Mega Fiesta

InternationalYear of Soils

2015

March 2015

hronicleCVisit our official website at http://www.bar.gov.ph

ISSN 1655-3942

BARBUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCHBAR

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BAR hronicleCBUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Feature: Goat

Volume 16 Issue No. 3 A monthly publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research

BAR participates in Region 2’s ....................

Eleazar inaugurates IDG-supported . .........

BAR-supported R&D facility ........................

BAR celebrates women’s .............................st1 Regional OA Consultation .......................

Legume varieties found favorably ...............

BAR, BPI seek control measures ................

SSNM for white corn nat’l review ................

Mushroom, Edible landscaping ...................

Palayamanan Plus launched ........................

BAR joins 2015 HK Flower ...........................

Doing it, the CPAR way ................................

Chevon value-adding brings more ..............

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o showcase the region's modern and innovative farming technologies on T

different agriculture and fisheries commodities, the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) 2 held the “Agri-Pinoy Mega Fiesta sa Rehiyon Dos” on 17-20 March 2015 in Cagayan and Isabela.

Key officials from the national and local government participated in the series of activities during the event and gave messages of support. Among them were: DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service Leandro H. Gazmin representing DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala; DA Undersecretary for Operations (Crops) Emerson U. Palad; Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) Director Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar; DA-High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) National Coordinator Jennifer E. Remoquillo; DA-RFO 2 Regional Executive Director Lucrecio R. Alviar, Jr.; DA-RFO 2 Regional Technical Director

for Research and Regulatory Dr. Orlando J. Lorenzana; Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) Crops Research Division Director Dr. Jocelyn E. Eusebio, and other officials from the local government unit of Region 2.

In his message, BAR Director Eleazar shared how in 2005, a promising peanut variety called Asha (meaning hope), was introduced to the Philippines through the India-based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). The promising results of initial experiments with the Asha variety encouraged BAR to conduct further field testing and evaluation through its Community-based Participatory Action Research program. Since then, research and development efforts on peanut were intensified, not only in Region 2 but in other parts of the country as well.

With the theme, “Convergence of Technologies and Support Institutions for Sustainable Peanut Industry amidst Climate Change,” the LGU-Enrile Peanut Harvest Fiesta was

one of the events of the Mega Fiesta. One of the highlights of the Peanut Harvest Fiesta was the declaration of Enrile, Cagayan as the “Peanut Capital of the Philippines” by DA Secretary Alcala who was represented by DA Assistant Secretary Gazmin. The declaration hopes to intensify peanut farming business enterprises in Enrile, eventually boosting the municipality's economic well-being through improved farm income and generation of work opportunities for farmers and rural workers.

Also part of the event was a technology demonstration on the

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Chevon value-adding...from previous page

BAR participates in Region 2's

was active with 34 services. In upgraded goat, there was a

considerable average increase in weight of 22.21 percent and 11.1 percent for male and female kid, respectively.

The project facilitated the transfer of a package of technology (POT) to 49 local farmers. A total of 98 farmer-participants were educated on community goat genetic improvement. The women of Lobo were trained on processing flavored chevon and chevon tapa and sausage-making. The processed chevon were subjected to nutritional analysis and consumer acceptability.

Garlic and lemon grass gave a new twist to the conventional plain chevon sausage. This would be a hit among health-conscious individuals.

The development of value-adding processed products on goat signifies the need to increase the production of goat. Hence, it is important to have a well-established goat breeder stocks and comparative weight gained of F1. “It also encouraged the housewives and other business enthusiasts to venture in chevon processing through value-adding that provide additional source of income for the family,” Ms. Anyayahan added.

The production technologies can greatly benefit the farmers specifically those depending on farming small ruminants as their primary source of livelihood. From a monthly farmer's earnings of 5,000 and below, the average annual earnings of

the techno-adopters increased to Php 111,428.26 per techno-adopter.

“Due to the project, I am now maintaining three upgraded goat and the rest have already been turned into cash to buy food and other family necessities,” Ms. Cynthia Panganiban, Community-based Goat Upgrading Project-Dispersal Techno-Adopter from Brgy. Lagadlarin, said.

Aside from the common testimonies of farmers who were able to send their children to school, Mr. Francisco Ilagan, on the other hand, shared that the project became a big help to his family especially during those times when they are in urgent need of cash due to the hospitalization and medication of his child.

“The local community in Lobo is setting towards the innovation and acceptability of goat upgrading production and development not only for its considerable contribution to their

cash-economy, but for the availability of the quality and productive upgraded goat breeder in their backyard. Beneficiaries have already opened their minds on the socio-economic opportunities that will bring about the gradual shifting from native to upgraded goat production and management,” Ms. Anyayahan said. ###

Site of the project that aims to showcase a medium-scale commercial goat breeder andfattener production through upgrading.

Agri-Pinoy Agri-Pinoy Mega Fiesta

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Institutional Development Grant

BAR CHRONICLE is published monthly by the

Applied Communication Division of the Department

of Agriculture - Bureau of Agricultural Research,

RDMIC Building, Visayas Avenue, cor. Elliptical

Road, Diliman, Quezon City 1104 Philippines.

This publication provides regular updates on DA-

BAR’s activities as the country’s national coordinator

for agriculture and fisheries R&D. It also highlights

features and news articles concerning NaRDSAF-

member institutions.

PRODUCTION TEAM

2 BAR hronicleC March 2015 Issue 15BAR hronicleC

ureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar graced the inauguration B

of BAR-supported R&D training facilities at the Cagayan Valley Research Center (CVRC) in San Felipe, Ilagan, Isabela on 18 March 2015. The facilities were supported under the Institutional Development Grant (IDG), which is being provided by the bureau to its partner R&D agencies.

