Jul 13, 2009

Mungbean Farming


Do you know why sotanghon is more expensive than bihon? This is because sotanghon is made from mung beans, while bihon is made of rice. Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilzeck), popularly known in the Philippines as mungo or mung bean in other countries and mainly used as human food. It is one of the cheapest sources of plant protein which contains protein ranging from 22-27%. It is also a good source of minerals such as calcium and sodium. Dried mung bean seeds are high in vitamins A & B while the sprouted mung bean are rich in vitamins B and C.

Uses

* It is a raw material in th major processes namely: mung beans sprout production; sotanghon manufacturing; hopia processing; dishes like soups, porridge, snacks, bread, noodles and ice cream;
* Mung beans starch is extensively used for starch noodles;
* Mung beans protein is used to fortify cereal flour
* Crop residues are used for fodder
* It is also grown for hay, green manure or cover crop

Climatic Requirement

Mung beans is drought-tolerant and requires a warm climate during its growing period. The temperature and humidity prevailing in the region is suited for optimum yields.

Recommended Varieties

* BPI Mg 9
* Pag-asa 7
* NSIC Mg 8
* NSIC Mg 12
* NSIC Mg 13
* Other all-season varieties

Crop Establishment

Planting

* Just after harvesting rice:

o Flush irrigate the area and drain excess water

* Broadcast evenly the mungo seeds at the rate of:

o 30 kgs seeds/ha (90-95% germination)
o 35 kgs seeds/ha (80-85% germination)
o 37-40 seeds/ha (75-80% germination)

* If rice stubbles is 10-15 cm high, lightly puddle with mini tractor-drawn the area to help seeds in the stubbles get in contact with the soil

Seed Inoculation

* Inoculate the seeds prior to broadcasting with rhizobium inoculant at the rate of 5 kgs/pack of inoculant.
* To inoculate the seeds; a) sprinkle/moisten the seeds with water (10 kgs:1 glass of water).
* Pour the inoculants and mix evenly until seeds are well-coated.
* Broadcast the inoculated seeds just after mixing.

Nutrient Management

* To ensure high yield and attain 3 pod priming frequency, spray the plants with foliar fertilizer (high in potassium and phosphorous content) at 25-30 DAP and after 1st and 2nd priming.
* Foliar fertilizer spraying can be combined/mixed with compatible insecticides.

Pest Management

* 3-5 days after seed emergence, spray the plants with appropriate insecticides to control bean fly (wilting and presence of pin-holes in leaves at seedling stage are common symptoms)
* If high population of weeds (particularly grass) are outgrowing the plants, spray selective post-emergence herbicide like ONECIDE.
* Control leaf folder and pod borer by spraying contact insecticide at vegetative stage (10-15 days after planting (DAP), flowering stage (20-30 DAP) and every after pod priming.
* Control powdery mildew and Cercospora leaf spot disease with appropriate fungicides starting flowering stage.
* Rogue/uproot and burn mosaic-infected plants to avoid spread of virus diseases.

Harvest Management

* Handpicking (or priming) mature (black) pods in the early morning or late afternoon to minimize shattering
* Priming is done up to five times depending on the maturity of the pods. In some part of Pampanga, the farmers cut the plants at one time when most of the pods have matured. Attain three primings and harvest at 1-week interval

Sun-drying & Threshing

* Freshly harvested pods of mung beans are sun dried on concrete pavement or on the ground with mat; pods are threshed by beating or trampling on dried pods. Manual threshing can be done but the use of mechanical rice-thresher can speed- up the operation and reduce expenses

Cleaning

* It is done by sieving or winnowing the threshed pods.

Storage

* Use of nylon or jute sacks, cans (covered air-tight) and empty cement sacks and stored inside the house or storehouse.
* Cool overnight the seeds before keeping in a storage cans.
* Mix the seeds with dried neem tree seeds/leaves, hot pepper (siling labuyo), naphthalene balls, etc.

