Bacteria as a farmer’s best friend? Doesn’t sound likely. But Filipino scientist has proved it can happen. Dr. Mercedes Umali-Garcia first thought of isolating bacteria from the talahib (saccharum spontaneum L.), a ubiquitous grass found almost everywhere in the Philippines. The germ of the idea took a root almost 10 years ago when she was getting her doctorate degree in soil microbiology from the University of Florida , USA . At that time, the practice of isolating bacteria from plants for various uses was slowly spreading in the international scientific community.
When she arrived in the Philippines , she immediately conducted experiments to see which bacteria can be used to help boost agricultural production, particularly rice and corn. “If I could find bacteria that can increase the yield of our staple products, then this will have a tremendous impact on our national economy,” she explains.
The turning point in her research came when she visited a farming in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. People complained to her about the poor quality of the soil and the low crop yield. “If the yield is poor, how come you still have food on your table,?” she asked. “They said it was because they can still harvest in a small portion of their land which they cleared of talahib,” she recalls. Her curiosity aroused, she then “took a long, hard look” at the grass and studied it further. She discovered its many properties, including its resilience and ability to thrive even in the harshest conditions. “It was one of the first plants that sprang up in the areas devastated by the eruption of the Mt. Pinatubo .” She notes.
It took her five years of in-depth research, experimentation and continous validation to prove that two strains of bacteria-azospirillum lipoferum and azospirillum brasilense- when converted into fertilizer, can work wonders for corn and rice, respectively.
The fertilizer, called the Bio-N, essentially converts atmospheric nitrogen gas into a form available for use by host plants. It also makes the plant more “naturally resistant” to diseases and even insects, in some cases; thus leading to its description of a “microbial inoculant.”
Essentially, the experiments conclude that Bio-N can be used to substitute up to half the amount of chemical fertilizers currently applied to rice and corn, according to the scientist.
When applied, Bio-N produces corn stalks with thicker leaves and sturdier stems; grains of rice are heavier compared to plants using commercial fertilizers.
“If Bio-N is really a breakthrough in technology, then how come it has taken this long for people to hear about it?” is a common question posed to her by people who visit her laboratory at the National Institute of Molecular Biology an Biotechnology (BIOTECH) at the University of the Philippines , Los Baños, Laguna.
The answer is found in people’s natural fear and skepticism about the unknown. “At first, I was being laughed at by members of the Filipino Scientific community, even by my colleagues here in UP,” Garcia recalls. But the last laugh maybe hers, after all.
Years of research slowly paid off, starting with her receipt of the Pantas Award, the highest award in research given by the Department of Science and Technology.
“My work will only be complete when I see our farmers using and actually benefiting from Bio-N. When that time comes, it will be a giant step toward solving a host of other problems such as unemployment and poverty.”
The Offer of help from the Technology and Livelihood Resource Center was a feather in Garcia’s cap. In line with the TLRC’s renewed focus on assisting projects that promote new technology, the TLRC and BIOTECH-UPLB entered into a memorandum of agreement for the mass production and marketing of Bio-N last December 2001.
It is a joined venture scheme designed for technology-based schemes whereby TLRC provides financial assistance while the proponent provides the technology.
“This is a breakthrough in science and technology that deserves our full support because of its potentially tremendous impact on agriculture and the national economy,” says Luis Guanio, manager of TLRC’s Strategic Technology and Livelihood Development Group.
Since Bio-N can be a substitute for commercial chemical fertilizers, its use will dramatically cut production costs of farmers and contribute to the reduction of the trade deficit since the demand for imported fertilizers will go down, he explains. Projected savings and cost on fertilizer inputs could reach P1,350 per hectare.
Under the terms of joint venture, TLRC will grant the institution P4.8 million for the construction of a production shed, purchase of the necessary equipment and initial operating capital in order to produce the Bio-N on a commercial scale.
BIOTECH-UPLB, on the other hand, is committed to ensure that Bio-N fertilizer will be available throughout the whole period of operation covered by the MOA. Funds generated from the sale of Bio-N will also be used for continuing research, setting up demonstration farms, and training farmers in rice and corn-producing areas.
“Frankly, we were skeptical when TLRC approached us,” says Garcia, recalling a similar reaction from other members of the UPLB-BIOTECH community. She cites numerous instances when investors offered to put in money but left them high and dry after ‘stealing’ the technology.
“With TLRC as our partner, the trust is there and we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership,” she explains.
In recognition of her important work, Garcia has received an award from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Last year, she was awarded the Gawad Saka, which recognizes individual and group contributions to agriculture. The award is accompanied by P1 million to be used for further research on Bio-N’s applicability to vegetables such as onion, pechay, tomato and eggplant.
Despite all the accolades, Garcia says: “My work will only be complete when I see our farmers using and actually benefiting from Bio-N. When that time comes, it will be a giant step towards solving a host of other problems, such as unemployment and poverty.”
BIOTECH
University of the Philippines
College, Laguna 4031
Tel. No.: 536-1620, 536-2721
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