The inauguration was conducted as part of the activities during the “Agri-Pinoy Mega Fiesta sa Rehiyon Dos”, a week-long festivities that highlighted the technologies generated and disseminated to the farming communities by the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office 2 (DA-RFO 2) in which

Dir. Eleazar was also invited as one of the honored guests.

Dir. Eleazar, together with DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service Leandro H. Gazmin, DA-High Value Crops Development Program (DA-HVCDP) National Coordinator Jennifer E. Remoquillo, DA-RFO 2 Executive Director Lucrecio R. Alviar, Jr., DA-RFO 2 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulatory Orlando J. Lorenzana, Cagayan Valley Integrated Agricultural Research Center Manager Robert B. Olinares, and CVRC Manager Rose Mary G. Aquino, led the inauguration of the training facilities.

The need for training facilities arises as CVRC, being the zonal center for upland crop research, frequently

hosts several international, national, and provincial meetings, workshops, trainings, and conferences.

Aside from the inauguration, Dir. Eleazar visited other IDG-funded facilities in DA-RFO 2, one of which was the seed cold storage facility which is used for crop improvement projects. The facility houses and stores crop seeds and germplasm for a longer period of time. CVRC, being the only breeding institution pioneering in breeding OPV corn and legumes in Region 2, maximizes the use of the cold storage facility for these crops.

The bureau chief was able to look at other facilities destroyed during the onslaught of Typhoon Juan in 2010 and were rehabilitated through IDG.

Feature: Goat

BAR hronicleCBUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Editor: Rita T. dela CruzConsulting Editors: Julia A. Lapitan and Victoriano B. GuiamManaging Editor: Patrick Raymund A. LesacaLayout: Anne Camille B. BrionWriters: Ma. Eloisa H. Aquino, Liza Angelica D. Barral, Daryl Lou A. Battad,

Anne Camille B. Brion, Diana Rose A. de Leon, Rita T. dela Cruz, Patrick Raymund A. Lesaca, and Mara Shyn M. Valdeabella

Reproduction/Printing: Ricardo G. Bernardo and Lino Norman D. Reyes ACD Head: Julia A. LapitanAdviser: Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar, CESO IV

ISSN 1655-3942Copyright Bureau of Agricultural Research, Department of Agriculture 2015.For subscription and inquiries, please contact us at: Tel. Nos: +63 (2) 928-8505, 928-8624, 920-0234 local nos. 3012, 3025, 3328 Fax No. +63 (2) 927-5691 Email: acd@bar.gov.ph Articles are also available online, visit our official website: http://www.bar.gov.ph/barchronicle

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Eleazar inaugurates IDG-supported projects at CVRCPHOTOS:ABRION&DDELEON

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th BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar (left photo, 5 from left) and DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Serviceth Leandro H. Gazmin (left photo, 4 from left) lead the inauguration of IDG-supported R&D facilities in CVRC. They are joined in by High Value

thCrops Dev’t Program Nat’l Coordinator Jennifer E. Remoquillo (right photo, 5 from left) and key officials of DA-Regional Field Office 2.

oat can sometimes be associated with celebrations, fiestas, and can be the center G

of a drinking spree among friends. It is commonly cooked as kaldereta or kilawin which serve as pulatan or a family's viand on the table. But more than the association it gets, goat is dubbed as a “poor man's cow” and is well-known for its high demand both in local and international markets.

“The Philippine goat industry is now changing in a much innovative production. Through the proper use of appropriate technologies in goat raising, the demand for its product and by-products can be supplied. Based on the projections, the domestic supply of goat must at least be 6.6 million by 2020 to meet the domestic demands,” said project leader Rowena O. Anyayahan of the

Batangas State University (BatSU). Funded by the Bureau of

Agricultural Research (BAR) and National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) Japan Official Development Assistance, BatSU conducted a study, “Breeds to Cross the Challenges: Medium Scale Commercial Goat (Capra hircus Linn.) Breeding and Fattening Production through Upgrading in Lobo, Batangas”. The study aimed to showcase a medium-scale commercial goat breeder and fattener production through upgrading.

Eighty native doe and seven purebred bucks were housed in the goat breeding demo-farm at BatSU Experimental Farm in Lagadlarin, Lobo, Batangas. To date, it has maintained 6 native doe, 5 purebred bucks, and 38 F1 and 13 F2 offspring. Also under the project, a one hectare

of improved forages and grasses, along with native grasses and locally-available leguminous crops for the small-ruminants, were established.

From the 130 breeding services, 99 (76 percent) were rendered by an Anglo-Nubian buck, 19 were provided by Saanen, and 12 were mated to a Boer buck. The project reflected a 63 percent parturition rate.

Meanwhile, “64 (80 percent) gave birth to a single F1 kid, 15 were twin kidding and 1 percent triplets which resulted to 97 kids, of which 55 were male and 42 were female,” reported Ms. Anyayahan.

Based on the study, 37 breeding services were accounted during the second breeding production cycle (F1 x Purebred) to produce F2 generation during the four consecutive years. Boer buck

Chevon value-adding brings more opportunities for goat breeders Story by Ma. Eloisa H. Aquino

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RANYAYAHAN/BATSU

March 2015 Issue

Feature: CPAR

3BAR hronicleC14 BAR hronicleC

outhern Luzon State University (SLSU)-Tiaong Campus inaugurated the S

“Apiculture Processing Center for Organic Agriculture” on 25 March 2015 in Tiaong, Quezon. Leading the ceremonies were Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar, director of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) and Dr. Cecilia N. Gascon, president of SLSU. Supported under the bureau's Institutional Development Grant (IDG) Program, the facility caters to both researchers and local beekeepers, new and established, in generating and disseminating technologies necessary to strengthen the program in the province.

