DA-BAR projects at Agrilink 2015
The Bureau of Agricultureal Research (BAR) of the Department of Agriculture will exhibit its successful technologies and products generated under its two banner programs at the 2015 edition of Agrilink which will be held on October 15-17 at the World Trade Center at the corner of Puyat Avenue and Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City.
The banner programs are the Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR) and the National Technology Commercialization Program or NTCP.
The CPAR is a location-specific research cum extension activity that uses the community-based participatory approach which differs from the conventional way most research institutions do for technology adaptation and verification. The approach aims to verify the technical and economic feasibility of emerging as well as mature technologies in specific locations prior to widespread adaptation.
Through the CPAR program, the livelihood options for the farmers and fishers are diversified, enabling them to use the technology to improve their production and profit, according to Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar, BAR director.
On the other hand, the NTCP serves as a vital tool for the development of enterprises and the improvement of agriculture and fisheries related industries. This program has been instrumental in developing micro enterprises and various agribusiness ventures through the provision of assistance and the much needed fund support to enhance product and process development founded on sound business model principles.
Both programs promote agribusiness development approach in the regions particularly in terms of enhancing and cultivating a productive and sustainable agriculture and fisheries on a more local level. “Think global, act global. Although we need to constantly think of ways to be globally competitive, we also need to harness our own local trademarks. The country’s progress lies on economic strengths of regional agribusiness,” said Director Eleazar.
Among the projects supported by DA-BAR are the sweet sorghum venture of Antonio Arcangel in Batac City, the organic food and health products of Dr. Estela Taño of Quezon, the goat project of the Isabela State University, the fruit wine project of Jaime Goyena of Laguna, the podocarpus wine and other products in Batanes and many others.
The Bureau of Agricultural Research has been a regular exhibitor of its projects and activities at the annual Agrilink trade expo. As the Department of Agriculture’s research arm for agriculture and fisheries, BAR is in constant coordination with its research partners in the regions in developing promising technologies that can boost the incomes of farmers and fisher folks.
The three-day Agrilink extravaganza will include free seminars, live animal and plant exhibits, agricultural products and services, most up-todate and ground-breaking inputs, technologies and alliances and other interactive activities that will promote and enhance the potential of different agricultural markets.
Visitors can pre-register their attendance through www.agrilink.org or its Facebook page at www.facebook. com/agrilinkPH.