Make sure to get a copy of the November Agriculture Magazine which is off the press early next week. There you will read about new products developed by researchers of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 2 and Cagayan State University.

Dr. Esterlita Calanoga of Cagayan State University and Angel Encarnacion of BFAR Region 2 developed tilapia longanisa and tocino without any preservatives. These products are claimed to be low in cholesterol so they are perfect for health-conscious consumers.

Fifty kilos of tilapia could yield 50 to 60 packs of 500-gram longanisa or 70 to 80 packs of 250-gram tocino. Tilapia longanisa sells for P135 per pack while the tocino sells for P90 per pack.

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) headed by Dr. William D. Dar has written a detailed policy recommendations for the developing world regarding adapting to climate change. It says that climate change being a threat multiplier, adaptation and mitigation strategies need to be urgently integrated into national and regional development programs.

ICRISAT recommends more investments in agricultural research and infrastructure. Regarding water management, ICRISAT notes that almost 95 percent of the developing countries’ water withdrawals are used to irrigate farmlands. Therefore, water policy to make more efficient use of water for agriculture is crucial. This involves understanding water flows and water quality, improved rainwater harvesting and water storage and diversification of irrigation techniques.

ICRISAT also advocates landuse policies that will encourage diversification and natural resource management, including protection of biodiversity.

By the way, ICRISAT already has on hand crops that are adapted to high soil and air temperatures; knowledge and understanding of flowering maturities; information on genetic variation for water use efficiency; short duration varieties that escape terminal drought and high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties.

There are many more interesting and informative articles in the November issue of Agriculture Magazine. Make sure you get a copy.