Known for its huge potential in providing income and livelihood to Filipinos while maintaining and sustaining an organic biodiversity, beekeeping or apiculture, is one of the major programs currently being supported by DA. With this, BAR has supported a number of projects and activities that aim to generate and promote the various technologies to further enhance and manage this promising industry. Aside from commercialization projects, BAR supports the establishment of R&D facilities in DA-Regional Field Offices and state

Institutional Development Grant

universities and colleges (SUCs) that implement R&D projects and activities.

SLSU, known as one of the bureau's major partners in strengthening agriculture and fishery R&D, specifically on rainfed and organic agriculture,

has implemented various projects that seek to generate technologies for dissemination and outscaling to farmers and fishers. Through the facility, SLSU expects to analyze, assess, and promote apiculture technologies generated by researchers and beekeepers towards producing honey and by-products that are better in terms of quality and quantity. With the major activities that are planned to be held in the center, local beekeepers and those interested to engage in the industry are expected have better understanding and training on product development and practice of beekeeping, not just harvesting honey and by-products. The center will also serve as a showroom and business center for the products while its laboratories will cater to bee diseases analysis.

Dr. Eleazar, in his opening remarks during the ceremony, stressed the relevance of the facility. “This will be instrumental in disseminating necessary information needed to continuously make the agriculture sector resilient while providing our farmers and entrepreneurs additional income options,” he said. With its advantages, not only as a viable industry for product generation and development, but also as an important component in increasing the

Another IDG-funded facility visited was the on-going construction of the Cagayan Valley Integrated Agricultural Laboratory Services in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. The facility is the first of its kind, one-stop shop facility for diagnostic services for crops and livestock in Region 2. The building will house five regional laboratory services and center. These include: 1) soils laboratory, 2) animal disease diagnostic laboratory, 3) plant health clinic and pesticide laboratory, 4) feed laboratory, and 5) animal products development center.

BAR is an active partner of DA-RFO 2 in its research and development (R&D) initiatives. One of the supports being given by BAR is the IDG that specifically caters to the needs of research institutions to construct and rehabilitate their R&D facilities, and upgrade their equipment for them to be able to deliver efficient and effective services to their stakeholders. ### (Diana Rose A. de Leon)

BAR-supported R&D facility for apiculture in SLSU inaugurated

productivity of the agriculture sector with bees serving as a crop pollinator, supporting beekeeping R&D continues to be a profitable and sustainable investment.

IDG is one of the programs of BAR that provides support to the rehabilitation and construction of various R&D infrastructures and facilities that could enable our researchers and scientists to generate, develop, improve, and up-scale technologies that address the department's goal of attaining food security while ensuring productivity and competitiveness of the agriculture sector. ### (Mara Shyn M. Valdeabella)

Eleazar inaugurates...from page 2

PHOTO COURTESY OF OD

(L-R) Dr. Roberto C. Licup, Sr., SLSU President Cecilia N. Gascon, and BARDirector Nicomedes P. Eleazar lead the inauguration of the “ApicultureProcessing Center for Organic Agriculture”.

“Aside from cattle, we also received seeds, fertilizers for our rice and corn, and technical assistance so that we will know if what we are doing is right,” Mang Bobby added. He owns a three-hectare farm land, one hectare of which, he allotted for the CPAR project since he became a cooperator.

When asked how the CPAR project was able to help them boost their production and profit, Mang Bobby was thrilled in sharing how their new-found knowledge became an effective means to improve their farm productivity. “For me personally, it helped me a lot. Before, we were using OPV corn, but now, we are using hybrid rice and hybrid corn and it made a huge difference in our yield. More than change in production, I also learned a lot of things from the CPAR which I did not know before,” he explained.

He added that, “before, we buy our seeds from poultry suppliers which are expensive,

but because we now have CPAR, we can get funds from the association for our seeds. The good thing about it is that we can borrow money without the interest. So our expenses do not pile up. We have a good payment scheme for all our farmer-members so for those who cannot pay on-time, we provide grace period until such time that they are able to pay back what they have borrowed.”

Mang Bobby added that before they are doing it their way, now, “we do it the CPAR way!”

He added that “before, after we harvested the rice, we feed the rice straw to animals and then we burn the rest, along with the corn stovers. But after the training in CPAR, we learned new things. We should not burn the straw and the

Doing it, the CPAR way...from previous page

stovers, instead we can use them as substrates for vermicomposting which I am doing right now.”

The vermiculture composting is also part of technology intervention that was introduced to the farmers. Mang Bobby has his own vermiculture production wherein he uses the rice straw and corn stovers as materials for his vermicompost. “I now have my own supply of vermicast for my farm, some of them I give or sell to my fellow farmers,” he said.

Aside from the improved

production, Mang Bobby shared how he was able to purchase some farm equipment through CPAR. “I was able to purchase kuliglig, electric and water pump from my income. Before CPAR, I have no farm equipment because we only

had one cropping so it was not enough,” he narrated.

“All the things I have learned from CPAR, I share them to my fellow farmers. We teach them the technologies on cattle fattening, how to make home-made feeds, and effective use of molasses, EM. I also encourage them to produce their own vermicast so they don't need to buy for their farm. The materials are already there, they just have to optimize their uses,” Mang Bobby concluded. ###

Mang Bobby, a CPAR cooperator in Calautit, Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur, proudly shows his corn produce.

More than change in production, I also learned a lot of things fromCPAR which I did not know before.

- Bobby, CPAR farmer cooperator

“ “

March 2015 Issue March 2015 Issue

4 BAR hronicleC 13BAR hronicleC

Feature: CPARWomen’s Month

he Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) joined millions of Filipinos in the observance of T

March as the National Women's Month (NWM). For this year, the theme, “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!” centered on celebrating and highlighting the role of women leaders in advancing women's advocacies and recognizing their significant roles and accomplishments in leadership, power, and decision-making.

