SRA-LGAREC

Published by the SRA-La Granja Agricultural Research and Extension Center La Granja, La Carlota City Negros Occidental, Philippines Phone/Fax (034) 735-0132 www.sra-lgarec.net e-mail: lgarec@yahoo.com Vol. 6 No 4 May 2004

UPDATES

ACEF FUNDED PROJECTS

What new in SRA-LGAREC? Upgrading of s the whole station! Funded by the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) for Sugar, the Stations upgrading is increase to productivity in sugarcane production thereby increasing farmers income and to ensure the global competitiveness of the Philippine sugar industry. The project, from a proposal prepared by SRA-LGAREC and came to reality through the able leadership of Adm. James C. Ledesma, will generate more ecologically sound and environmentally-friendly technologies such as improvement of cultural farm management practices, utilization of indigenous materials as fertilizer sources, use of biological agents for the control of sugarcane pests, and the development of HYVs resistant to pests and diseases and lessen dependence on pesticides. The new technologies in sugarcane growing will improve cane quality and increase farm yield and income. The project, started on September 2003, includes: 1. Rehabilitation of road networks the eroded asphalt road network within the station is now converted in 4-6 inch thick concrete road. The road network rehabilitation also included the declogging of the old drainage system.

other buildings. Screen houses and Pollination sheds will soon follow to hasten the breeding program.

3. Acquisition of modern laboratory equipments modern laboratory equipments were acquired to aid the ever-changing demands of research in the station. Biotechnology techniques are now being utilized while an adequate Biotech Lab is being installed. Computerized testing of samples being done in the laboratories together with computeraided analyses makes research in the station more accurate and competitive.

2. Rehabilitation of Buildings, Greenhouses and Sheds dilapidated and termite-infested buildings are being rehabilitated. As of this time, the Agro meteorological station is completed, the Agronomy building and the Soils Laboratory are almost done while bidding is on going for the

4. Rehabilitation of Water Systems the road network going to the water source in Tulo-tulo spring is being rehabilitated while the irrigation system in the experimental fields is about 50% done. Layout of underground pipes is underway while the booster pump is already on standby for immediate testing. Soon, adequate domestic and irrigation water supply will support the needs of the Station.

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SRA-LGAREC UPDATES
5. Rehabilitation of Electrical Systems new Caterpillar generating set and transformers were already installed to back-up the old generator. Soon, new electrical lines will be installed to rehabilitate old lines connecting the buildings, laboratories and the training center. Uninterrupted electrical supply is much needed in maintaining research and development activities. 6. Establishment of Local Area Network (LAN) while new computer desktops and laptops were acquired to aid the information management of the various working units, a Local Area Network (LAN) was also established. Utilizing the wired and wireless technology, working units is now able to communicate and share information online. While the www.sra-lgarec.net website is being maintained, soon SRA-LGAREC will be connected with the LAN of SRA-Bacolod and of Panay that will also be established under the ACEF fund.

8. Acquisition of Vehicles and Farm Implements new vehicles like vans and motorcycles to aid in the transportation needs of the station were acquired while tractors complete with farm implement were provided in the project. Together with the improved irrigation systems these farm implements will pave the way for a more vigorous production and field maintenance.

7. Establishment of modernized training facility ACEF-funded OPSI seminars for the Agrarian Reform Communities are being conducted by the Training Unit of Extension Services Department all over Negros and Panay. Soon, the Clubhouse will be converted into modern Convention Center not only for training and symposia but also for other important functions and gatherings. Presently, state-of-the-art audio-visual and conference equipments have arrived while bidding for the conversion of the Clubhouse is underway. The training center will also include a dormitory and cafeteria. Added to this are the renovation of the tennis courts and the retiling of the swimming pool. Overall, the Clubhouse area will soon be a fully functional convention and recreation haven.

These valuable items and much needed improvements are but dreams of yesterday, and a lot more is still to come! Finally, the challenge of converting the objectives of this project into reality is in the hands of the able men and women of SRALGAREC. (glrosales)

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