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With better features, lower cost, and higher efficiency, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) fiber glass rescue boat promises effective and efficient rescue operations in CALABARZON. The local government of General Nakar, Quezon purchased another unit of DOST’s fiber … Continue reading
by Iana Mariene A. Silapan
The “Super Bag” developed by IRRI can reduce postharvest losses by prolonging germination time. Photo by irri.org
The “Super Bag” can also be used for other crops such as corn and coffee. It is now available at Pacifica Agrivet stores nationwide for PhP120. Photo by irri.org
Filipino farmers can now store their rice grains for a longer time with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Super Bag, also known as SuperGrainbag™.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has developed a ‘super bag’ that can extend the shelf life of rice but it can also be used for other dry crops such as corn, coffee and others. With the use of the IRRI Super Bag, the germination or the sprouting of rice grains can be extended from six months up to 12 months.
As stated in IRRI’s website, the use of the super bag can reduce postharvest losses up to 15 percent by maintaining grain quality for a longer period. Relative to the normal storage system which involves the use of sacks, the super bag can control the infestation of rats and insects into the grain without the use of pesticides.
The science behind the Super Bag
According to Engr. Christopher Cabardo, assistant scientist at the Crop and Environmental Sciences Division (CESD), Postharvest Unit of IRRI, the Super Bag uses the hermetic storage system. This means that once the bag is sealed, the flow of water, moisture and oxygen into the grains can be controlled. When properly sealed, farmers can store their grains for up to 12 months without lessening the germination rate of the grains.
Engr. Cabardo said that IRRI came up with the idea of creating the Super Bag in 2004. Originally, the hermetic storage system was for bulk storage from 5 tons up to 300 tons. But with the small farmers in mind, IRRI transformed the technology to fit their needs. IRRI’s postharvest experts collaborated with GrainPro Inc. in developing a super bag with a 50-kilogram capacity for small farmers. GrainPro Inc. is a company involved in agricultural technologies, especially in pre- and post-harvest technologies.
The IRRI Super Bag is made of multi-layer polyethylene plastic material. The bag is also incorporated with a gas barrier layer which controls oxygen and water vapor movement inside. “The sealing of the bag is critical,” said Engr. Cabardo. Retailers of the bag should teach the farmers and customers the proper way of sealing the super bag.
The future for the Super bag
In the Philippines, the IRRI Super Bag or SuperGrainbag™ is now available at Pacifica Agrivet stores nationwide and can be bought for 120 pesos.
by: Karenza Raelene M. Ibarrola Katy is an average college student who lives in a household of three members. She drives herself to school, uses a laptop, connects to the Internet daily and shops for new clothes from time to … Continue reading
By: Myrnelle Cinco Most of us don’t really give attention to our everyday food intake. Nor do we care much if we’re getting enough of a certain vitamin or not. However, you might want to check if you’ve been putting … Continue reading
by Chrislee A. Javier, Caress L. Tolentino, Alyssa Maryse G. Cruz, and Nicole G. Amante with reports from Jaia Gabrielle S. Labastilla
In celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC), UP Los Baños will host the first International Conference for Cooperatives on November 8-10, 2012 at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) auditorium.
The United Nations launched the International Year for Cooperatives in October 31 last year to provide public awareness to major issues and to stimulate actions as solutions for these issues. Through the IYC, UN aims to:
With the theme “Co-operative Enterprises: Key to Economic and Social Progress”, the international conference organized by the Institute of Cooperative and Bio-Enterprise Development (ICOPED) will be the venue for the exchange new ideas to improve economic and social status of people in through cooperatives. The topics include:
ICOPED Director Pabuayon discusses details for the upcoming International Conference for Cooperatives set in November.
According to Dr. Isabelita M. Pagbuayon, the director of ICOPED, they focused on a smaller context, particularly the smaller cooperatives who want to participate in the said event. She stated that the conference will be open for anyone who would want to attend and participate to create public awareness at least for Laguna. About 50 papers have been sent to be presented in the November conference coming from Czech Republic, Uruguay, Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
To promote development and formation of the cooperatives, ICOPED invited guests to give speeches about the success factors from growth to success of the different cooperatives in the country. The conference will also aim in improving the policies concerning economic and social issues for further development and promotion of cooperatives.
Dr. Pagbuayon shared that the papers presented and the results of the discussions will be compiled into a book after the conference to help the public learn more about cooperatives and to aid existing cooperatives in further developing their organizations.
Working with ICOPED for organizing the International Conference for Cooperatives are the Department of Agriculture (DA); Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); Cooperative Development Authority (CDA); Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD); and Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).
By Jonah Nuisa Garcia Garbage in San Pablo City has been reduced by 25% since the June 2011 implementation of City Ordinance No. 2009-14 that prohibits the use of plastics, styrofoam, straws and disposable utensils. From 70-80 tons collected daily, … Continue reading