by Jund Rian A. Doringo
Agriculture 4.0, a coined terminology describing the next big trends concerning the industry of agriculture in terms of adopting technological breakthroughs and innovations, has paved the way for smarter, greener, and science and technology (S&T)-based solutions.
Such technological revolution includes innovative techniques to produce food through organic farming, increase efficiency in the food chain, and apply nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, among others.
FertiGroe® nanofertilizer, one of the AANR technologies included in the joint project of DOST-PCAARRD and DOST-TAPI, finds a forever home through technology transfer and adoption (Photo courtesy of DOST-PCAARRD)
The joint expertise on agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) innovation, and technology transfer and commercialization has conceived the partnership between the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI).
Through the market matching of AANR technologies in support to the technology transfer initiatives of the Department in 2018, locally-developed farming technologies have gone through technology assessment, technology portfolio creation, qualified industrial contact storage, and investor support.
Moreover, AANR technology generators and researchers have undergone rigorous capacity building in strategizing the packaging and pitching of their technologies when presented before adopters and investors.
Through a business model canvas, they are able to create a marketing portfolio on how to brand and sell the technologies by capitalizing on projected revenues, unique selling propositions, and social and economic impacts.
“This project addresses the cross-cutting concern regarding technology transfer mentioned in the Updated Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda for 2017 to 2022 of the Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Sector,” said Eilleen S. Fernando, Supervising Research Specialist of DOST-TAPI.
Particularly, the implementation supports the development of innovative traditional extension modalities for the efficient transfer of technologies to end-users, upscaling of agricultural technology transfer and commercialization, and leveraging of technologies for building resilience and supporting economic recovery.
“For example, the approach included cost-benefit analysis, business opportunities of the technology, proactive communication with potential investors for technology offerings, and technology pitching activities,” Fernando added.
AANR technologies which guarantee profit when commercialized include the microalgal paste as aquafeeds, rice seeder, infrared grain dryer, impeller rice mill, rice transplanter, rice-combine harvester, dewormer for native chicken, lamp kit for shrimp pathogens, chevon products in retort pouch, and FertiGroe.
With the holistic approach from technology development to technology commercialization, the AANR technologies are finding their forever home through transfer, adoption, or licensing as they long to become a part of the Filipino households.