Marketing

* Mung beans harvested in the Ilocos region are sold in Urdaneta, Villasis and nearby twons in Pangasinan

Product Utilization

Mung beans is prepared by cooking or milling. IT is eaten whole or split. The seeds or flour may enter a variety of dishes such as sopus, porridge, snacks, bread, noodles and ice cream. It is a raw material use din the processing of noodles locally known as "sotanghon"

References:

Below is a very good THAI FOOD Stir Fried Mung Beans recipe. Try it its great.


Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit II/Cagayan Valley Integrated Agricultural Center, Ilagan, Isabela

Jul 11, 2009

Exporters Expo 2009: Sale of Top Export Product from Top Exporters


This expo features popularly priced items not available locally. It is the grandest event for exporters for 2009. Big retail / wholesale selling event of Philippine export products not commercially available locally from the country’s direct and indirect exporters.

This event is a haven of great finds for retail / wholesale buyers especially among the following:

* Multi-branch institutional accounts (i.e. hotels, motels, restaurants, hospitals, etc.)
* Real estate developers, contractors, design firms, etc.
* Catering, banquet set-up providers, event stylists, etc.
* Props providers, studios, etc.
* Homemakers and interior design enthusiasts

Dates:

July 16-19, 2009

Venue:

Philipine Trade Training Center (PTTC)
Roxas Blvd., Pasay City
(beside World Trade Center)

Buyers’ Profile

1. General public
2. Multi-branch institutional accounts with big volume potentials (i.e. hotels, motels, hospitals, restaurants, etc.)
3. Real estate developers, contractors, etc.
4. Caterers, banquet providers, event stylists
5. Interior design schools
6. Diplomatic corps

Features

1. Big sale of export products (i.e. garments, electronics, food, gifts & houseware, etc.) otherwise not commercially available locally
2. Trade Opportunities briefing sessions (find out available foreign buyers and list of current inquiries from all over the world; Friday, 17 July 2009; 10 am to 12 nn; Call 890.4727 to reserve a seat)
3. Business matching sessions

BONUS: FREE Seminars (call 890.4727 to reserve a seat) Friday, 17 July 2009 10:00 am - 12 nn Topic: Available Export Trade Opportunities & Current List of Foreign Buyers

---------
List of participating exporters of this EXPO:

