The Department of Agriculture-7 recently awarded exceptional achievers in agriculture under the Gawad Saka Search, a contest that aims to give recognition to individuals and associations for their outstanding performance in agricultural development that are worth developing for use in a progressive agricultural industry.
In Cebu, Edilberto Alvarado, vice chairman of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council, was awarded Outstanding Agricultural Scientist for his exemplary work and inventions in the field of agriculture.
He got the slot for his Sustained Release Fertigation Technology that he has been devising for the past few years which he shared in an interview with The FREEMAN.
Fertigation is defined as the application of fertilizers, soil amendments, or other water soluble products through an irrigation system.
The sustained release fertigation technology is a breakthrough in crop nutrient management requiring water and the primary, secondary and micronutrients in one single molecule.
It is formulated to provide precise and adequate fertilization for horticulture and high-value commercial crops even during times of drought and infestations of pest and diseases.
Alvarado also shared his invention he called “iceless banyera” or Super Coolant.
The concept of this invention is to provide a convenient way of using stationary or mobile refrigeration system without the installation of refrigeration equipment.
Instead, it simplifies refrigeration through a binary chemical reaction in water, allowing it to reach chilling temperature from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius.
It can be used to preserve fresh catch in small fishing boats where the refrigeration equipment is not available.
Alvarado said it could also be useful in farm-to-market delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables where controlled atmosphere is required to maintain freshness.
Alvarado’s inventions were tested by the University of the Philippines Los Baños Biotechnology department.
He said his inventions are available to those willing to use them in these times of energy crisis. — Jessica Ann Pareja/BRP