SEARCA Launches Book SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT OF Bt EGGPLANT

Author: Estrella Gallardo

SEARCA Launches Book SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT OF Bt EGGPLANT

Posted by Estrella Gallardo | Feb 12, 2014 |

A book titled SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACTS Bt EGGPLANT Ex-ante Case Studies in the Philippines was launched by SEARCA, ISAAA and ABSP II at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City on February 6, 2014. SEARCA stands for Southeast Asian Regional Center for graduate Study and Research in Agriculture headed by Director Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit, Jr. , ISAAA for International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Application headed by Director Dr. Randy A. Haurea and ABSP II for Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project II headed by Director Dr. Frank A. Shotkoski . The book presents the findings of completed ex-ante studies on the market prospect and potential economic, health and environmental impacts of Bt eggplant in the Philippines. The analyses are complimented by studies on pesticide use, cost and return of conventional eggplant production and supply chains in eggplant marketing. All studies were conducted in major eggplant producing provinces in the country namely: Sta. Maria, Pangasinan; Tanauan, Batangas; and Tiaong, Quezon and used both primary and secondary data and information. Pangasinan and Quezon belong to the top eggplant producing provinces. Since 2000, eggplant production in the Philippines has been increasing despite with only a relatively slight increase in the area planted and had increased production in 2000-2009 by 2.1% per annum. Asia produces 87% of the world eggplant (Solanum melongene L.) and amounts for 90% of the world’s production area. The Philippines...

Utilization of Mango Peels as Source of Pectin

Posted by Estrella Gallardo | Jan 9, 2014 |

Utilization of Mango Peels as Source of Pectin In a project titled “Utilization of Mango Peels as Source of Pectin,” the Philippine Carabao Mango was found to contain high pectin. Pectin is a naturally-occurring polysaccharide found in berries, apples, and other fruits consumption of which showed to reduce blood cholesterol levels. As a group of carbohydrates, pectin is used mainly as a pharmaceutical ingredient in drug suspension and emulsion, wound healing preparations, medical and denture adhesives, and even in lozenges. In cosmetics, it is used as a stabilizer, as a natural texture powder for paste, ointment, oils, and creams. Pectin is also used in hair tonic, shampoo and body lotion. It is also safe as a food additive in jams, jellies, marmalades, yogurt, and baked products. In 2011, data from the Department of Trade and Industry showed that the Philippines imported about 95 kilos of pectin valued at about $52.4 million. The cost of imported pectin is estimated at around P27, 000 per kilogram. The study on mango peels was a joint undertaking of the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), and the Department of Science and Technology’s Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) conducted by Ma. Cristina B. Gragasin, Aileen R. Ligisin, Rosalinda C. Torres, and Romulo R. Estrella, was conceptualized as an earth-and-money saving research. The research significantly provided a unique extraction process...