FOUR farmer associations from the Municipalities of Nasugbu, Laurel, and Lobo, Batangas, received carrageenan plant growth promoter (PGP) and knapsack sprayers from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-CALABARZON thru DOST-Batangas as support for their rice production aimed at enhancing crop yield and disease resistance, April 30.
Carrageenan PGP, derived from red seaweeds and processed via gamma irradiation, is a recognized plant growth enhancer. It is registered as an inorganic fertilizer by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, with manufacturing licensed to the DOST Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI).
A total of 198 liters of Carrageenan PGP, good for two cropping seasons, were distributed among four associations. The beneficiary farmer associations included the Looc Farmers’ Association and Samahang Magsasaka ng Brgy. Calayo from Nasugbu, Batangas; Laurel Municipal Federation of Farmers Association Inc. from Laurel, Batangas; and Fabrica-Poblacion Irrigators Association from Lobo, Batangas.
The activity was spearheaded by DOST-Batangas Provincial Director, Ms. Felina C. Malabanan, alongside Batangas Provincial Agriculturist, Dr. Rodrigo Bautista, as well as Municipal Agriculturists and representatives from the concerned municipalities. A ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement formalized the technology transfer.
Additionally, a training session on the science and application of carrageenan PGP was conducted during the activity. The training aimed to capacitate the farmer associations on the use of carrageenan PGP to improve rice growth and induce rice defense mechanisms in their rice fields.
The training session covered various aspects of carrageenan, including its composition, nutrient types, components of carrageenan PGP, benefits, research outcomes regarding its application, and its scientific application methods. Mr. Eduardo C. David, the research technician of VVZ Corporation, a licensed technology adopter of DOST-PNRI’s Carrageenan PGP, and Mr. Aaron S. Carandang, DOST-CALABARZON staff, facilitated the training.| – John Maico Hernandez