The celebration kick-started with the conduct of parade and nationwide simultaneous street dance organized by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) on 8 March 2015, which is also the declared International Women's Day. Representatives from BAR and contingents from various national government agencies in Metro Manila and other neighboring provinces

convened at the Quezon City Memorial Circle for a program graced by Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman and Philippine Representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights Rosario Manalo. The event was organized as a tribute to the accomplishments of Juanas and the efforts in championing women's advocacies.

BAR, through its Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS), prepared a week-long series of activities in line with the celebration of NWM. This started with the opening ceremony graced by BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar. In his message, he recalled the past initiatives of BAR to mainstream GAD and put GAD principles into practice. “Though we might have just

started conducting trainings and activities on GAD last year, I believe that we have made a significant progress with the efforts that we have put in implementing the program. As I have mentioned before, I speak with pride knowing that we have given women the same opportunities as men, with respect to what we do here at the bureau,” he said.

Highlight of the week-long celebration was the conduct of special seminars for the members of Seaman in Agriculture, KALIPI Inc., and Green Organic Rescue. The seminar topics were on soybean processing and the use of SNAP hydroponics. Ms. Evelyn Bartolome, a retired professor and member of MicroSoya Philippines (an organization of soybean enthusiasts and advocates), imparted soybean information and demonstrated the process of preparing and cooking soybean milk, soybean coffee/espresso, and soybean burger patties. On the other hand, Mr. Ricardo Bernardo of the Applied Communication Division of BAR, taught the participants on how to have

uccess doesn't happen just because you want it to happen. It is a result of S

hardwork and determination. In farming, success can be achieved if you do things right—learning from the experts and adopting the technology in such a way that productivity and profitability are ensured.

This has been the case for Mang Robert “Bobby” Tubon, a farmer-cooperator of a Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR) project from Calautit, Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur. “Before CPAR, I plant rice for one cropping, then corn for another cropping season, after that I kept my land idle. When CPAR came into our barangay, they taught us a different way of doing things,” he said.

In 2008, a CPAR project was first brought in Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur through the Ilocos Integrated Agricultural Research Center (ILIARC) with funding support from the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR). ILIARC introduced adding another cropping season to their usual practice of planting rice- corn. The project, “CPAR on Rice – Corn – Corn + Livestock Farming System” pushed that the farmers add corn cropping season and livestock component to their usual farming practice. With the additional cropping season, farmers were able to maximize the use of the land and increase both their production and profit.

Among the technology options introduced to the CPAR cooperators included the use of organic fertilizer and/or compost + bio-fertilizer + inorganic fertilizer,

use of leaf color chart (LCC) as to the time of nitrogen (N) application , use of light trap, release of biological control agent such as earwigs, and crop residue utilization for the crops.

For the livestock component, they initially introduced goat production. The researchers from ILIARC taught the Integrated Goat Management Technology (IGMT) which included package of technologies on improved housing, feeds and feeding management, health management, and using goat manure as fertilizer aside from the utilization of upgraded bucks for the reproduction of goats.

Mang Bobby, also the president of the Calautit Farmers Association, mentioned how their association was able to benefit from the project, given that they became CPAR-cooperators only in 2012, the expansion of the original CPAR project. “Our association has 26 active members (3 females and 23 males) from 1997 until now. With the technologies that were introduced to us through the CPAR project, our production and our incomes improved,” Mang Bobby stated.

“Two years since we became CPAR farmer cooperators, each member of our association received two cows,” said Mang Bobby. Although the initial animal introduced for the livestock component was goat, the group from ILIARC introduced cattle for the expansion of the CPAR project in Sto. Domingo. Just like the goat, technology interventions were also introduced to the farmers, as well as training on cattle fattening, housing, and feed production.

BAR celebratesWomen's Month

Doing it, the CPAR wayStory and photos by Rita T. dela Cruz

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March 2015 Issue March 2015 Issue

BAR conducts a week-long series of activities in line with the celebration of National Women’s Month. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DDELEON

Cont...

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Organic Agriculture

st1 Reg’l OA Consultation Workshop heldacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental and B

dubbed as the “City of Smiles” was this year's venue for the “Visayas Stakeholders' Consultation on Organic Agriculture Research Development and Extension Agenda Workshop” held on 24-27 March 2015 at the Bacolod Pavillon.

The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), as the lead agency for research and development (R&D) component of the Organic Agriculture (OA) Program of DA, spearheaded the first leg of the regional consultation workshops which aimed to identify regional commodity/ies champions or winnables and to determine researchable areas that will be responsive to the regions' needs.

The activity was a follow-up to the “National OA R&D Assessment and Planning Workshop” held on 8-10 April 2014 in Pampanga, wherein it was agreed that regional cluster consultation per island group (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao) is to be conducted to cascade the output of the workshop to the regions and to come up with action-oriented plans based on regional priorities and location specific R&D.

Dr. Joyce Wendam, regional technical director (RTD) for research and regulation of DA-Regional Field Office 6, gave the welcome remarks on behalf of Regional Executive Director Larry P. Nacionales. RTD Wendam welcomed the participants and thanked the bureau for convening the OA advocates, not only for Region 6, but for Regions 7 and 8 as well. She also stressed that the challenge for R&D is to be competitive and that engaging the communities in the practice of OA farming and management is essential to achieve the goal.

