Tuesday, April 30, 2024

DA-NorMin holds annual R4D review

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Research Division, spearheaded the agency’s Research for Development (R4D) Review on October 2-3 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan

Evaluators from the Northern Mindanao Research Development and Extension Network (NOMIRDEN) member agencies reviewed the 12 presented research studies/projects, comprising 10 completed and two ongoing.

The annual R4D review mainly aims to evaluate the methodology used in research projects, the attainment of objectives, and the generation of comments and suggestions to the identified challenges affecting research project adoption.

The proposed research projects include crops, developmental research, integrated farming systems, pest and nutrient management, value-added products development, adaptability yield trials, technology adoption, and other fields of studies concerning the agriculture sector.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado extended his gratitude to the evaluators for their time and effort in helping the agency’s research initiative be approved until submission to the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) based on the evaluations.

“DA management is fully supportive of our research initiatives, and hopefully, all of these proposals will contribute to an empowered research and development system, which will lead to expanded economic opportunities for those who engage in agriculture and fisheries, particularly small and subsistence farmers and fisherfolk,” he said.

Dir. Collado challenged the researchers to transfer the products of technology down to the farmers’ level and hoped that the personnel could identify success stories from their studies.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga shared the significance of generating scientific findings and their relevance to the mandates and thrust of DA, which is food security.

“As One DA, we will invite other Regional Management Committee (RMC) members to present for the next research review so that we can really have that One DA system,” she conveyed.

Closing the activity is the awarding of the best research papers, of which Maridith A. Flores, Senior Science Research Specialist of DA-10 Research division, won first place for her study, “Market-driven Varietal Testing and Validation for Effective Positioning of Varieties in Target Rice Ecosystems and Seed Chains in Region 10.”

Placing second and third were Berly F. Tatoy, PhD, Research Center for Hilly Land Development chief for her study, “Surveillance, Monitoring and Management of Arthropods and Diseases of Corn in Mindanao,” and Carmelito R. Lapoot, NMACLRC chief for the “Soil Health Management for Sustained Yield of Cassava”, respectively.

The three best research paper awardees will advance for presentation and competition to this year’s regional research symposium annually conducted by the Northern Mindanao Consortium on Agriculture, Aquaculture Research and Development (NOMCAARD).

The panel of Evaluators were Elmer E. Enicola of the Institute of Plant Breeding – University of the Philippines – Los Baños (IPB-UPLB); Floro V. Dalapag of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC); Mercedita G. Barbarona and Lydia E. Tiongco of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Maria Estella B. Detalla, PhD and Lowella R. Angcos, PhD of the Central Mindanao University (CMU); and Ma. Estrella Luz Penaloza of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

DA-10 RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca supported the activity with the Research Division and its research stations. (DA RFO-10)

DA fosters local production of veggie seeds for increased food sufficiency, income in NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the leadership of OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, received an assortment of vegetable (ampalaya, pole sitao, cucumber, okra, upo) seeds from the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) last March 31, 2023, at the agency compound, in this city

The said provisions were handed over by IPB Director Dr. Fe M. dela Cueva and received by DA-10 consultant Joel S. Rudinas on behalf of RED Collado.

The Bureau of Plant Industry Region 10 (BPI-10) OIC-Manager Arnold dela Cruz also supported the said activity.

According to Rudinas, the seeds are in support of the agency’s bid to stimulate local production of vegetable seeds, concomitant with its goal to ensure food security and sufficiency, high-quality yield, and increased income of farmers in the region.

“The sample seeds we received from IPB will be thoroughly studied in our [research] stations for us to determine its performance,” Rudinas said.

With feedback from local farmers here and through the close coordination of DA and IPB, Rudinas is optimistic about breeder seeds with properties that are resistant to challenges in climate and tailor-fit to the agricultural conditions of Region 10.

The breeder seeds, Rudinas said, will be reproduced and distributed by DA to barangays and sitios that are part of 4th, 5th, and 6th class municipalities.

“We want to have a network of seed production and local seed availability. It is our hope that eventually, these communities we provide seeds will develop their own seed systems, securing their own source of seeds, food, and income,” he added.

For her part, IPB Director dela Cueva said they are eager to support DA-10 for the success of this endeavor, including hosting capability-building training for seed reproduction. (DA-10)