Moreover,
partner-member agencies’ counterpart shared a total ofP1.2 million as a way of
expressing their commitment to address the needs of the industry.
The program,
led by the Negros State College of Agriculture, will run for a year and has two
components. The first component, which started in October 2011, is a
comprehensive analysis of the muscovado supply chain in Antique and a benchmark
study in Queensland, Australia, which has the biggest concentration of
organically managed sugarcane farms worldwide.
The second
component is a technology demonstration of organic sugarcane production for
muscovado processing in Negros Occidental and Antique. This component started
in December 2011. Under this component, trials will beset up in farmers’ fields
to demonstrate organic sugarcane production. S&T interventions on land
preparation, choice of variety, nutrient management, and pest control
management will be introduced in the farm.
Results of
the demonstration trials will be compared with farmers’ existing inorganic
method of sugarcane production. Costs and returns involved in both farmers’
practice and recommended technology will be compared. The technology on organic
sugarcane production will be promoted through field days and other means to
encourage other farmers in the region to do the same.
NCSA will
partner with TRIAS and INSOL Development Foundation in enhancing the skills and
capability of the farming communities in organic muscovado processing. Both
non-government organizations are known for serving small-scale Filipino
entrepreneurs.
Other
program partners include University of the Philippines Visayas, Sugar
Regulatory Administration, University of Antique, Office of the Provincial
Agriculturist, Regional Office of the Department of Science and Technology, and
Metals Industry Research and Development Center. -Ofelia F. Domingo, S&T Media Service