Meanwhile, “the occurrence of health problems related with the wide use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides has been a global concern”, said BAR Assistant Director Teodoro

S. Solsoloy, who delivered the opening remarks. He mentioned that the predominant application of chemicals contributes to the degradation of the environment. He also shared that the bureau has undertaken series of activities and has been supporting projects and initiatives that are geared towards a unified and integrated organic agriculture RDE plans and programs.

Mr. Joell Lales, division head of the BAR-Planning and Project Development Division and also BAR's OA focal person, presented the bureau's milestone on OA R&D planning workshop and agenda setting, which served as the focal direction in terms of the agency's R&D and National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) thrusts and agenda.

Serving as evaluators/reactors were: Dr. Cayetano C. Pomares, vice president for RD&E, University of Southern Mindanao; Dr. Rene C. Santiago, center chief of the National Swine and Poultry Research Development Center, Bureau of Animal Industry; Dr. Jonathan L. Galindez, Central Luzon State University; and Mr. Francisco Santos of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute of BFAR.

Also present were Ms. Teresa Perez-Saniano, member of Secretary Alcala's Technical Advisory Group; Ms. Elsa A. Parot, NOAP coordinator; and Dr. Rodolfo O. Ilao, DOST-PCARRD representative to the National Organic Agriculture Board.

Highlights during the first day included plenary presentations featuring the OA review, directions and initiatives of the Visayas Cluster, followed by the

status reports on the output of the initial meetings of the regionals, as well as the status of various BAR-funded OA projects.

After the presentations, the participants were grouped per region and simultaneously conducted the workshops to refine the output of regional RDE Agenda and Action Plan which they have presented.

Among the identified regional commodity champions or winnables were: native chicken, muscovado sugar, indigenous vegetables (malunggay, alukbati, saluyot, kulitis, talinum) for Region 6; native chicken, organic pinakbet vegetables (eggplant, tomato, ampalaya, pepper and okra) and taro (gabi) for Region 7; and jackfruit, organic goat meat, upland rice, and rootcrops for Region 8. The outputs will be part of the updated Action Plan for the Organic Agriculture R&D.

Mr. Lales concluded the event by articulating on the intensified role of BAR in implementing the OA R&D projects in the country. He pointed out that the outputs must be in harmony with the priority thrusts of NOAP in the implementation of OA programs in the national and regional level.

During the last day, the Visayas contingent visited the La Granja Research and Training Station of the University of the Philippines in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental. The participants also visited a BAR-funded project titled, “Pilot Testing and Seed Multiplication of Potential Varieties of Snap Beans and Garden Pea under Organic Production System”. ### (Patrick Raymund A. Lesaca)

preparing the medium and transferring the seedlings to the prepared medium with coir dust.

Edible Landscaping (EL) was presented by Ms. Eliza Aquino of UPLB wherein she gave a brief historical background of the said technology, followed by its importance in maintaining food security at the household level. The resource speaker also discussed the principles and elements of design as well as the three phases of EL particularly the design, implementation, and maintenance phase. Series of group activities were held in order to apply the principles and elements of design as well as the considerations in creating the EL design and the implementation plan. Practical application of the implementation phase was the focus on the final hands-on activity wherein participants were in-charge of identifying hardscapes

Mushroom, Edible Landscaping...from page 9

st Participants of the 1 Regional Organic Agriculture Consultation Workshop held in Bacolod City PHOTO:PLESACA

vegetable garden in their homes using the SNAP Hydroponics. These seminars were conducted to disseminate to the public the technologies generated through R&D. These technologies can be adopted by women and men alike and can be used in their homes and as an additional means of livelihood.

Other activities include the conduct of a photo contest which was opened to all BAR staff members. Reflecting the NWM's theme, there were 33 entries submitted and these were all exhibited at the BAR lobby. Another activity was the series of documentary and film showing which tackled some of the major gender issues that includes women empowerment, gender and sexuality, among others. Ms. Aireen Andal, instructor from the Department of Sociology, University of the Philippines, gave an analysis of the major themes featured in the films.

Just like in the previous year, the bureau invited speakers to talk about relevant issues faced by women. For this year, PO3 Rhina Castillo from Marikina City Police was invited to discuss about the provisions of the law regarding “Violence Against Women and Children”. The second speaker was Atty. Jan Louenn Lumanta, junior associate from Mata-Perez & Francisco Attorneys-at-Law Office, who gave reviews on the selected provisions of the Family Code of the Philippines, specifically about annulment, petition for declaration of nullity of marriage, legal separation, and divorce.

BAR's observance of NWM ended with the awarding of prizes to the winners of the photo contest.

The observance of Women's Month is in compliance to Presidential Proclamation No. 224, 227 and Republic Act No. 6469, declaring the month of March as the national observation to recognize the role and contributions of women to the society. ### (Diana Rose A. de Leon)

BAR celebrates Women’s...from page 9

and softscapes, site clearing, planting, and positioning of hardscapes in order to establish a sample EL Garden measuring 2 x 4 meters.

During the closing ceremony, representatives from each group gave their course impressions and majority of them were very thankful for the conduct of the three-day activity which provided them technical knowledge on mushroom production, SNAP Hydroponics, and Edible Landscaping. For participants' reference, IEC materials particularly on the three technologies presented in the seminar were provided. One set of SNAP solution was also given to each group in order for the participants to immediately apply the technology in their respective areas. ### (Liza Angelica D. Barral)

were accomplished by the participants. The Nutrient Expert Maize – Philippines which includes OPV and traditional varieties is now available for field testing.

Also, significant findings of on-going corn and cassava projects were also presented which include the utilization of corn cobs as source for potassium fertilization and nutrition for white corn production, collecting and characterizing Philippine native corn varieties towards development of commercial cultivars, and pilot testing of belt dryers for granulated cassava.

SSNM for white corn nat’l review...from page 8

The technologies developed by these projects are now being adopted by the regions.