1 ABBYLYN BAGS AND SHOES
2 ZAMBROX CORP. ARTS AND CRAFTS (Serpentine Stone)
3 ANGEL WHISPERS GIFTS & CRAFTS
FASHION ACCESSORIES, GIFTS,
HOUSEWARE, HOME DECOR
4 ANGELQUE'S CRAFTS GIFTS
Abaca, Pandan
5 AROMAPHIL INDUSTRIES, INC.
6 ASIA EMBROIDERY INC.
7 ASIA PACIFIC EXIM TRADE INC. (3 Booths)
HOME DECOR
8 BALENA MULTICRAFT
FASHION ACCESSORIES
9 BELLA TRADING (3 Booths)
GARMENTS AND TEXTILE
10 BENELCO
11 BULACAN-BATANGAS FOOD SPECIALTIES
FRESH AND PROCESSED FOOD
12 CANDLEXCHANGE CO.
13 CRAFTER'S JOY CORNHUSK HANDICRAFT
FASHION ACCESSORIES (Cornhusk)
14 CRD HERBAL PRODUCTS, INC.
15 CSM ENTERPRISE INTERNATIONAL (2 Booths)
GIFTS, HOME DECOR
16 DELZA'S NATIVE PRODUCT
HOUSEWARE
17 DESIGN INFO COMPANY
18 ECARMA HEALTH OPTIONS
19 ELM'S ACCESSORIA DE CASA
20 FAIRLAND KNITCRAFT CO. INC.
GARMENTS AND TEXTILE
21 FASHION SHOPPE COMPONENTS FINDING ACC. CORP.
FASHION ACCESSORIES
22 FILIPINO FOOD FAVORITES, INC.
23 FLORO ENTERPRISES FASHION
ACCESSORIES
24 GALOSO HANDICRAFT
GIFTS, HOUSEWARE
25 GANO'S ANTIQUE SHOP
OTHERS
26 GEEBY'S FASHION COLLECTION
27 GLOANSE ENTERPRISES
HOME DECOR, HOUSEWARE
28 GOLD IN GRASS CORP
29 GOLDLOOK EGP MANUFACTURING INC.
OTHERS
30 GRILLER KING ENTERPRISE
HOUSEWARE (Grillers)
31 GSK INTIMATE APPAREL INC.
GARMENTS AND TEXTILE
32 HANDIKRAFTS PHILS. INC.
ABACA
33 HERO GREAT BITES
FRESH AND PROCESSED FOOD
34 IAN INTERNATIONAL IND. INC.
35 ISLANDERS ETHNIC
36 JAM'S BAGS
37 JANE HANDWOVEN & CRAFTS
Weaving & Knitting
38 JB DIAMANTE INC.
JEWELRY
39 JHAFAVEN FURNITURE AND HANDICRAFT
FURNITURE
40 JPC EXPORTS
41 JUBANITEX INC.
ORGANZA, POLYESTER, ABACA, PINA
42 KAYUMANGGI ARTS & CRAFTS
43 KECYL NATIVE SOUVENIR SHOP
FASHION ACCESSORIES
44 LA HUERTA MICHELENA INC.
VIRGIN COCONUT OIL
45 LATANIA
46 LEE ANN'S KNITTED WEAR OTHERS
47 MARIANKA CRAFTS.
CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY DECOR, GIFTS, HOME DECOR
48 MC SPA ESSENTIALS
49 MERCADO CLAY
50 MEYCAUAYAN JEWELRY INDUSTRY ASSN. INC. (2 Booths)*
JEWELRY (Precious Metals, Stones, Pearls, Diamond)
51 MICHAEL'S CONCEPT
52 MZR UNICA INC.
HOUSEWARE, HOME DECOR, KITCHEN AND TABLEWARE
53 NATIVE TOUCH COLLECTION, INC.
ARTS AND CRAFTS, CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY DECOR
54 NINA FOOD PRODUCTS
55 NMC STORAGEMAKERS
56 PDES BATONG ASUL HOUSE OF SILVER INTERNATIONAL
JEWELRY(Silver, Torquouise, Semi Precious Stones)
57 PHILIPPINE CHAMBER OF HANDICRAFT INDUSTRIES (40 BOOTHS)
58 PHILIPPINE MORINDA CITRIFOLA, INC.
59 PRIMA MODAS
GARMENTS AND TEXTILE
60 PRINCESS ILONA
BAGS & SHOES
61 R.K. MANUFACTURING INC.
GARMENTS AND TEXTILE, ELECTRONICS/ APPLIANCES
62 RAINIERS RESEARCH AND DEVT. INSTITUTE, INC.
63 RAMSONS
HOUSEWARE, HOME DECOR, KITCHEN AND TABLEWARE
64 REV FASHION
FASHION ACCESSORIES, HOME DECOR
65 REVELATION ARTS & CRAFTS
66 SHELMED COTTAGE TREASURES
HOUSEWARE (Abaca)
67 SIGEL INC. GIFTS
Paper Board
68 SPRING SHEETS INC.
69 TALION EQUIPMENT INC.
Renewable Energy (Wind Turbine & Generator)
70 TIA BERNING PILI CANDIES & HANDICRAFT
FRESH AND PROCESSED FOOD
71 TOSCANO FOOD INDUSTRY
FRESH AND PROCESSED FOOD
72 TRIPLE L PLUS A
73 WAGEMARK CORPORATION
Contact Us:

OIC Baby Ferrer, BETP - (632) 890.4723 / 890.4693
OIC Ferdi Canlas, BETP – (6320 890.4724 / 890.4720
Ms. Lyn Piquero, BETP - (632) 890.4714 / 897. 7606

Overall Head:
Dodjie R. Fabian
Director III, BETP
(632) 890.4727/0917-5115466

Source: DTI


Jul 7, 2009

Philippine International Flora & Fauna Garden Expo (PIFGEX 2009) on July 16, 2009


Once again, flowers will be in full bloom, an array of colorful unique plants displayed, the birds chirping, live display of small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes, all in an in-house landscape display in one of this year’s most awaited garden and animal expo.

