DOST-PCAARRD redefines technology transfer in agri-aqua sector

Deployment, extension and commercialization are the strategies embarked by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) for the Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (AANR) sector, according to an official.

Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, director, Technology Transfer and Promotions Division of DOST-PCAARRD discussed the strategies that redefine technology transfer in the country’s AANR sector during a recent media conference at the Innovation and Technology Center of DOST-PCAARRD in Laguna.

Carlos considered non-market and market considerations in technology transfer where deployment and extension are resorted when utilization and adoption are influenced by non-market consideration and commercialization when technologies can reach users and adopters more efficiently through market systems.

During extra-ordinary circumstances like disasters and natural calamities seeking for food and production input technologies as well as during pest and disease outbreaks needing bio-control technologies and disease resistant varieties or breeds, deployment pathway is used, according to Carlos.

Deployment is also the pathway used for technologies that are not easily available for farmers and fisher folks due to cost such as machineries, post-harvest and processing equipment, hatcheries and nurseries.

He added that deployment is the main approach to address concerns on natural resources like watersheds, inland water bodies, coastal areas and coral reefs with sufficient “extension” services.

Moreover, Carlos explained that technology transfer by extension is the most dominant pathway for most PCAARRD funded technologies since its major components are knowledge-based tools and cultural management practices rather than readily marketable technology inputs or products.

Carlos stressed that extension pathway is the most effective and efficient technology delivery system where the modalities encompass training, organizing, technical assistance, critical input subsidies for science and technology (S&T) based enterprise development, process documentation and sustainability planning.

For the commercialization pathway, Carlos, explained the establishment of a one-stop hub for technology owners and generators, investors, end-users and other stakeholders to facilitate the commercialization of technologies in the AANR sector.

He mentioned the ongoing construction of the Innovation and Technology Center, where the media conference was conducted, to become the one-stop hub and the knowledge hub of the agency in compliance to Philippine Technology transfer Act of 2009 (Republic Act 10055).

He announced the technologies ready for commercialization include agri-aqua machineries, diagnostic kits, feeds, biofertilizers, food products , as well as plant and animal breeds.

He concluded that over time technologies transferred through deployment and or extension projects may lead to the development of enterprises moving to the commercialization pathway. (PNA)

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