Philippine Standard Time
  1. You are here:  
  2. Home
  3. Quick Information Dispatch (QID) Articles
  4. PH’s first smart cacao budwood nursery and greenhouse to boost production of quality planting materials for cacao farmers
PH’s first smart cacao budwood nursery and greenhouse to boost production of quality planting materials for cacao farmers
Featured

PH’s first smart cacao budwood nursery and greenhouse to boost production of quality planting materials for cacao farmers

Launching ceremony and facility demonstration with USM Team headed by Dr. Edward A. Barlaan and his project staff and FERD-DOST-PCAARRD team headed by Dr. Dalisay E. Cabral (Image credit: FERD, DOST-PCAARRD)

To strengthen the support on the production of quality planting materials among cacao farmers, state of the art facilities on smart cacao budwood nursery and greenhouse were established to serve as a reliable source of promising cacao varieties.

The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), in collaboration with the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), recently launched the newly constructed smart cacao-budwood nursery and greenhouse through a ceremony last September 12, 2024. 

The facilities include the following: an automated drip irrigation with monitoring system; greenhouse with weather, irrigation, and generator system; and solar-powered pump, irrigation system, and reservoir. The team also showcased the developed mobile application to remotely control environmental parameters in the facilities and maintain optimum conditions.

In his message, USM President Francisco Gil N. Garcia emphasized that the project is a step forward towards cultivating a future rich with opportunities for growth and sustainability. He also highlighted the need to establish the important link and partnership between the project and cacao farmers. 

Automated Drip Irrigation System (left) and constructed pumping station (right) (Image credit: FERD, DOST-PCAARRD)

Dr. Edward A. Barlaan, project leader and professor emeritus of USM, shared the substantial outputs delivered through the project, which include producing the world’s first genome-sequenced Criollo, a rare and fine cacao variety that is highly prized for its unique and rarely bitter taste. The project has also provided policy recommendations for the registration of the true Criollo and has expanded the network among different government agencies and private institutions. 

Also present are the component leaders of the project team, Engr. Maricel G. Dayaday and Engr. Renel M. Alucilja, who both underlined the importance of modern facilities for research, development, and propagation of quality cacao varieties to ensure that the cacao industry remains competitive. 

Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director of DOST-PCAARRD, reiterated the support of the Council to the project. He cited its significance to modern sustainable farming as a valuable path towards improved productivity and profitability of cacao farmers. 

The event was closed by Dr. Debbie Marie B. Versoza, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension of USM, who underscored the university's commitment to sustaining the operations of the first-of-its-kind facility in the country. 

The DOST-PCAARRD delegation was headed by Dr. Dalisay E. Cabral, Assistant Director of the Forestry and Environment Research Division (FERD). She is joined by For. Cer Jay B. Jimenez, Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Cacao, and For. Rosemarie L. Almanza. DOST-PCAARRD, through its Institution Development Division (IDD) provided financial support for the equipment.