Researchers assess banana R&D projects

The researchers and project leaders of the PCARRD S&T Anchor Program (STAP) for Banana assessed the program progress and performance during the annual program review and planning held last 26-27 June 2007 in Los Baños, Laguna.

They presented the accomplishments and results of their respective projects under the STAP. They also exchanged information on disease and insect pest management strategies, cropping system, and ripening regime for banana species such as Lakatan and Latundan.

Sample packaging for fresh and processed banana

Competitive packaging and label design for fresh and processed banana were also tackled.

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) and the Biodiversity International presented their projects dealing with the introduction, evaluation and adoption of improved and superior landraces of banana for food and income.

These projects are conducted in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Nueva Viscaya State University (NVSU)and the Bureau of Plant Industry - Davao National Crop Research and Development Center (BPI-DNCRDC).

In addition, the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic College (ISPC), the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), the Isabela State University (ISU) and the Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC) reported the results of their banana research, development and extension (RDE) collaborative projects.

PCARRD announced its intention of packaging a National R&D Program for Banana, which will take off from the results of the banana RDE projects.

PCARRD also reported on its other related initiatives like the S&T-based Farms Project under its Techno Gabay Program (TGP), and the Investment Package for Banana, a recent PCARRD publication that guides investors in the establishment of a banana plantation in Luzon. (Pia Paula P. Mateo, S&T Media Service)