SSNM is an effective tool in closing the yield gap of white corn in the Philippines through balanced application of nutrients that is based on crop nutrient management. BAR, in collaboration with the National Corn Program, will be continuously working towards a strengthened upscaling of white and yellow corn industries, resulting to maximized yield and optimized profit especially for corn farmers. ### (Daryl Lou A. Battad)

SSNM for White Corn National Review participants PHOTO:RDELACRUZ

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Organic Agriculture Int’l Exhibition

an Canlaon City, Negros Oriental in Central Visayas be Cthe next organic vegetable hub

in the country? Negros Island is the third

largest island in the country with a total area of 5,402.30 square-kilometers. It is characterized by low and grooved mountain ranges which mostly lie close to the shoreline. The total agricultural area is roughly 522,433 hectares and close to 2,632 hectares is now being converted to organic agriculture area. Among its primary crops include sugarcane, corn, coconut, and rice.

The promising potential of the province with its vast fertile land resources was included as one of the project locations of a project implemented by the Benguet State University (BSU). The project, “Pilot Testing and Seed Multiplication of Potential Varieties of Snap Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and Garden Pea (Pisum sativum) Under Organic Production System in the Philippines,” is funded by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR).

Dr. Leoncia L. Tandang, project leader and a professor at the College of Agriculture, BSU, conceptualized the project specifically to determine the adaptability and acceptabilty of vegetable legumes under Negros condition. She explained

that organic agriculture has provided an alternative solution to the problems brought about by the utilization of agrochemicals to improve and sustain crop productivity. Among the constraints identified in organic production were the non-availability of appropriate variety and seeds of crops, lack and limited supply of certified organic seeds, and limited research studies on organic seed production, among others.

Initiated in 2012, the project aims to identify appropriate varieties of snap beans (Baguio beans) and garden pea (sitsaro) under organic production system in the Philippines; and to produce sufficient amount of breeder, foundation, and certified organic seeds of the selected highland vegetable legumes for multiplication and eventual distribution to farmers and organic farming practitioners.

Three sets of experiment for on-station pilot-testing of bush and pole snap beans and garden pea were set-up separately during the dry and wet seasons at BSU La Trinidad, Benguet in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). In addition, the experiments will be piloted in Regions 2, 4A, and 10, specifically at DA-Nueva Vizcaya Experiment Station (NVES) in Region 2; DA-Lipa Agricultural Experiment Station (LAES) in Lipa City and DA-

Quezon Agricultural Experiment Station (QAES) in Tiaong, Quezon in Region 4A; and UPLB CA-La Granja Research and Training Station (UPLBCA-LGRTS) in La Granja, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental and DA-Northern Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (NOMIARC) in Malaybalay, Bukidnon in Region 10. Fifteen varieties (i.e. five for each crop) were included in the experiment. The planting materials were obtained from BSU-Institute of Plant Breeding Highland Crops Research Station.

From one mountain range to another, the project was pursued with vigor in the highlands of Mount Canlaon, Barangay Panubigan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental wherein the 15 varieties of bush and pole snap beans and garden pea were initially planted in

2720m organic farm lot of Mr. Vanni Justiniani in February 2015. A subsequent Farmer's Field Day was conducted on 27 March 2015 during the crop's peak of harvest stage.

The field day, initiated by Dr. Tandang, in collaboration with Mr. Rustico C. Morales, station manager of the UPLBCA-LGRTS, was undertaken to find out from the farmers themselves and other stakeholders their individual and collective observations on the planted vegetable legumes in terms of the number of pods per cluster or prolificacy, pod characters like straightness and stringiness, as well as the plant morphology. Sensory and acceptability ratings of raw and cooked freshly-harvested pods in terms of color, shape, size, texture, aroma, and taste were likewise subjected. Such plant characteristics are necessary for further evaluation of the varieties being pilot tested. Collected information and other baseline data were forwarded to the UPLBCA-LGRTS for further analysis and validation.

Dr. Emmanuel G. Samson, project in-charge, opined that growing such crop is feasible in the area and well-adapted under Negros condition. ### (Patrick Raymund A. Lesaca)

loriculturist and flower-enthusiasts from all over the world literally, “stopped and F

smelled the flowers” as the annual event, “Hong Kong Flower Show” was staged on 20-29 March 2015 at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. The show exhibits a rich collection of potted plants, colorful floral arrangements, and stunning landscape displays from participants both of local and foreign countries. Yearly, the flower show attracts around 590, 000 visitors.

This year's event carried the theme, "When Blossoms Dance," and featured Oncidium as the theme flower. Oncidium is a well-known species of orchids which comes in various colors including yellow, red, white, magenta, and sometimes with dark brown patterns or blotches. It is

native in tropical and subtropical countries of America, including Mexico, Brazil, and Bolivia. It is commonly known as the "dancing lady" due to its slender stem, unique, adorable, and full of vitality which is like an elegant dancing lady.

The event was participated in by over 200 organizations from 18 countries that exhibited various exotic flowers, landscape, and floral art displays. Among the participating countries were Mainland China, Australia, Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States. The Philippine displays, which was led by the Knights of Rizal, featured various flowers that are indigent and common

to the tropics and followed the traditional Filipino theme.

Selected staff members of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) joined in to witness this yearly event featuring more than 350,000 flowers including around 8,000 pots of Oncidium which were colorfully displayed on the show ground. The visit was organized by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture.

The 10-day event also highlighted music and dance performances, green talks, floral art demonstrations, fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, greening activities workshops, green promotional stalls, guided visits, recreation programs, and fun games. ### (Rita T. dela Cruz)

Farmers observing the planted vegetable legumes during the field day PHOTO:PLESACA

Legume varieties found favorably growing in Negros

BAR joins 2015 HK Flower Show

Selected staff members of BAR joined in the yearly event that showcased various plants, colorful floral arrangements, and stunning landscape displays.