This will be the grand opening of the 2nd Philippine International Flora & Fauna Garden Expo (PIFGEX 2009) on July 16, 2009 at 10:00 AM at the famous World Trade Center in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines. PIFGEX 2009, with its theme: “Protecting and Sustaining Nature, will be a 4-day event, open from July 16-19, featuring an exhibit, tradeshow, and a conference rolled into one. It now has the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as this year’s co-presentor, wherein they will be showcasing the indigenous, endemic and endangered species of plants and animals from the country’s 14 regions.

Due to the clamor for a bigger event and like what has been promised before, RPN Flora and Fauna, Inc., its organizer and PIFGEX’s Event Manager, ICE, Inc. has made it even better than last year as it now includes a 2-day Conference on Flora and Fauna and more exhibitors.

The event is expecting more than 20,000 visitors composed of students, horticulturists, international and local landscapers, nature lovers, plant collectors, and enthusiasts, animal breeders, veterinary experts, environmentalists, advocates of plants and animal conservation, flower clubs, and educators, among others.

Within the 4 day event is a 2-day Conference on Flora and Fauna.Aside from the conference, there will also be a series of daily lectures (located in 2 separate lecture areas) of various topics like: global warming, roof gardening, banana farming, organic farming, bee keeping, hydroponics, orchid growing, cactus cultivation, benefits of wheat grass, mushroom growing, understanding your cat, flower arrangement, ornamental fish, landscaping, growing sunshine chicken, backyard vegetable gardening and a lot more.

Participants in the garden club category will include the very active and oldest garden club -- Philippine Orchid Society, the dynamic Philippine Horticultural Society, The Flower Club Philippines, World Flower Council, and the Cactus and Succulent Society of the Philippines. Other plant exhibitors will include the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA), King Louis Plants and Flowers, East West Seeds, Ramgo Seeds, Mett’s Plant Arts, EDSA Garden House, Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society Inc., Rizal Technological University, and others.

There will also be a display of live domesticated Philippine and exotic birds, small mammals, snakes, lizards, butterflies, and fishes. Exhibitors from this category will be coming from the DENR and marine fishes from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Other animal exhibitors will include: Zoobic Safari, EWK Aviaries, Arowana & Luohan Society and the Red Ostrich Farm.

The EDSA Garden House and King Louis will execute the landscaping of the entrance hall. There will also be a floriculture / cut-flower arrangement demonstration and competition by the World Flower Council.

Other companies participating are: Solraya’s Sunshine Chicken, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Specserv (Roof Gardens), CCTF (Wind Energy) Sony Philippines, Klub Natur, Scandwood, Brother International, PEPSI, Animal House, Artemis Shih Tzu Kennel, Filipinas Stamp Collectors Club, Manila Bulletin, Business Mirror, Marid Agribusiness Digest, Sterling Paper Products (Pentel) and others.

The aim of the Exposition is not only to showcase different types of gardens, Philippine plants and animals to the world, their uses, their conservation status, nor the protection of their habitat, our environment and our ecological system . . . but more importantly, it is about saving our one and only Planet Earth.. The Philippines is one of the richest ecosystem in the world, both in marine and terrestrial, and sad to say, we are also a biodiversity hotspot as both plants and animals are threatened as natural habitat are destroyed by modernization.

Come and join us in learning how we can protect and sustain our natural habitat. Bring children and students as they can see here in the city live plants and animals which are usually found only in remote forests or provinces.

Source: Norberto R. Bautista, (PIFGEX 2009)

Jul 3, 2009

How to make spice-cured smoked fish (Tinapa)


Smoked fish locally known as tinapa is very popular in the Philippines. In fact, it has become part of the Filipino meal, especially during breakfast or even lunch and dinner. However, the traditional smoked fish or tinapa is relatively smoky and has a short shelf life.

What we have here is a different method of making smoked fish. It is through spice-curing technology developed by the Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) in Lucban, Quezon headed by Prof. Delia Babilonia. This method increases the shelf life of tinapa and at the same time improve the earnings of the processors by providing consumers better smoked fish product.

