Partnership to boost Phl herbs and spices

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture (DA) and a state university are teaming up to optimize the agribusiness potentials of indigenous herbs and spices.

The research and development project proposed by researchers from the Southern Luzon State University-Judge Guillermo Eleazar (SLSU-JGE) in Quezon province will map out the production, processing, and marketing of these plants.

Carried out under the National Technology Commercialization Program, one of the banner initiatives of the DA’s Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), the move is seen to help Filipino farmers by introducing them to alternative revenue streams.

BAR director Nicomedes Eleazar, in his speech during the signing of the memorandum of agreement, highlighted the importance of indigenous herbs and spices not only for domestic use but also for commercial purposes. He gave examples of other BAR-funded projects involving indigenous crops that, after being properly packaged and commercialized, proved to be highly marketable and profitable.

In the same venue, SLSU-JGE also received the second release of the budget for their two continuing projects, namely: Dilis-Fortified Malunggay Powder and Herb-Enhanced Smoked Tamban.