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H OU Y OF A

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Rice

BAR hronicleC

D A k e y o f f i c i a l s v i s i t N S T W 2 0 1 3 ; N T C P - f u n d e d p r o j e c t s f e a t u r e d i n B A R ’ s b o o t h

he Philippine TRice

Research Institute (PhilRice) led the project launching of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR)-funded project titled, “Accelerating the Development, Demonstration, and Adoption of Palayamanan Plus in Lowland Farms,” or the Palayamanan Plus on 10 March 2015 in Brgy. Pulong Masle, Guagua, Pampanga.

The launching was attended by Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary for Field Operations and Officer-In-Charge of PhilRice Edilberto M. De Luna and Guagua Mayor Hon. Dante D. Torres, together with key officials and staff members from PhilRice, LGU-Guagua, DA-Regional Field Office 3, BAR, Pampanga State Agricultural University, and several farmers' associations.

The event started with a ceremonial harvesting of 25 hectares rice field which was the Palayamanan Plus pilot area in Guagua, Pampanga. The rice field was planted with Mestiso 20 and NSIC Rc300.

Palayamanan Plus is an offshoot project from PhilRice's Palayamanan project. Like the Palayamanan, which improved the productivity and profitability of rice farmers through farm diversification by integrating other crops and livestock on the farming system, Palayamanan Plus operates on the same scheme but with a much larger goal. The project envisions that through a holistic and well-rounded approach on rice farming, a rice farmer will not only be a

farmer, but also an entrepreneur. Through the adoption of diversified, intensified and integrated rice-based farming system, a rice farming community will be transformed to an economy consist of rice-based enterprises.

“Let's look at agriculture as something we can make a business out of. With the right technologies, appropriate cropping pattern and adequate support systems, we can reach and earn 1 million pesos annually per farmer in at least a

hectare rice field,” said Mr. Rizal G. Corales, Palayamanan Plus project leader. This is seconded by Asec. De Luna and he added that this is the move made by DA to achieve inclusive growth in agriculture.

This statement by Mr. Rizal was anchored on PhilRice's campaign called “Gusto Naming Milyonaryo Kayo”. The campaign advocates a community-based agribusiness approach which entails farm mechanization, diversified and integrated rice-based farming, enhanced resource use efficiency, value-adding, and marketing.

The Palayamanan Plus has the following components: 1) crop production, 2) livestock production, 3) mushroom production, 4) organic fertilizer, and 5) mechanization. The project is piloted in six provinces including Pampanga, Bulacan, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, and Agusan del Norte. ### (Diana Rose A. de Leon)

BAR, BPI seek control measures to manage

trawberry and citrus are two important fruit crops in Benguet. The favorable climate S

and good cultural management practices enable farmers to generate good income from the production of these fruit crops.

However, pest infestation continues to hinder productivity as they affect the quality and volume of the fruits being produced. High infestation occurs during the dry months in which flowering and fruit development take place. To control the pests, farmers resort to the use of synthetic pesticides that are readily-available in the market. Yet, these pesticides are known to have adverse effects on humans and the environment.

With funding support from the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), the Bureau of Plant Industry-Baguio National Crops Research and Development Center (BPI-BNCRDC) implemented a project, “Evaluation of Pest Management Strategies for Organic Strawberry and Citrus Production in the Cordillera”. The project aims to assess environment-friendly strategies in managing pests

Pest Management

pests in organic and strawberry citrus

associated with strawberry and citrus production, specifically, the effectiveness of: 1) fungi as biological control agents, 2) agricultural oil sprays and wood vinegar, and 3) plant extracts against major pests and diseases of the two fruit crops.

Nursery evaluation for both citrus and strawberry was conducted under greenhouse condition, whereas field evaluation was done only for strawberry as adjustments are still being made for citrus field trials.

Initial results of the study on Metarrhizium isolates as control agents showed significant lower population of white grubs (snout beetle) when applied twice or thrice as compared to untreated plants.

Meanwhile, the study on agricultural (mineral and vegetable) oil sprays and wood vinegar found that there was lesser presence of two spotted mites from plants sprayed at higher rate of application. It was also observed that the treated plants produced higher marketable berries which could be attributed to the lower population of pests found in the plants.

For the study on the effect of

plant extracts, it revealed that among the treated plants sprayed with different plant extracts, those sprayed with fresh hot pepper at higher rate showed the lowest presence of two spotted mites and achieved the highest marketable berries.

According to Ms. Maritess A. Alimurung, project leader, while the project continues to bear promising outcomes, further testing and evaluation are still being done to produce conclusive results that can be disseminated to farmers. “The application or adoption of organic practices depends on the availability of resources and kind of crops being grown by farmers where pests are different. This project aims to produce pest control products that are readily-available in the locality and are both safe to humans and the environment,” she said. ### (Anne Camille B. Brion)

----------For more information, please contact:Maritess A. AlimurungProject leader, BPI-BNCRDCGuisad, Baguio CityTel. No. (074) 445-9084Email: tess_alimurung@yahoo.com.ph

Under BPI-BNCRDC’s project, nursery evaluation undergreenhouse condition for citrus and field evaluation for strawberry (inset photo) have been conducted. PHOTOS:ABRION

launched in PampangaPalayamanan Plus

DA Asst. Secretary for Field Operations and Officer-In-Charge of PhilRice Edilberto De Luna gives a message during the launching of Palayamanan Plus. PHOTOS:DDELEON

“3-ton technology” for peanut production that promotes recommended varieties and technology interventions to enhance peanut yield. A peanut village-level seed store and peanut service station were also launched which were established jointly by the DA, BAR, RFO 2, and PCAARRD to further improve the income of farmers and the marketing of peanuts being produced by farmers in Enrile, Cagayan.