How is this made?

1. Medium-size Indian sardines or "Tamban" with intact scales and belly are washed with clean water and drained.
2. Spice-curing solution is prepared by dissolving 250 grams of table salt and 100 g of powdered spices (onion, garlic, chili, and black pepper) in 1 gallon of water.
3. This is divided into two equivalent portions, for soaking and cooking of fish.
4. Fish are then soaked in the solution for 5 hours with occasional agitation.
5. Cured fish are removed from the solution and arranged in bamboo trays and allowed to drain for 30 minutes.
6. The fish are then cooked in boiling solution by dipping the tray for 10-15 minutes under low fire.
7. The cooked fish are maintained in the tray and air-dried for 1-2 hours."This is necessary for pellicle formation, which is essential for better color development," Ms. Babilonia explained.
8. After air-drying, fish are arranged in the smoking trays and loaded in the pre-heated smokehouse and smoked for 2 hours or when the fish turn golden brown.
9. To make the product more attractive to consumers, a new packaging style that is more hygienic should be adapted such as the use of plastic cover as shown in our photo. You may come up your own method of packaging.

Source: www.bar.gov.ph

Jun 19, 2009

How to set up a money changing business


We have millions of OFWs all over the world. Many of them will bring dollars into the country, and change them to Pesos. Why not set up a money changing or money converting business? There is a two day seminar that you can attend to learn about money changing / money converting business in the country. I wonder, if this seminar would also include franchising a Western Union Outlet i.e. sending and receiving money from around the country and overseas.

Anyway, details of the seminar:

* SEMINAR TITLE: HOW TO START A MONEY CHANGING BUSINESS
* DATE: JULY 2-3, 2009 (THURSDAY-FRIDAY) – 2-day programme / TIME: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
* VENUE: Unit 201 Richbelt Tower, 17 Annapolis St., Greenhills, San Juan City, Metro Manila

* KEY TOPICS:

* DAY 1 - Acquiring permits and licenses to operate, Who may engage in money changing or money converting business?, Getting the right location, Facilities and equipments, Required capitalization, System operation, Buyer, Seller, Building Customer’s Trust, Dealing with counterfeiters and delinquent associates, Convertible and non-convertible currencies with BSP, Dollar and foreign currency pricing and monitoring, Basic security features in general, Knowing the Philippine peso;

* DAY 2 - Basic security features of the following currencies (USA dollar, Australian dollar, Bahrain dinar, Brunei dollar, Canadian dollar, Euro, Hong Kong Dollars, Korean Won, Malaysian Ringgit, New Taiwan Dollar, New Zealand Dollar, Saudi Riyal, Singapore Dollar, Switzerland Franc, Thailand Baht, UAE Dirhams, Great Britain Pounds)

* INVESTMENT: Php 6,000.00 per person (inclusive of snacks, lunch, drinks, handouts, seminar kit, certificate of attendance)

* DISCOUNT: 10% Discount if FULL AMOUNT is paid at least five (5) days before the event.

* RESERVATION: Phone reservation is required. Please call telephone 727-5628, 727-8860 or 727-7839.

* SCHEDULE: Schedule may change without prior notice. Please call 1 day before the seminar date.

* EMAIL: businesscoachphil@gmail.com
* WEBSITE: http://www.businesscoachphil.com

Jun 16, 2009

Bagoong Cubes


Ever heard of Bagoong Cubes? Yes, your bagoong alamang (shrimp paste), and bagoong isda (fish paste) are now in cubes. They're great pasalubongs to kababayan overseas. Ok, here is the article and where to buy them, courtesy of BAR.

Messy no more with bagoong in cubes

by Christmas B. de Guzman and Carmencita L. Culasing, PhD Photos by CSU-CFMS and Rita T. dela Cruz

Who would have thought that the messy bagoong (fish paste) can be packaged into cubes?

