefit from research and development (R&D)-generated technologies of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).

These technologies include goat production, an automated and water-efficient irrigation system, and a mobile app to identify pests and diseases. Moreover, an improved extension model for conflict-vulnerable communities in Mindanao as well as learning how to create ecosystem services from natural resources, and how it can help build a competitive agri-aqua innovation ecosystem is currently being showcased during the 7^th National R&D Conference (NRDC) being held from September 15 to 16, 2022 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Technologies from R&D

Goat production in the Philippines is mainly seen in backyard farms and treated as a rural asset, especially during times when emergency cash is required. To further establish goat’s status as a “profitable rural asset,” the Isabela State University (ISU) spearheaded a program to enhance the application of artificial insemination (AI) to address production inefficiency.

Dr. Jonathan N. Nayga of ISU will present how the project was able to develop an extender designed for goat semen processing, which can prolong the viability of the sperm cells for use in AI. Dr. Nayga will also present how chevon can be processed into various products.

Meanwhile, sugarcane farmers will benefit from a computer-assisted furrow irrigation system called Automatic Furrow Irrigation System (AFIS). Dr. Marvin M. Cinense of the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) will explain how AFIS technology can use real-time irrigation accessible via a web application. AFIS can also increase yield and save water. Dr. Cinense will highlight how a farmer can double or even triple his net income through AFIS.

Smartphones, with their mobility, contribute a lot in farming. Now, insect pests and diseases can be identified using a mobile application called SPIDTECH, developed through the project, Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines (SARAI). Ms. Rosemarie Laila D. Areglado of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) led the development of the mobile app.

Proper pest identification is key to proper pest management. SPIDTECH therefore, hopes to help reduce damages and losses to crops due to insect pests and diseases infestation thus, reducing risk of income losses of our farmers.

All of these generated technologies are from government funding, but inventions can also be a source of income especially for the technology generator. Mr. Noel A. Catibog, director of the Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD) will discuss RA 10055 or the Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009 and how it can reward the agri-aqua innovation ecosystem and encourage researchers and scientists of various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Research and Development Institutes (RDIs) to commercialize the technologies produced from their research activities. This initiative will be part of the Regional Agri-Aqua Innovation System Enhancement (RAISE) Program, which Mr. Catibog will discuss.

Assisting the community through R&D

Aside from helping farmers, R&D also helps communities in gaining livelihood opportunities. A project using the case of Bataan Natural Park will show how forest ecosystem services can provided value and create wealth for the community. Dr. Juan M. Pulhin of the Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will discuss how their study highlighted the importance of valuation to wealth creation in terms of the Five Capitals Model.

Dr. Emma Ruth V. Bayogan of the University of the Philippines Mindanao will discuss how communities in conflict-vulnerable areas in the country can still earn from farming through the “Livelihood Improvement through Facilitated Extension” or LIFE Model. Dr. Bayogan will showcase the model’s impact in South Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Zamboanga Sibugay in terms of increasing income, improving agricultural skills, forging strong partnership, and adopting diversified livelihood, among others.

Learn more from the gains of R&D by joining this free virtual event through DOST-NRDC’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dostnrdc/videos/529702885585108