When 'green' is the new gold
Seeds along with land, farmer and inputs can feed a community and a country. Agriculture plays a major impact on the health and economy of a nation. Thankfully we are in Luzon’s vegetable and palay basket, where 90% of the economy is dependent on farming.
One of the notable companies in seed production has stationed its research station in Tayug, Pangasinan. Allied Botanical Corporation (ABC).ABC is the leading supplier, producer and breeder of vegetable seeds in the Philippines. With a solid program for localized breeding, the company prides itself with its rigid selection and breeding for tropical vegetables.
According to their website, they also supply the best quality vegetable and flower seeds in the Philippines. “We carry some of the world’s best known brands in the horticulture business. Each brand is a symbol of excellence and specialization in its field. Each brand is a result of our meticulous and rigid screening and selection. In partnership with our foreign suppliers, we pride ourselves in bringing the best seeds and fertilizer technology available to the Filipino farmers”, the company claims.
When FOCUS visited their research station in Tayug, we were met by Herlo Atole, the farm manager. He showed us how they breed seeds for commercial purposes. He even enumerated its processes.
Accordingly, there are two kinds of seeds. One is the open-pollinated variety (OP), which is the common heirloom seeds from farmers, and the hybrid seeds that are being distributed by seed companies.
Hybrid seeds are carefully selected, tested, and exposed to harmful elements and challenges faced by farmers in the Philippines. Most seed varieties are being tested in their Tayug farm. We saw different varieties of pinakbet vegetables which the company is a market leader in the category. Other vegetables include cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, fennel, onions, chili and green pepper, bell pepper, sigarilyas (winged beans), squash, and string beans among others.
They even showed their nursery where they grow various varieties of vegetables and crops. Their most popular brands are Condor, Sakata, Takii’s, and Yokohama. ABC is a company with a heart. They give technical support and other incentives to farmers so they’ll know how to win against natural and environmental hazards that come with farming.
They wanted farmers to earn more by doing the right things and using the right seeds. They believe that they can only be successful if farmers using their brands are happy about their sales and produce.
Allied Botanical Corporation is one of the few companies with a conscience. They share their expertise to farmers and other agri groups and even hobbyists.
Once or twice a year, they open their doors to the public through their Open Field Day, a showcase of their plant varieties.
The research station is also open to farmer field trips and internships. Agriculture students can take advantage of their vast station to learn hands-on techniques on plant care. The world is undeniably facing ‘real food’ shortage. With calamities that destroy our lands, marine and other resources, it is imperative to be prepared. Rather than accumulate riches, gold and currencies, we’d rather save up on seeds. Seeds that when properly stored can have long shelf life. Seeds that when properly planted and taken care of can feed an army, a community, and even a country.
Let’s make it an advocacy to have stored seeds in every household. We do not know what will happen tomorrow so if in case another typhoon like Yolanda ravages our areas, at least we have something to start with.
In today’s economy, seeds are truly the new gold. (Vanj Padilla) FOCUS
