PCAARRD showcases ‘SIPAG ni Juan’ at National S&T Week

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) plays a key role in the Ilocos Norte’s rural electrification program which is a forestry technology called high pressure sap displacement that is used in treating electric poles on-site. (Facebook photo)

MANILA – At this year’s National Science and Technology Week celebration on July 24-28, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) will showcase “SIPAG (Strategic Industry Plan for Agricultural Growth) ni Juan” at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

SIPAG ni Juan features science and technology (S&T) innovations in agriculture, aquatic and natural resources (AANR) sectors that are vital to achieve the development goals of the country.

The Council aims to strengthen the delivery of technologies to farmers to address the gaps in production and processing through S&T-based interventions. As such, this would help ensure there would be enough food on every Juan’s table.

At the exhibit, PCAARRD will mount four pavilions: Aquatic; Forest and Environment; Crops; and Livestock pavilions.

Aquatic Pavilion will feature S&T-based products and tools developed applying global standards, and are ready for pilot testing and roll out. These products will enable the aquatic sector increase production and improve industry quality.

Forest and Aquatic Pavilion will showcase technologies for producing quality planting materials and managing plantations to increase yield and farmers’ income.

Moreover, it will showcase S&T tools needed for decision support system to promote climate-smart and resilient communities and ecosystem.

The Crops Pavilion, meanwhile, will showcase S&T-based information, products and technologies developed to attain crop productivity and improved product quality following international standards.

Livestock Pavilion, on the other hand, will feature technologies for livestock and poultry sectors to raise farm productivity and build rural assets.

PCAARRD will also have a booth showcasing eight agricultural commodities and their respective technologies.

These are:

* Banana’s Fusarium wilt-resistant giant Cavendish tissue culture variant somaclones and banana bunchy top virus-resistant Lakatan.

* Mango’s integrated crop management and postharvest quality management.

* Local coconut somatic embryogenesis.

* Soft shell mud crab farming.

* Genome-based lateral flow strip biosensor kit for shrimp pathogens.

* Depuration prototype for small-scale mussel farmers.

* Slaughter goat production – the Halal way.

* Irradiated carrageenan for rice growth promotion.

Furthermore, PCAARRD will hold other events during the NSTW. These include a forum featuring PCAARRD technologies, poster painting and essay writing.