TIAONG, Quezon, Philippines — Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has introduced the protein-rich adlai as an alternative crop in Southern Tagalog region during the launching of 17 various agricultural projects at the Quezon Agricultural Experiment Station (QAES) in Barangay Lagalag this town on Tuesday.

Also known as Job’s tears, adlai (scientific name: Coix lacryma-jobi L.) is a freely branching upright plant that grows to three feet tall. It belongs to the grass family or Poaceae, which also includes wheat, corn and rice.

Alcala was accompanied by Quezon Gov. David C. Suarez, DA Region 4 Director Abelardo Bragas, Bureau of Agricultural Research Director Nicodemus Eleazar and other officials of attached agencies to the unveiling of markers for the tissue culture laboratory, ribbon cutting and inauguration of the farmer’s training hall.

The program’s theme is Technology Utilization and Commercialization for a Sustainable “Agri-Pinoy” program in the province of Quezon.

Alcala is promoting adlai — which originated in Mindanao and a native product of the Philippines — as a potential alternative to rice and corn.

Compared to rice and corn, Adlai can be harvested three times a year, Alcala said.

He announced that two groups of Japanese investors are interested to buy adlai, noting that aside from food sources, the plant’s materials can be used as beauty products in Japan.

The plant is also claimed to have medicinal properties, and is likewise used as source of body-enhancing materials. Its hard-shell type seeds are used for ornaments purposes as beads for necklace, bracelets, rosaries and other similar products, according to research and development, extension agenda and programs for 2011-2016.

The Agriculture department intends to propagate adlai not only in Mindanao but throughout the country as well because of its good growth. It is expected that by year 2012 the crop can be produced in commercial quality, Alcala said.

“To help provide solutions to the problem of food insecurity, there is a need to look for alternative food sources that can be substituted to rice and corn to ensure availability of food in the table,” Alcala said.

He said adlai is a very promising crop because of its potentials as food and feed source. The plant is considered nutritious and potentially a good substitute to rice and corn. It is 50 percent starch, 14 percent protein and only 6 percent fat.

In a related event, among the projects that Alcala launched are the technology utilization and commercialization of embryo cultured Makapuno (ECM) and Galactomannan (is a component of the cell wall of the mold Aspergillus and is released during growth), production, utilization and development of sapinit (raspberry) cacao, Indian mango, oregano, vermi composting for saba banana plantation, conservation and mass production of important medicinal plant in the region, native chicken production, technology on edible landscaping, improving arrowroot production technologies and enhancing goat production.

Suarez, in his message, said because of the team up of the provincial government with the DA chief, who is native of Lucena City, the province of Quezon expects major gains in agriculture.

He informed Alcala that after the army worms tragedy that affected hundreds of hectares of agricultural lands several months ago, the farmers, as of this date, have substantially increased the volume of their harvests.