Fish paste, commonly known as bagoong here in the Philippines, is a result of fish fermentation which is one of the traditional techniques of fish preservation. Due to its appetizing flavor, the product is highly preferred by local people especially those from Northern Luzon, Bicol Region and Western Visayas.

As we all know, the traditional bagoong is usually packed in bottles with little solids and is quite messy to handle. In addition, they are packaged heavily requiring bigger space that demands higher fare rate.

Bagoong in cubes, however, are packed in cut rite, aluminum foil and carton. Filipinos fond of adding bagoong in their dishes would find it more stable, handy, and appealing as compared to traditional bagoong.

Novelty product
Bagoong cube, which is now in the market, is a novelty product developed by Dr. Carmencita L. Culasing of the Cagayan State University-College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (CSU-CFMS) in Aparri, Cagayan. This was an offshoot of a study titled "Preparation of Dried Products from Fish Paste (Bagoong Cubes)" conducted through the assistance of the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (DOST-PCAMRD).

Dr. Culasing conducted three specific studies. The initial study aimed to identify the best fish species for bagoong cubes; the second, investigated the optimum fermentation period for bagoong cubes making, and the third focused on the effect of antioxidant on the sensory qualities of bagoong cubes.

According to these studies, the hairtail ("espada") was the best fish species or raw material for bagoong cubes making because of its color (lighter brown). But in terms of the general acceptability test, all the species used (hairtail, marine anchovies, freshwater anchovies, and round scad) were acceptable. It was also suggested in the findings that fermentation period of four to five months contributed the best sensory characteristics of bagoong cubes - four months for smaller fish and five months for bigger fish. Lastly, it was indicated that the effect of adding antioxidants improved the quality of bagoong cubes, particularly the odor of the product.

Dr. Culasing cited that the product was put into development because of the abundance of fish species used in making the condiment in the province.

Award winning technology
Bagoong cubes making is feasible throughout the year. The raw materials can be source out from the bagoong processors making it an additional means of livelihood for coastline communities. Producing bagoong cubes is technically viable since the raw materials are abundant and readily available.

Bagoong cubes making has a return on investment of 52.25% and a promising business producing export products. According to Dr. Culasing, the product has a longer shelf-life and the technology per se eliminates the problem of toxin production by Clostridium botulinum due to anaerobic and water content of the traditional bagoong. Furthermore, the absence of anaerobic bacteria makes it a safer food additive.

"As for the busy housewives, food preparation is minimized and cooking is easier when using bagoong cubes instead of the traditional bagoong," Dr. Culasing stated. "It is also convenient to handle and cheaper to transport because of its light packaging materials and absence of extreme ammoniacal odor," she added.

Taking into consideration its several advantages, Dr. Culasing's bagoong cubes won the second prize in the Aquatic Technology Competition and Marketplace sponsored by DOST-PCAMRD on 31 January 2007.

Market and economic considerations
The process of making bagoong cubes involves shorter fermentation period for it does not require a total dissolution of the fish flesh. Thus, an immediate turn-over of capital and greater profit could be attained.

Looking at shelf stability, bagoong cubes could last longer than the traditional bagoong which takes six months to finish the fermentation process. With lengthy fermentation process, growth of maggots could also be observed.

Production of bagoong cubes is sometimes not feasible during rainy months. Processors have to use a cabinet dryer as a substitute drying facility for the reason that sun drying may be impracticable or takes longer period of fermentation. If not properly dried or packed, bagoong cubes may promote the growth of undesirable molds.

Moreover, packaging of the product has an important role when it comes to market prospects. Dr. Culasing said that further improvement of the complete packaging of bagoong cubes, including the product logo design and quality of materials used is what she has been working out with the Industrial Technology Development Institute of the DOST.

"Another thing that could expand its market and make it more profitable is good product packaging that's why we are seeking the assistance of ITDI-DOST," she emphasized.

The product is at present being promoted by the Northern Luzon Aquatic and Marine Research and Development Zonal Center (NLAMRD-ZC) based at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) in Bacnotan, La Union; which is one of the zonal centers coordinated by DOST-PCAMRD.

Price in the market is Php15.00 per pack containing 3 pieces of bagoong cubes.