We realize that many people are still unaware of the many practical technologies from the Department of Science and Technology which can offer new opportunities even to small scale entrepreneurs. But there’s hope. Linda Torres of the Industrial Technology Development Institute, for example, tells us that after we featured in this page and in Panorama magazine the potentials of essential oils production, their section has been swamped with applications for training. Instead of just the usual 6 or 10 participants they used to get, at least three batches of trainees consisting of no less than 30 per batch have been scheduled.
The first three-day training will be conducted on third week of July and the third by the end of August.
Lynn Murillo, also of DOST, tells us that their experts have come up with improved technologies that could make small scale meat processors compete with the big companies in terms of quality and cost. She says that the experts have come up with cost-cutting technologies for the processing of corned beef, longganisa, ham, bacon and other favorites. In fact, she says, ITDI will conduct a training on this topic on July 27 to 29. Call tel. 8376156 or 8372071, local 2270 or 2269 for more information.
Also, they will conduct a two-day training (July 21-22) on improved fish processing that includes smoked fish, squid and fishballs, spicy dilis, fish ham, spicy sardines and others. Call up the above telephones for more details.
DOST scientists have come up with technologies that could add higher value to farm produce. Virgin coconut oil production is one good example. A lot of new small scale as well as big ones are getting into the production of this high- value product from coconut.
Processing is one sure way of adding more value to agricultural produce. Processing could also result in better and more stable farmgate prices for farmers’ harvests.
If you have time, better attend the NSTW celebration in Legazpi City from July 21 to 26. There, you will discover possible new projects you can undertake. The venue is the Casablanca Hotel.
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AGRI-FAIR AT FTI. If you can’t go to Legazpi, you can also pick up some practical ideas at the Agri-fair at the AANI special events area beside the weekend market at the FTI Complex, Taguig, Metro Manila. Ernie Abalos, for instance, will be exhibiting some of his prized goats and Brahman bulls. Netafim will also display its drip irrigation system. Argent Laboratories will be there to explain more about gibberrelic acid as well as brassinolide which can remarkably increase crop yields. Many other exhibitors will be there.
For many other practical ideas, you can attend the Agri-Kapihan on July 25, from 8 to 11 a.m., at the parking lot of radio station DWWW, 23 E. Rodriguez Avenue, Quezon City.
