The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)- Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) and Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC) have teamed up to ensure that research and development (R&D) outputs, including product and services are made available to the public.
The DOST-Mimaropa partnered with OMSC for the commercialization of at least three technologies for agriculture sector.
“To ensure that the results of academic research are made available for public use and benefit, DOST- MIMAROPA has collaborated with state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the region in translating research and development efforts into viable products and services,” DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said during his weekly report on Dec. 3.
He said OMSC was able to successfully commercialize three technologies for the agriculture sector.
These include the Liquid Trichoderma in Seaweed Extract: Trichogel; Seaweed Extract Plus; and Fruit and Vegetable Wastes Shredding Machine.
"OMSC’s Trichogel is a fertilizer and compost fungus activator and serves as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical or inorganic fertilizers. It is proven to improve plant growth and nutrient concentration and increase yield by 15 percent,” de la Peña said.
The Seaweed Extract Plus, meanwhile, is fermented pure seaweed extract used in various applications such as vermicomposting, fertigation, compost enhancer, and as foliar fertilizer, he said.
“Aside from acting as a fertilizer, the seaweed extract can also serve as insect repellents to prevent infestation and plant diseases,” he added.
On the other hand, the fruit and vegetable waste shredder mechanically breaks down the fruit and vegetable trimmings and residues to be later used in organic waste composting or feed for vermi-worms in vermicast production.
Included in the list of early adopters of the agricultural technologies are Occidental Mindoro Federation of Cooperatives, Lola’s Farm, local government unit- San Jose Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (LGU- San Jose MENRO), and Department of Education (DepEd) schools.