DOST’s CAPE boosts agricultural productivity of 91 SMSEs

By Danilo E. Doguiles

Monday 6th of June 2011

KORONADAL CITY, June 7 (PIA) -- At least 91 agriculture based micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in SOCCSKSARGEN Region or Region 12 have improved their productivity and are now globally competitive, according to a report from the regional office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-12).

Just recently, DOST 12 , headed by Regional Director Dr. Zenaida P. HR Laidan and TAPI-DOST Director Engr. Edgar Garcia conducted a validation assessment on the extent of the effectiveness of implementation, application and impact to farmer beneficiaries of the Consultancy for Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) Program.

Based on the assessment results, 59 aquaculture and 32 horticulture enterprises have complied with recommendations of consultants of DOST 12 for the improvement of their enterprises and are now earning so much out of their enterprises, Laidan said.

Among those cited for their exemplary accomplishments were Carpenter Hill Garden Orchids and Greens in Koronadal City and RC Agribusiness Center in Makilala, North Cotabato.

With CAPE assistance, Carpenter Hill Garden Orchids and Greens has increased its production by 1,615%.

At the beginning of the project, it only had monthly production of 192 units. During the recent evaluation, the enterprise was already producing 31,080 units of assorted top cuts, cutflowers, and flower arrangements of high quality orchids and ornamental plants.

On the other hand, RC Agribusiness Center through CAPE program availed of two units of laminar flow, a distilling apparatus, and a sprinkler system in addition.

Now, it is able to produce 300,000 banana plantlets each month compared to a meager monthly production of 10,000 plantlets per month.

Laidan explained that under the CAPE program, DOST 12 provided technological assistance for farmers and fisherfolk with an aim to improve productivity.

Included in the interventions provided to MSMEs are state-of-art equipment, trainings, and consultancy services for the enhancement of production and quality control.

These MSME were also guided in proper packaging and labeling of products and were given necessary services on laboratory tests and analyses of products in addition to trainings on international standards such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Cleaner Production Technology and Hazard Analyses Critical Control Point (HACCP).

Along this line, Laidan is calling on farmers in the four provinces (South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani) and five cities (General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato) in the region to avail of the CAPE assistance , which is open to any small or medium scale agri-business enterprises involved in the production of agricultural products within the program coverage, namely: horticulture, aquaculture, livestock, and poultry.

“Any farmer can apply and accomplish criteria forms to qualify at DOST 12 Regional Office or at the nearest Provincial Science and Technology Centers. A matching session with the study team together with the farmers and the concerned DOST Regional/Provincial officer on the client’s problems and possible areas for intervention will be held to identify solutions and recommendations,” she said.

Participation to CAPE is free of charge. However, full cooperation and commitment of the farmer-beneficiary is required specially in sharing relevant information with the designated consultants, as well as adoption and implementation of recommendations of the designated consultants, she added. (PIA 12/DOST 12)