IN HIS sincere effort to support the marginalized farmers, particularly those in the rural areas, the President of the Central Philippine State University (CPSU) is continuously sharing practical technologies in his desire to help alleviate the exodus of farmers from the countryside to the urban areas.
As an example, CPSU President Dr. Aladino C. Moraca shared how to produce muscovado sugar in the community level during the Western Visayas Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (WESVAARRDEC) Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) which was recently held at the Capiz State University in Roxas City.
Muscovado is a type of partially refined to unrefined sugar with a strong molasses content and flavor which contains higher levels of various minerals than processed white sugar, and is considered by some people, particularly the health buffs, to be healthier.
Based on the CPSU’s Small Scale Community-based Natural Muscovado Sugar Production and Marketing project, the presentation provided vital information regarding the different sugarcane varieties, organic production, post-harvest processing, as well as insights in relation to the technology.
Farmers coming from the different areas of Panay Island, including members of the consortium, participated in the activity as Moraca demonstrated the simple preparation of muscovado sugar – from extracting the juice up to the finished product.
The presentation made by Moraca concurred well with the event which aims to showcase mature research and development technologies produced by the consortium member agencies in Western Visayas in the field of agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector.
As a technology promotion and transfer platform, this year’s FIESTA featured the different technologies on the mentioned commodities through technology pitching and matching, techno fora, and technology demonstrations.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) initiated the FIESTA, an event-based concept to facilitate the flow of technology from the laboratory to the market.
FIESTA showcases regional AANR technologies, innovations, breakthroughs, and products to target audiences and stakeholders through a mix of communication and promotion strategies.
Moraca says the community-based and cost-effective production of the commodity at the CPSU Main Campus became possible through the “life-changing” technology shared by Bacolod City-based R.U. Foundry and Machine Shop Corporation (RUFMSC).
The CPSU also partnered with other sectors for the implementation of research projects on organic sugarcane production, processing of natural muscovado sugar, skills development and enhancement of out-of-school youth, students, farmers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries.
Moraca says these can be achieved through hands-on training and coaching on appropriate and best farming practices, entrepreneurship development, research extension and actual production.
Aside from the production of muscovado sugar, the CPSU has also implemented the proper way of disposing the bagasse using a shredder machine.
The CPSU’s muscovado sugar production is expected to hone the skills of the students, as well as provide an additional income for the small farmers and their respective families who are living around the main campus of the premier state university in Kabankalan City./PN
