Improving soybean production in the Philippines

In terms of production area, the soybean industry in the country faces a stiff competition among the major crops, such as rice and corn.

The industry is further challenged by unfavorable supply chain and volatile prices.

The limited expansion of production and low utilization of soyfood also hinder the industry’s take off.

In an effort to alleviate the situation, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) funded the research dubbed “Improvement of Soybean in Surigao del Sur Through Enhanced Value Chains, Sustainable Seed Sector, and Better Varieties Under Different Cropping Systems.”

It is being implemented by the Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU), led by Dr. Jocelyn B. Panduyos, SDSSU Research and Extension Division Director.

The initiative aims to enhance local soybean value chains by developing an improved soybean value chain model in Surigao del Sur.

It also aims to develop sustainable soybean production in the upland areas through improved cropping system, seed system, and varieties.

Citing its urgency, an inception meeting for the project was held at the SDSSU in Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur to discuss its components and objectives.

This include the upland farmers in Tandag, Tago, and San Miguel, Surigao del Sur who will be encouraged to include soybean in their cropping systems and store seeds of improved varieties.

Household members will also be encouraged to include soybean as food at home and as source of income from soyfood product processing.

It can be noted that potential micro-entrepreneurs and consumers in the urban areas will likewise benefit through the soyfood processing seminars which will be conducted.

The objective also targets the aiding of soyfood-related enterprises, where technical assistance and linkages will be provided to the different stakeholders.

Local government units (LGUs) will also be aided in their food sufficiency programs through the use of soybean regarding their health and nutrition campaigns.

Dr. Nemesio G. Loayon, SDSSU Vice President for Research and Extension, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the DOST-PCAARRD for putting value and support to the university’s research endeavor.

With the potential of SDSSU on soybean research, DOST-PCAARRD Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Legumes, Rolando S. Corpuz, envisions institution as the future Soybean R&D Center under the DOST’s Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D Program, which aims to capacitate higher education institutions through upgrading, development, and acquisition of S&T infrastructure and establish R&D Centers that will cater to the specific needs of the regions.

The two-year project is the fifth component project of the Soybean R&D Program dubbed “Improvement of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) for Better Nutrition, Higher Income, and Enhanced Soil Health” under the leadership of Elmer E. Enicola of the Institute of Plant Breeding–University of the Philippines Los Baños.

It can be noted that soybean among the most suitable leguminous crops for cultivation in the country which can serves as a good alternate crop in terms of crop diversification and increasing the farmers income.