Philippines: Farmers turn pomelo waste to cash
This, after the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 12 trained the members of New Rizal Barangay Food Terminal Association on processing technologies that would turn pomelo peelings and seeds into healthy capsules, tea, candies, marmalade, juice and many more.
Peelings and seeds were usually thrown to bins as wastes after the pomelo fruits are peeled and eaten.
During the training, the growers were also oriented on good manufacturing practices, food safety, and on hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) to their products’ safety and acceptability in the markets.
“We are now inspired to grow pomelo trees. With the amazing DOST technologies, we can now be more productive not only by selling fresh pomelo fruits but gaining much income from its peelings and seeds which we used to throw away,” said Barangay New chairperson Rizal Ricardo Buenaflor.
The training was held in August as an activity during North Cotabato’s Kalivungan Festival.
Pomelo an exotic fruit known for its juicy flesh is widely grown in North Cotabato.
It is rich in vitamins and good source of folic and potassium and has therapeutic content that could help fight cancer, prevent osteoporosis, reduce high cholesterol and aids digestion aside from its being a good medium to lose excess weight, clear arterial deposits and fight infections.
Dr. Zenaida P. HR Laidan, regional director of DOST 12 is encouraging the growers to process pomelo fruits and to avail of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).
SETUP is a banner program of DOST with a nationwide implementation to assist micro, small and medium enterprises become technologically competent.
Aside from training support, it can also provide other assistance including product standardization through laboratory testing and analysis, packaging and labelling, consultancy services via the Consultancy for Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) and the Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program (MPEX).
Source: news.pia.gov.ph