On the other hand, the DA-Isabela Experiment Station Fiesta held in Gamu, Isabela featured commodity integration of the DA's different banner programs to help farmers improve their traditional farming systems through demonstrations, promotion, adoption, and commercialization of improved technologies. These include Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT), integrated approach to farming production, sheep production, integrated organic agriculture, fish cage culture, livestock-related agri-machineries, and food processing. Also showcased were technologies on pigeon pea, peanut, and adlay that were developed from BAR-funded researches.

Meanwhile, the LGU-Roxas Pinakbet Fiesta was held to intensify the region's lowland vegetable production for a more sustainable and profitable farmer-centered Isabela Agri-Pinoy Trading Center operation.

Composed of three sub-activities, the Mega Fiesta served as a four-day activity wherein appropriate technologies and interventions on crops, livestock, poultry, and fisheries were featured and introduced to the farmers that could help in attaining improved production, high productivity, and increased income. ### (Anne Camille B. Brion)

BAR participates in...from page 1

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Mushroom, Edible Landscaping, SNAP Hydroponicsfeatured in regional seminarSSNM for white corn nat'l review

targets profit optimization

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he Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), in collaboration with the T

Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3–Central Luzon Integrated Agricultural Research Center (DA RFO 3–CLIARC) and University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), conducted the Regional Seminar Series on 25-27 March 2015 at the Pangasinan Research and Extension Center (PREC) in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan.

Dr. Gilbert Rabara, PREC center manager, welcomed all the participants representing various agencies. Dr. Eduardo Gonzales, regional technical director (RTD) for Research and Regulations in DA-RFO 1, gave an inspirational message by emphasizing the importance of mushroom production, SNAP

Hydroponics, and Edible Landscaping in maintaining food security in the household level and helping organized groups in establishing enterprise development.

"Introduction on Mushroom Production and Processing” was discussed by Ms. Emily Soriano, assistant research manager and National Technical and Enterprise Development coordinator for Mushroom of DA RFO 3-CLIARC. In her lecture, Ms. Soriano presented the different types of mushrooms, its nutritional benefits, and economic potentials. Ms. Maria Perpetua Patiag, microbiology specialist from CLIARC, explained the steps in tissue culture propagation through demonstration. Simultaneous hands-on training was also conducted wherein participants prepared and sterilized the materials needed for the tissue culture

ollowing the success of the site specific nutrient management for yellow corn, the Department of F

Agriculture (DA) through the National Corn Program and the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) conducted the 2015 SSNM White Corn Dry Season National Review and Planning Workshop held on 17-20 March 2015 at Azalea Residences Hotel, Baguio City.

Participated in by SSNM focal persons, regional corn coordinators (RCCs), corn experts, and project leaders, the activity aimed to: 1) review the results of the 2014 wet season and farmer participatory evaluation trials; 2) know the status of the development and further train the participants on the SSNM Nutrient Expert Software for White Corn using the SSNM on-farm trials data of the 16 DA-regional field offices (RFOs); 3) assess the impact of SSNM yellow corn in the corn producing expansion areas; 4) discuss follow-up activities and action plan after completing the SSNM white corn project; and 5) identify corn related research projects for 2015-2016. DA-RFOs' SSNM project leaders presented the results of SSNM over the farmers' fertilizer practice (FFP) in terms

of yield and fertilizer use, thus evaluating the effectiveness of SSNM in closing the yield gap in white corn production. Results showed that FFP rates across regions using both open pollinated variety (OPV) and traditional variety were relatively low compared to SSNM rates. The analysis across sites for wet and dry season in 2014 presented by Dr. Apolonio Ocampo, one of the project leaders from UPLB, showed that SSNM achieved about 91 percent of the attainable yield of the OPV and about 88 percent that of the traditional variety. Yield with SSNM was about 45 percent and 23 percent higher over FFP with OPV and traditional variety, respectively.

Dr. Antonio Gerundio, head of the DA-National Corn Program Secretariat stressed that through SSNM, the DA will be able to address the productivity issues that the country currently has for the corn industry. “Our target should be higher production with lower production cost. One way we can achieve this is the call for inclusive growth: we have to involve our corn farmers even more, bringing them at the higher level of the

value chain,” Dr. Gerundio said. In addition, Dr. Teodoro

Solsoloy, assistant director of BAR, pointed out that apart from standardizing the SSNM technology that will serve as a cost-effective strategy to corn farmers, we are left with the challenge on how we can offer this technology to the farmers. Dr. Solsoloy said that “the technology transfer should start at the grassroots level to replicate in the field.” He also added the integration of the SSNM technology to the bureau's CPAR projects.

A briefing on the Nutrient Expert for Maize, a nutrient decision support software that enables crop advisors to rapidly develop SSNM recommendations for individual farmer's fields, was presented and discussed by Dr. Mirasol Pampolino of the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI). A hands-on training on the use of data template specifically in filling up the templates using actual results

and performed the actual tissue culture propagation. Ms. Leslie Olave, food technology specialist, conducted cooking demonstration and introduced different mushroom recipes and products like tempura, burger patty, siomai, tocino and yema. Participants also helped in the food preparation as part of the hands-on training.

Mr. Richard Bernardo from the Applied Communication Division (ACD) of BAR, discussed SNAP Hydroponics specifically its advantages and materials needed in utilizing the technology. He also demonstrated on how to prepare the proper medium and ratio of SNAP solution. Some of the participants had a hands-on training on

Site Specific Nutrient Management Regional Seminar Series

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