DOST Batangas launches Project SULOY; to transfer biofertilizer technologies to Batangueno Farmers

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Batangas conducted an orientation on innovative farming technologies and farming practices integration to introduce biofertilizer technologies to farmers and agriculture officers in Batangas as part of Project SULOY: Support Project for the Utilization of Locally-Developed Technology for Optimal Farming Yields through Technology Transfer via Zoom meeting platform, recently.

Project SULOY was conducted in collaboration with the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPLB-BIOTECH) in an aim to educate farmers and agriculture officers about the benefits of their developed biofertilizers and promote their adoption for improved agricultural productivity. Thirty-four participants attended the session, including farmers and municipal and city agriculture officers from selected municipalities and cities in Batangas.

Ms. Vita Anarna, University Researcher from UPLB-BIOTECH, led the session and discussed the application of biofertilizers such as Biogroe, Fertigroe, Hormogroe, Hi-Yeast, Micromix Biostimulant, Mykoplus, Nutrio, and Trichoderma, which are designed to improve soil health and enhance crop production. She also introduced ACTICon Biopesticide and Fruitect, two additional products for pest management and postharvest handling. Additionally, she explained how these biofertilizers can be integrated into local farming practices to increase yields and promote sustainability in agriculture.

Mr. John Maico M. Hernandez, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST-Batangas, in his message, emphasized the importance of transferring these biofertilizer technologies to farmers to address local agricultural challenges and improve yields. Moreover, he highlighted that this initiative is part of DOST’s broader effort to promote sustainable agricultural practices, enhance food security, and support the development of innovative solutions that can empower local farmers.

The session marks the beginning of the scheduled distribution of UPLB-BIOTECH-developed fertilizers to 18 farmer organizations in Batangas, with the goal of supporting sustainable farming practices in the region. Farmer groups involved in rice, corn, banana, sugarcane, cassava, and vegetable production across Batangas will benefit from the program. This includes the Cuenca Farmers Association, Batangas Banana Growers Federation, Tanauan City Corn Growers Association, Ibaan Corn Farmers Association, Lipa Corn and Cassava Farmers Association, Rice Farmers Federation – Batangas Province, Laurel Municipal Federation of Farmers Association Inc., Masasa Farmers Irrigators Association, SanRiz Irrigators Association (Lipa City, Batangas), Rosario Rice Farmers Association, Mabini Agriculture and Fishery Council, Batangas City Vegetable Growers Association, Inc., Ibaan Vegetable Farmers Association, Nasugbu Farmers and Fisherfolks Agriculture Cooperative, Bonliw Farmers Association (San Luis, Batangas), Balayan Federation of Vegetable Farmers Association, Coral ni Lopez Farmers Association (Calaca, Batangas), and Sugarcane Farmers Association of Nasugbu.

Project SULOY is part of DOST-Batangas’ efforts to promote the use of science-based agricultural solutions and build the capacity of local farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices. (By John Maico M. Hernandez)