Government focuses on commercialization of adlay

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Agricultural Research is now looking into the commercialization of adlay to further promote the development of the grain.

BAR director Nicomedes P. Eleazar called on the strengthening of adlay product development initiatives, value-adding activities, and other promotional undertakings.

Eleazar noted the adlay-enriched GOURmix product as an example which is now being utilized in various feeding programs of government and private agencies.

He likewise cited the accomplishments of the program including the market research study with the University of Asia and the Pacific and the feature on adlay during the Madrid Fusión in Manila, a 12-year Spanish culinary congress.

“Let us continue working together to further intensify the development and promotion of adlay projects, activities, and technologies to help ignite the passion of our farmers in planting adlay, not only for economic reasons but health causes as well,” Eleazar said.

Also present during the activity was DA-Bureau of Plant Industry assistant director Jennifer Remoquillo. She encouraged the adlay project proponents to pursue the implementation of the program.

During the three-day activity, adlay focal persons and proponents presented  the accomplishments of their respective projects and activities.

A planning workshop was held to align the projects and activities to the priorities and directions of the Adlay R&D program for the next five years. During the workshop, project implementers identified the researchable areas and activities to be undertaken in terms of adlay processing and utilization, commercial production, extension and promotion activities, marketing and distribution assistance, expansion of adlay production, and capacity-building activities.

As of August 2015, BAR is coordinating 49 adlay projects which are being implemented by DA-Regional Field offices, state universities and colleges, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, and Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura.