Project Feasibility on the Production of a Shoe Insole Deodorizer February 8, 2011, 9:56 am Title: Project Feasibility Study on the

Production of a Shoe Insole Deodorizer using Activated Carbon and Baking Soda Proposed Location: Brgy Anupul, Bamban, Tarlac Proponents: Eda S. Castro Ferdinand D. Constantino Jane M. Delos Santos Gian Carlo R. Sotelo Divine Grace B. Tuazon Degree: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering School: Tarlac State University Date: March 2003 Brief Description of the Project This project proposes to produce a shoe insole deodorizer using activated carbon and baking soda as the active ingredients. The product shall be branded as POWER SOLE. It is a flat insole type deodorizer that can neutralize the odor and absorbs moisture on foot caused by sweating. It can also serve as a shoe pad for loosed shoes. The product has five (5) sizes (5,6,7,8 and 9) to cater different foot sizes it has also a suggested life span o one (1) month, but this will depend on the lifestyle of the person using it. Summary of Findings: 1. Management Aspects The Power Sole Enterprises shall be a pre-operate for 12 months before its normal operations. The enterprise shall be a partnership type of business organization. The business shall employ its personnel, which shall be headed solely by the plant manager who shall supervise the production, administrative/finance, and marketing officers. Under these officers are the production laborers, warehouse man, product inspector, accounting clerk, security guards and driver respectively. All

personnel shall come from the province of Tarlac. Giving importance to the nearby towns where there are skilled workers in relation to this kind of work. The compensation of the personnel shall be based on the existing labor code. The enterprise shall pay Php 1,291,584.00 for its salaries/wages during the first year of operation. Benefits such as SSS, EC and PhilHealth shall be given to the employees. Every year of operation, the enterprise will hire one (1) additional production to meet the increasing demand of the product. 2. Marketing Aspect The marketability or salability of the proposed product is anticipated, since this project entails comfort, easy and convenient to use compared to existing foot deodorizer. The demand of the product shall be based on the past demand of foot deodorant products consumed by each household population of Tarlac Citys urban barangays, and the supply shall be based on the number of foot deodorant purchased from several distributors/suppliers. The market share of this product is 42.05% of the average yearly demand from 2003-2207, which is equivalent to 178,546 pairs of shoe insole deodorizer but considering the result of the survey conducted by the researchers, the researcher had decided to increase the average capacity of the plant from 178,546 to 1800,000 for the first year of operation. The proposed selling of the product shall be Php 16.50 which is inclusive of value added tax (VAT). The project will sell the proposed product in cash discount basis. And limited its retail price to 20% increase from the set factory price to the retailer (distributor) to achieve the pricing objective of meeting the existing price competition in the market. The Product shall be introduced and promoted through posters, billboards, banners and radio ads. The proposed product shall be packed in a vacuum-sealed transparent plastic packaging material with a descriptive label, which contains features and specification of the product, and finally the packaged products are placed in a carbon box for protection in the storage and delivery. The outer surface of the box is printed with the product name, the description or specifications, and the name and address of the manufacturer The product shall bear the brand name POWER SOLE, which signifies the characteristic and nature of the product. 3. Technical Aspect The proposed product is a shoe insole deodorizer using activated carbon and baking soda. The activated carbon is part of the product because it can absorb odors and volatile organic compounds. We also have to add the treatment of the foam and cumbelli to help activated carbon to help activated carbon to neutralize the odor. In this study, we conducted laboratory tests to determine the volatile content of activated carbon before and after used. We found out in testing activated carbon, with the use of a gravimetric oven, that when it is not treated, only 3.423% of moisture will be absorbed by the carbon and 45.181% was absorbed by the carbon a exposed naked on the humid environment When the researchers treated the carbon, they did not absorb moisture of 43.5 In conclusion, before the manufacture of the product, see to it that it was treated An odor test was also conducted to determine the effectiveness and lifespan of the product. Based on the test, the suggested lifespan of the product is one month.

The manufacturing process is a continuous processing wherein the workers must meet the target output per day. The capacity depends on the expected market share of 42.05%, which us 278,546 pairs of shoe insole deodorizer But the researchers decided to product 180,000 pairs in the year of operation due to the consideration of the result conducted by the researchers for the willingness of the respondents to try and buy the proposed product. The plant will be producing an average of 180,000 pairs a year, that is 15,.000 pairs a month or 750 pairs a day. Some nearby hardware and electronic suppliers supply machineries and equipment. But other equipment will be purchased in Manila. The plant shall be located at Brgy. Anupul, Bamban, Tarlac, the productivity center of the town. It is located at the back of the Municipal Hall building which is 100 km. from Manila. The transportation is so easy because it is along the highway. The availability of manpower will never be a problem; customers will be assured of economical and fast delivery of the products due to the project proximity to the raw materials, suppliers, and to its target market. The hiring of labor forces will not be a problem since the plant requires a minimal number of employees. The Tarlac II Electric shall supply electricity and water requirements of the plant. The productivity center has an area of 1,260 sq.m. half of the area will only be occupied. The enterprises shall pay the monthly rentals of Php 20.00 per sq.m for the 630 sq.m floor area or at Php 12,600.00 monthly with escalation rate, payable within the first week of each month. The waste material will be in the form of scraps, which will serve as another source of income for the enterprise. The proposed project is environment friendly because it will not affect the nature during or after producing it. 4. Financial Aspect The financial needs of the project shall be sourced from the partners equity. Each of the five (5) partners shall contribute an initial amount of Php 150,000.00 in cash which is Php 750,000.00 the said amount is estimated to be used in all expenses to be incurred during the pre-operating period and during the first half of the year of normal operations. All purchases shall be on cash basis and sales are on cash discount basis with term payment of 5/15 net 30. the projects liquidity ratios are computed to be 6:1, 8:1, 10:1, 12:1, and 15:1, on the first, second, third, fourth and fifth years, respectively, which shows that the project can liquidate its total current liabilities very satisfactorily. The rates of return on investment for the first five years of normal operations are 16.32%, 30.81% and 39.35% respectively. 5. Social Desirability Aspect The project is aimed at helping individuals who have an unpleasant odor and foot moisture. The business enterprise shall give a great contribution to the government because of the money paid in the form of taxes. These taxes can be paid in different forms. Through the introduction of this business, consumers will be given more choices for the same effect. The producers of the raw materials can increase its profitability. The competing products can also lower their process because of increased competitors. Also there will be a decrease of unemployment by giving jobs to individuals when they will be hired, which will improve their lives and the society as a whole.

Tags: project feasibility, shoe insole deodorizer feasibility study Category: Sample Feasibility Study | Comments Off Summary of Conclusion for Feasibility Study of Snack Stand July 15, 2010, 1:11 am Marketing Aspects 1. The Snack stand will be very much positive in offering a lot of services to satisfy customers needs, accept suggestion and criticisms to improve our business 2. Snack stand will utilize with honesty and credibility thru our products and services. 3. Snack stand will be always open-minded to those other competitors and will seek only the best. Technical Aspect 1. The final location of the business will be at the Common Terminal, Balanga City, Bataan. 2. Raw materials will be obtained during its freshness and nearness to the source which is Elizabeth Supermarket in Balanga City itself. 3. The management will provide cleanliness of the stall, especially the food for satisfaction of customers. Management Aspect 1. The best organizational structure to adopt in the same manner communication will be facilitated from the top to bottom and from the bottom to the top. 2. The democratic atmosphere will always prevail in the business to ensure hormones interpersonal relationship between management and personnel. 3. The Snack stand will develop the service activity to satisfy the need of the customer. Socio-Economic Aspect 1. The Snack stand will be very much responsible in promoting environmental, clean air act and proper waste disposal. 2. Taxes assured for the city government. 3. The partners will make sure of the observance and God-fearing to all of them. Financial Aspect 1. The amount of fifty thousand pesos (Php50,000.00) is substantially enough to put up the proposed project Snack stand. 2. Based on the projections as depicted by the financial statements, the proposed project is a kind of lucrative undertaking. 3. The proponent of the project will be responsible in producing the capital requirement. Prepared by: Arde Reyes

Tags: feasibility study snack stand, financial aspect, management aspect, marketing aspect, socio economic aspect, technical aspect Category: Sample Feasibility Study | Comments Off Management Aspect Feasibility Study for Snack Stand June 15, 2010, 8:32 am The central idea of management is to make every action or decision help achieve a careful chosen goal. The word management is also used to mean the group of persons called executives who perform management activities. Objectives 1. To keep the subordinates be alert to what is expected to them. 2. To know the duties and responsibilities of each member and personnel. 3. To know different strategies to be able to achieve the companys goal. Description of Activities 1. DTI Permit Application The business name of GF Snack Stand should be register with the Department of Trade and Industry. It would take only four days to five days before the permit is receive. If there as no other name of its type. Three (3) different name should be apply so when one is approved, so they can use other applied business name (see appendix) 2. Rental Space The project business will be located at Bataan terminal at 2nd floor Ibayo, Balanga City, Bataan. The application will only about three to four weeks before it is approved. 3. Mayors Permit The Mayors Permit application will acquire the submission of the following: a. b. c. 4. SSS Clearance Permit Sanitary Permit DTI TAN (Tax Account Number)

The project business will be registered at the Bureau of Internal Revenue District Office No. (1020) located at Capitol drive, San Jose, Balanga City. The following forms should be accomplished with necessary attachments. BIR FORM No. Attachment Required, Mayors Permit and DTI Permit

5. Buying of machineries and equipment Involves the acquisition of the necessary machinery and equipment in the food snack as mentioned in technical aspect. 6. Promotion Includes advertising and personal selling partnership in a variety of promotional activities to inform customer about products and service and to encourage them to buy. 7. Start of Operation After securing all the necessary permits and other needed materials. The said will be now ready to operate. C. Organizational Structure Through GF Snack Stand is just a simple business, the organization structure will have a simple flow. It is not as complicated as big ventures. Over All manager / Cashier Cook 1, Cook 2 Utility Man 1, Utility Man 2 D. Personnel Structure The GF Snack Stand is required to have the members of personnel and service crew. Staff Over all Manager 1 Cashier 1 Cook 2 Utility Man 2 E. Duties and Responsibities 1. Over-all Manager / Cashier Supervise the overall operation of the business Computer the total amount of the purchased item Assist the customers

2. Cook 1 - Prepares the necessary ingredients - Cooks the items/products 3. Cook 2 - Prepares the necessary ingredients - Cooks the item/products

4. 5. -

Utility Man 1 In charge of cleaning the workplace Delivers items within the vicinity In charge of buying raw materials from suppliers In charge of the inventory Utility Man 2 In charge of cleaning the workplace Delivers items within the vicinity In charge of buying raw materials from the suppliers In charge of the inventory

Excerpt from Management Project by Arde R. Reyes Tags: business requirement, management feasibility, organization feasibility, snack stand management Category: Sample Feasibility Study | Comments Off Business Feasibility Study Snack Stand June 7, 2010, 2:08 am A. Name and Address of the Business The GF Snack Stand (Good Food Snack Stand) is proposed to be located at the 2nd floor of the Bataan Common Terminal, Ibayo, Balanga City, Bataan. B. Nature Business The GF Snack Stand offers a wide variety of snacks and beverages. It caters the need of the persons in transit and others who are waiting for their ride home in the said common terminal. It also provide hip and soothing music to those who are weary from work and school. The menu mainly consists of chicken, ham, ham and egg and hotdog sandwiches, fishballs, kikiam, squidballs, french fries and juices such as gulaman and pineapple juice. The said snack stand is open Mondays through Sundays from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Management Aspect 1. What are the roles and responsibilities of each personnel? 2. What are the different strategies were going to use in order to cope up with the competition? 3. How can we cope up with the competition? Financial Aspect

1. How much will be the total cost of the project? 2. How much is the contribution of each member? 3. How much profit were going to earn this kind of project? Socio-Economic Aspect 1. How can the business contribute to the reduction of unemployment? 2. How can the business contribute to the community? 3. How can the business contribute to the economy? Excerpt from Management Project by Arde R. Reyes Tags: business feasibility study, Snack Stand Feasibility study Category: Sample Feasibility Study | Comments Off Sugar Mill Feasibility Study March 2, 2009, 8:04 am Name of the Enterprise This proposed sugar mill shall be called as Sweet Sugar Incorporated, obviously sugar is sweet and sweet is sugar. Thats why it shall be called as Sweet Sugar Incorporated. Sweet Sugar Incorporated shall have its own plant located in Sitio Maguindong, Luakan, Dinalupihan, Bataan. The site was chosen because its strategic location, where the supplies of public and private services are adequate and labor supply and raw materials are readily available. Sources of Raw Materials The plant shall have its own sugarcane plantation near the mill and the plantation shall be adequate in land area that will produce the needed raw material for sugar. Availability of Transportation The plant site is strategically located in Sitio Maguindong, Luakan, Dinalupihan, Bataan where transportation is not a problem. The plant is readily accessible to the workers. The finished sugar can be readily delivered to the market. Project Long Range Objective The Sweet Sugar Incorporated shall stick to its obligation and responsibility to its consumers of providing and producing the highest quality of sugar. No toxic materials shall be used or if there is, it should be properly disposed. It also respond to the needs of the barangay where it is located in order to help its progress.

The Sweet Sugar Incorporated shall be the number one product and supplier of high-grade sugar throughout Luzon and its neighboring provinces, and if expansion is needed, it shall be done without overlooking its primary objectives. Mode of Financing Financing shall come from the shares of the stockholders/owners of the Sweet Sugar Incorporated. If ever the shares cant cover up the expenses of constructing the plant before its operation, the Sweet Sugar Incorporated shall apply for loans which will give the maximum output for the plant. When business is already in operation, its liabilities and loans shall be paid from the sugar revenue Market Study As Bataan is situated geographically near the center of the Philippines, the finished product can be easily transported to the neighboring provinces in the country. Manila, the leading distribution center in the Philippines will be recipient of greater bulk of the product. Analysis of Market Demand and Supply Sugar is one of the primary commodities of the people, thus it is very important to have big supply that will cover up the big demand for sugar. The establishment of this sugar mill will greatly help our fellow Filipinos and most of all, our economy. This sugar mill will increase the sugar supply in the market, thus lessening our importation of sugar which is more expensive in cost. Market and Marketing Strategy Vigorous effort should be expanded to secure a market before a commitment is made to build a sugar mill if it would be most desirable to have the financial participation of one or more major users who can guarantee the purchase of substantial portion for the procedure production. During the past years, several overtures were made in this direction which revealed the opportunities existing. Scale and Volume The receiving of raw materials supply condition market potential and engineering should be considered. It would have production line which represent 769,434 tons per unit day. The output of the plant will depend on the production conditions. Sugar Marketing Operation The structure of general framework of market situation is already been said of the manner in which selling, shipping, financing and all other commercial aspect of marketing are out inside the general framework. These function rarely been described except by and for the specialist concerned with them. They are the essential link, however, providing the customers with that they want and the sugar industry with their income.

The successful selling of the product ultimately determine the prosperity of every one in industry if it is not sold successfully all the efforts of the farmers, millers and readiness with their employees and the most of business which supply and service them will suffer. The final customers are their most important millions of housewives buying sweets or soft drinks not only 4 lbs. of sugar and tin of golden syrup but also the tin of jam. Market Distribution Pricing Pricing should follow the established market prices and practices which in turn are determined by the forces of demand and supply, however because of uncertainty of sugar during the start up period, some prices concessions should be made in order to break into market. A suggestion that is to 20% reduction from established market prices be affected on the first year output. Consumer Surveys Everyone is using sugar everyday, but assumed of sugar feeds are centrally as possible within the area of cane fields, as this will facilitate the transportation of cane with less rolling stock and other fixed charges for their department. Moreover, easy cane supply, so necessary for a economical grinding, will secure to the factory. The direction of the prevailing wind and its accessibility to the factory and dwelling should be ascertained to avoid dust, ashes, smoke and odor of refuse going in wrong direction. Healthy surroundings are paramount importance to the employees. Standing and deterioration water must not be allowed near the factory. Technical Study Services Offered: The proposed plant site at Sitio Maguindong, Luakan, Dinalupihan, Bataan offers a plentiful supplies of water and power. The site offers adequate supply of water for growing sugarcane, and power for the production of sugar. It also offers adequate supply of laborers, which is considered more important than all the other factors, especially when skilled and unskilled laborers are required. Labor Skills required The company will hire Filipino larorers in sugar cane manufacturing. Laborers near the company site and more preferable to the employees to insure promptness and can do overtime work when needed Another important reason is that people from nearest place can easily transport with their convenience since the company is small, the working force will be required from town itself or its vicinity. The company on the other hand will give assurance to the workers like a good working condition, facilities

for a conductive maintenance of their health incentives and many other benefits required by the labor code, plus benefits given by the company itself. The Project Site Sitio Maguindong, Luakan, Dinalupihan, Bataan was chosen the best region of all sugar plantation in the Philippines due to its abundant supply of labor will not be difficult to achieve as most barrio folk are quite hardworking and industrious. Another reason is because of availability of raw materials and have favorable conditions. The plant would be erected near the national highway which will enable the transportation of finished product to the opposite provinces of course, sugar central will increase their yearly supply of sugar production thus helping the sugar industry. The determination where sugar cane factory is to be located is purely an agricultural one. So far, it is referred t the tract of land which has to be adequate for growing sugar cane fr a period of years and the location where climate condition and rainfall are much that successful crops to be expected. As Bataan is situated geographically near the center of the Philippines, the finished product can be easily transported to the neighboring provinces. Waste Disposal The various waste materials produced by industries maybe classified generally as solids, gaseous or liquid. Solid waste are directly related to a loud pollution gas liquid to air and water pollution, although all of them have combined and interrelated effects on pollution. Methods of Waste Disposal 1. Eliminate of source. The first approach to a waste disposal problem requires a careful attention of the source of pollutants. 2. Recovery of waste products. Before deciding how to discard waste materials, the engineer should always think for recycle, reuse or for sale. 3. Regulate how to fit dilution 4. Divert waste to other points 5. Waste treatment. A very expensive process the recent encountered by the major cities of the world due to smog problem and the question as due to how to dispose gaseous waste, electrostatic precipitators, aggrometrators, washers and many other kind of equipment have been used to remove atmospheric contaminants. Disposal of solid waste materials on land is always a complicated problem, incineration and burying are possible solution and the best is by recycling. A judicious plant design eliminates a potential hazardous operations should be separated from various plant facilities and sufficient protection is made, possible sources of fire by eliminating all the unnecessary ignition sources such as flame, spark or heated material, welding, smoking, static electricity and the spontaneous combustion of waste materials.

Chemicals can cause dangerous burns and accidents are bound to occur rotating sections of equipments should be amply protected to prevent accidents. Management Study For Pre-operating Period: During the pre-operating period, the stockholders are responsible to deal with some government and private agencies to secure the necessary document and deal in financing institution for financial needs of the project. These persons are the one to negotiate for the constructor. The supplier of the materials and by the hired construction firm and the supervision will be integrated with the said contract. Consultant shall be hired also to ensure the safety of the plant and to supervise the installation of the equipment. For Operating Period: During the operating period, the stockholders handled the key position in the company. The business is organized and incorporate with their respective holdings: Board of Directors - Chairman of the Board - Member - Member - Member - Maintenance and Material Director - Company Accountant - Sales Director - Production Director The company sees to it that hired accountant and supervision directors are all licensed by the professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in their respective professions. All these persons should have at least an experience in their respective jobs. The company accountant is responsible for the books and the preparation of the company book of accounts. He also prepares the payroll and he examines the financial status of the company. The sales director will assists the selling and finding markets for the products. The production director is responsible for the production in order to insure for good productivity and minimize production or manufacturing costs. The maintenance and materials director is responsible for the safety programs and maintenance of the plant. He should set the guidelines and train workers about safety and accidents and be able to continue the flow of the product even machine breakdown occurs, which are hindrance to the companys reproductivity programs.

Financial Study Major Assumption An industry like sugar mill requires a big capital. The stockholders shall provide the needed capital for the establishment of the whole business. Funds shall be given for the purchases of the necessary equipments and necessary materials for the construction of the building and for the purchase of land. In case that there is no sufficient fund, the company shall apply for loan in the bank which gives the lowest interest. During operation, the company shall pay its obligation out its revenues. Equipment cost less than P40,000,000.00. Building construction (payment for the labors included) costs more than P20,000,000.00. Land (for the plant site and sugar cane plantation costs P20,000,000.00. The stockholders shall produce a budget of not less than P80,000,000.00. Socio-economic Study Taxes and Restricting Law Bataan offers the lowest tax rate for industries like sugar production, and the best of Bataan is, they offer, provide government subsidy and help to the industries located in its territory. Provincial and town legislation are also important. The sweet sugar laws are more stringent in Bataan. Sweet Sugar Incorporated will help boost the economic status of Dinalupihan, Bataan because it will provide a great number of jobs for the unemployed folks in the area, thus, giving them more opportunities in life. Sweet Sugar Incorporated shall pay all its tax obligations on time. This is a partial study of Engr. Eric Lanosa. Tags: Feasibility Study, sugar mill Category: Sample Feasibility Study | Comments Off Some Things to Consider in Establishing a Food Business February 20, 2009, 5:28 am Due to economic crisis, it is hard to decide which business should be started. In order to minimize the risk, a thorough study must be undertaken. Food business is very rewarding since man can give up almost everything except food. Men have to eat in order to live. But of course, you will also to be considered the location, security, market, management, facility, and financial to certain that the business could be carried out profitably. Examples of food business are restaurant, canteen, fast food, bars, coffee shop and many more.

Location Location is one of the important things to consider when planning any business. Choose the best place to establish a food business. The location should be accessible to your prospective customer. As much as possible, it should be located near colleges, municipal, church, hospital, public and private offices and residences. Security Safeness of your business should also be considered. The business is secure if it is located around several establishments. Market Know the population of your place in order to know if there are enough people who will patronize your food business. Also, observe your competitors to be able to assume the demands. Food offers must be affordable to the people who live on your community. Facilities Find out the facilities to be used in your business such as the tables, chairs, cooking utensils, etc. Management Identify the personnel to be hired. Financial Estimate the total capital requirements. Forecast the monthly income and expenses of your food business in order to know the potential profits. Consider also the sources of financing. Waste Management Proper disposal of waste should be implemented. What will be the waste disposal method to be adopted. Tags: food business Category: Sample Feasibility Study | Comments Off Example / Sample of a Feasibility Study September 9, 2008, 12:21 am Feasibility Study of Establishing Cindys Fast Food Branch Along Plaza of Balanga, Bataan 1. General Objectives 1.1. Description of the Business Project

The proposed business will need a two-storey building in a 2,000 square-meter lot with a parking space at the rear. The customer will drive in the left entrance greeted by the water-sprinkled Indian trees partly shielding the establishment from the fumes coming from the busy street. Embraced by the multicolored lights, the trees will set the cosmopolitan setting to a rustic atmosphere. The building will be constructed to hide the stockroom complementing the architectural masterpiece. The smoothly cemented exit passing through the well-manicured lawn will draw sights of satisfaction from the customers. The state-of-the-art tables, chairs and utensils will enhance the customers feeling that they are in a fivestar hotel. Very affordable, the food will enthrall every customer to come and savor the food over the widely spaced tables on the immaculately marbled floor. The electronically flushing system of the restrooms will motivate the customers to force their friends and relatives to frequent this new Cindys Branch at the heart of the Balanga. 1.2. Project Time Table All minor details considered, the project will start serving the five thousand targeted daily customers within five months. The contractors will complete the fence and the framework of the building in the first month. They will finish the walls and the floors in the second month. They will install the electrical and the air conditioning units in the third month. After the first and second layer coating, they will complete the final painting in the fourth month and finally they will landscape and plant balled-trees in the fifth month. As the project will be in progress, the company will busy the facilities to be used. 1.3. Management of the Business With three managers alternately scheduled on the eight hour duty to man the 95crew in the 24 hour service, the business will surely satisfy the customers, propelling profit to soar. The personnel will make a customer feel that he is the only one served amidst the queuing multitude. The high wage given by the company and, likewise, the humane treatment of the superiors will inspire the crew to render machine-precise service. 2. Product and Market Aspects 2.1 Market Outcome A variety of expensive fireworks commence the business to attract the children, students, parents, and professionals. This opening blast will have been advertised a month before. The initial big crowd from the different districts of the province will keep growing to actualize the managements vision that this Cindy Branch will be the most profitable among the food chains in the City. 2.2 Market and Selling Price The customers can order from a variety of choices in the counter staffed with beautiful and handsome ever-smiling crew. The waiters will serve the orders in the well-crafted, smoke free dining areas with

both oriental and western motifs to fit their number and their tastes. These areas will enhance customer privacy as the customers enjoy eating while talking about the gossips of the town, or as they engage in a highly intellectual calisthenics about a hot political issue. The area will also conduce lovers to cement their relationship with their soul-penetrating interlocked gazes that only lovers could fathom, as they savor their food. 3. Technical Aspect 3.1 Location Factor At the center of Balanga Plaza, this food center will surely draw customers from the cross-section of society. The following factors will back-up the companys foresight: 3.1.1 Topography The 2,000 square-meter lot does not need labeling because the area is already flat and it is located in high location. No matter how strong the typhoon will be, the rains will not flood the area. The customers will not be drawn away from enjoying the services of Cindys. 3.1.2 Cost of Land The fertile business venture will cheapen the current P20,000 per square meter piece of land. The forty five million peso worth of property will double after only three years of operation. 3.1.3 Security The place will be safe. Secretly installed cameras will monitor every move to ensure the security of the customers. Four security guards simultaneously assigned to the area will guarantee the safety of the clients. This will be backed up by policemen assigned at the outpost nearby. 3.2 Size and Layout of the Building To maximize the 40 x 50 meter land area, the engineers will erect the 20 x 30 meter proposed two storey building, leaving five meters at both sides and 18 meters fronting the street. Only two meters will be left at the back of the building. This will ventilate the establishment. 3.3 Equipment The Bataan Builders will construct the building. This construction company will use modern building equipment like a cement mixer, caterpillar, automatic digging drill, and other state of the art construction materials. 4. Project Cost 4.1 The Land and the Building This project will cost about P 45,000,000.00 which is roughly broken into the following:

Cost of 2,000 meter lot P 40,000,000.00 Cost of 2 storey building P 4,000,000.00 Accessories and Equipments P 1,000,000.00 Total Cost P 45,000,000.00 The 45 million pesos worth of land is the biggest of the capital investment but it is worth it because unlike the other expenses, the land value will appreciate through the years. The contract with the Bataan Builders for the proposed two-storey building is P 4,000,000. This includes materials and labor. With the five-month paying scheme, Cindy will pay P 800,000 every month until the last month. The food center will need P 1,000,000 for the imported accessories like tables, chairs and other needs. 4.2 Franchise The food center will pay the current P 1,000,000 Cindy franchise. 4.3 Sources of Financing The proprietor will put in P 5,000,000. The remaining P 40,000,000 will be borrowed from the bank. 5. Business Operation 5.1 Revenues With 50 thousand monthly net income target from about five thousand daily customers, the proposed branch projects the following net income by month and years: First month P 1,500,000.00 First year P 18,000,000.00 Second year P 36,000,000.00 Third year P 54,000,000.00 Fourth year P 72,000,000.00 After four years of operation, this venture will have gained P 11,000,000 as shown in the following computations: Net income in four years P 72,000,000.00 Minus the sum of investments P 61,000,000.00 Difference P 11,000,000.00 Loaned money from the bank P 42,500,000.00 Interest of loaned money P 17,000,000.00 Franchise P 1,000,000.00 Maintenance P 500,000.00 Total P 61,000,000.00 5.2 Accessories and Equipments

Being of high quality, the accessories will still be usable after four years. However, P 500,000 pesos is allotted for maintenance and replacements of damaged property. Summary The figures above prove how financially rewarding this business venture. Because food is a necessity, a venture like this guarantees 99% success. This is especially so if the location is the Plaza like Cindys Plaza. * The feasibility study is a result of the proposed Establishment Cindys Fast Food. Tags: Feasibility Study Category: Feasibility Study, Sample Feasibility Study | Comments Off

Soybean coffee is a coffee made using soy beans and coffee beans. Soy coffee is ideal for people who would like a healthier alternative to regular coffee. It is a recommended substitute for real coffee for consumers with heart ailments. Soy is certified organic. Organic is always better for the environment, the people and for the ecosystems. But most of all better for you the coffee drinker because anything organic is in the best of tastes. Isoflavones are the beneficial substance in soy, it helps lower cholesterol. Benefits of Soybean Coffee Soy coffee provides the benefits of soy with a coffee taste. Soybeans provide all eight of the essential amino acids not manufactured by the body. With soy coffee a variety of benefits can be had. If you life to need aid in digestion, lower blood cholesterol levels, promote healthy menopause, improve sleeping, fight heart diseases, increase lean muscle mass, prevent cancer particularly colon, rectal and breast cancer. And most especially promote younger looking skin, soy coffee is for you. This is because of the isoflavones a beneficial substance in soy. Highly nourishing and caffeine-free, soy coffee is a great healthier alternative for some people which necessitate the removal of caffeine in their diet. Overtime caffeine can increase your risk of or worsen the condition of the following ailments such as allergies, heart diseases, insomnia or disrupted sleep, infertility problems, high blood pressure, miscarriage, panic, anxiety and overall stress and a horde of other diseases. Research studies indicate that soy has a variety of beneficial effects including:
o o o o o o o o

promote younger looking skin reduce hot flashes improve sleeping lower cholesterol promote healthy prostate function promote healthy and strong bones and joints increase lean muscle mass reduce risks of heart disease

Procedure in Making Soybean Coffee 1. Clean the grains, remove foreign particles. 2. Roast in a frying pan for 30 minutes in low fire or until half brown in color.

3. Grind or pound finely. 4. Cook as ordinary coffee.

MASTER LIST OF VERTICAL FILES AS OF JULY 2008

PROJECT PROPOSAL

Replication on Coastal Village Model Project on Seaweed Production & Processing (Drying) Salt Production Mushroom Production & Fruiting Bag Processing Peace & Development Community Model Project on Crop/Livestock (Vegetable Rice & Goat) production Pilot Testing of Coconut Methyl ester Fuel in Region IX Development of Pre-Fabricated Housing Components Utilizing Coconut fiberboard Mechanized Farming System (For the Poor & Disabled Persons) Bakery Conduct of Feasibility Study on the Establishment of Technology Business Incubator for the Marine Product Processing Industry in Region IX Training on Mango Processing Village Level Coconut oil Processing An Outline on the Western Mindanao Rubber Industry Development Program Cladding Effect of Polyethylene Plastic on Mango Orchard Integrated Fish Processing Bangus (Milkfish) Canning Low Cost Seaweed Dryer Tissue Culture on Banana Micro Propagation of Banana

Micro Propagation of Seaweed Establish Seaweed Dryer Seed Bank for Seaweed Cultivars 1st Mindanao Seaweed Congress Essential Oil from Ilang ilang Proposal for the Pilot Testing of a Village Level Integrated Coconut processing Plant Tempe Weaning Food Mix Pilot Sericulture Project Jatropha curcas

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

A Laboratory Analysis on the Sugar Content of the Juice Extract from Tuwak/Cabunegro Tree and a Study on its Economic Value & Significance Chemical Analysis of Rice Husk &Rice Husk Ash Grown Under Different Fertilizer Treatment Carbonic Anhydrase: Its Psychological & Evolutionary Significance in the Marine Symbiont Prochloron The Complex of Philippine Gynaikothrips Species The Effect of Fungicide Insecticide and Fungicide on Mycorrhiza & Rhizobium on Mungbean Chemical Protection from Radiation Induced Gastrointestinal Syndrome Using Radioprotectors from Herbal Sources

FEASIBILITY STUDY

Establishment of Integrated Fish Production & Processing Charcoal Briquettes Establishment of the Regional Service Center & Technology Business Incubator for the Light Engineering & Metal Working Industry in Cebu The Proposed Establishment of a Technology Business Incubator in Pangasinan The Production of Onion Powder

Integrated Coconut Processing Plant

TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE

Essential Oil production Production of Dehydrated Onion Powder Cashew Nut & Apple Processing Dehydrated Fruits processing Ilang Ilang Oil Production Production of Industrial Grade Salt Mango Leather Processing Interlocking Bricks & Roof Tiles (Semi-Mechanized Method)

TECHNOLOGIES FISH PROCESSING

Smoked Fish Squid Ball Fish Ball Preserved Tilapia Fish Quekiam Fish Frankfurter Canning Bangus Fish Burger Sardines Fish Kropeck Spicy Dilis Fish Ham Fish Flour

Fish Noodle Dried Fish Spanish Style Sardines Deboned Bangus Bottled Bangus in Corn Oil Tinapang Bangus Fried Dried Smoked Mussles Smoked Herring Patis & Bagoong Manufacture Sardine Style Galonggong Smoked Soft Bone Bangus Dried Split Fish

MEAT PROCESSING

Tocino Skinless Longanisa Corn Beef Bacon Beef Tapa Boneless Ham Canton Sausage Chicken Ham Dehydrated Beef Blood Fresh Native Sausage Hamburger Patties Tocino Chicken

Tapa Pork & Bean Choriso De Bilbao Embotido Chicharon

CACAO PROCESSING

Roasting Hot Chocolate Mix Making Chocolate

CARROT PROCESSING

Carrot Juice Carrot Cake

DURIAN PROCESSING

Pre-Processed Durian Frozen Durian Durian Chips Durian Powder Durian Paste

GUYABANO PROCESSING

Guyabano Ade Guyabano Nectar Guyabano Puree

JACKFRUIT PROCESSING

Dried Jackfruit Jackfruit Flakes Jackfruit Syrup Jackfruit Pastillas Jackfruit Preserve

BANANA PROCESSING

Banana Flour Banana Pastilyas Banana Puree Dried Banana Blossoms Banana Chips Pastilyas De Saging Banana Wine Banana Vinegar Banana Figs Banana Sauce Sauce from Banana Peeling Paste from Banana Peeling Vinegar from Banana Peeling Banana Catsup

CALAMANSI PROCESSING

Calamansi Preserve Calamansi Flavored Jellies Calamansi Flavored Lollipops

Calamansi Flavored Marsmallows Calamansi Juice Concentrate Calamansi Jelly Calamansi Nectar

UBE PROCESSING

Halaya Yam Flour Yam Chips Mashed Ubi Ube Jam Ube Patilyas Ube Powder Ube Flakes

MANGO PROCESSING

Mango Leather Mango Chutney Fresh Mango Cobbler Mango Ice Cream Mango Mini Muffins Mango Pie Mango Juice Mango Milk Shake Mango Cream Mango Up-Side Down Cake

Mango Sherbet Mango Puree Burong Mangga Dried Mango Green Mango Nectar Mango Candy Mango Cubes Mango Jam Mango Pickles Mango Cheese Cake

TOMATO PROCESSING

Tomato Candy Tomato Catsup Tomato Sauce

PINEAPPLE PROCESSING

Pineapple Jelly Dehydrated Pineapple Candied Pineapple Nata De Pia Pineapple Marmalade Pineapple Jam Pineapple Preserve Pineapple Candy Pineapple Vinegar

Pineapple Puree Pineapple Syrup Pineapple Wine

PAPAYA PROCESSING

Dried Sweet Papaya Papaya Nectar

MARANG PROCESSING

Marang Flour Marang Puree Marang Jam Marang Jelly Marang Pastilyas Nata De Marang Marang Paste Marang Concentrate Marang Brittle Marang Marmalade Marang Candy

SOYBEAN PROCESSING

MISO Toyo Soybean Coffee Soybean Tokua Taosi Making

Instant Dry Soybean Curd Fresh Bean Curd Taho

COCONUT PROCESSING

Coconut Sap Juice Coconut Honey or Syrup Coconut Sugar Coconut Vinegar Nata De Coco from Coconut Water Nata De Coco from Coconut Milk Coconut Brittle Coco Burger Bukayo Coco Jam High Fat Coco Jam Low Fat Ubod ng Niyog Coconut Candy Coconut Chips Coconut Macaroons Masapan De Coco Coconut Whey Syrup Virgin Coconut Oil Coconut Vinegar from Coconut Water Buko Pie

MUSHROOM PROCESSING

Blanching & Freezing Steaming Oil or Butter Sauteing then Freezing Drying Canning Pickling Salting

TAMARIND PROCESSING

Tamarind Juice Tamarind Concentrate Tamarind Leather

SQUASH PROCESSING

Nata De Kalabasa Squash Flour Squash Catsup Squash Vinegar Squash Maja Squash Kutsinta

OTHER RELATED FOOD TECHNOLOGIES

Salted Egg Making Balut Bacon

Bakery Business Pan De Sal Century Egg Home Made Ice Cream Home Made Siopao Cheese Gelatin Pickle Seaweed Coffee Beans Roasting Process Peanut Butter Less Grease Peanut Pastilyas De Mani Peanut Brittle Wine from Fruits Ginger Tea Atchara Kaong

PRODUCTION GUIDE

Peanut Production Sweet Potato Production Swine Raising Poultry Raising Duck Raising Cow Raising Carabao Raising

Rabbit Raising Quail Raising UTILIZATION OF ROOT CROPS FOR ANIMAL FEEDS TABLES ON FEED COMPOSITION

HORTINET

Cashew Production Sweet Potato production Cut Flower PCARRD List

RUBBER INDUSTRY

Philippines Rubber Industry Status & Prospect for World Market Rubber Industry Situation Rubber Industry Proceeding Western Mindanao Rubber Industry Development Plan 3rd Rubber Congress

COCONUT INDUSTRY

Philippine Technical Information Series Coconut Cultivation The Aflatoxin Problem Acetic Acid Industry Integrated Research & Development Problem on Coconut Introduction & Historical Background of Nata De Coco Sowing the Seeds of the Future

Utilization of Coconut Coir Fiber for the production of Cement Bonded Boards Prototype Coconut Husk Decorticating Machine

SOAP MAKING SALT MAKING CANDLE MAKING HAND MADE PAPER / NOVELTY ITEMS

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS / ISSUES

Tsunami Solid Waste Management El Nio Earthquake Organic Waste Recycling Water Pollution Time as a Life Sustaining Commodity of Filipinos in the New Millennium Tornado La Nia Air Pollution Global Warming Mount Pinatubo Volcano Activity Active Volcanoes in the Philippines

HEALTH AND MEDICINE PROBLEM / ISSUES

Birds Flu Virus Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

AIDS Abortion Drug Addiction Breast Cancer Child Abuse Birth Control Drug Abuse Ebola Virus Malaria SARS Anthrax Marriage & Divorce Prostitution

OTHER RELATED HEALTH & MEDICINE PROBLEMS / ISSUES

World Declaration of Nutrition Biochemical Nutrition Survey Health Science & Technology Priorities in Zone 5 Kombucha Beverage

BAMBOO INDUSTRY

Propagation Nursery Techniques Plantation Establishment Maintenance & Protection Pest & Diseases

Harvesting & Management Utilization Bamboo Mat Board or Laminated Sawali Board Bamboo Silver Laminated Board Bamboo Strip Plywood Bamboo veneer Corrugated Woven Bamboo Mat Board Laminated Flattened Board Plyboo UNDERSTANDING CLAY RECOGNITION & PROCESSING RECOMMENDED COTTON RPODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY

ENERGY RESOURCES

Biogas Technology Wind Pumping System Solar Dryer Environmental Technology Biomass Non- Conventional Energy System Heat Treatment Process Solar Energy Solar Crop Drying Hydro Power

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Communication System

METAL INDUSTRY

Smithery Investment Casting Metals & Engineering Industries National Action Plan

MANGO INDUSTRY

Packing House Operation for Carabao Mango Mango Production & Post Harvest Handling Mango & High Value Crops Corrugated Carton Packing for the Mango Industry Updates on Mango Technology Mango Production

CHARCOAL BRIQUETTES

Charcoal Briquette Demo Preparation of Logs Charcoal Briquette from Forest Waste NIST Developed Process of Charcoal production Production of Powder Activated Carbon from Wood & Wood Waste Rice Hull Ash Cement Hollow Block

SEAWEED INDUSTRY

Seaweed Farming Agar Processing & Characterization Epiphytes of Kappaphycus Carrageenan

Seaweed Info.

MARINE INFORMATION MATERIAL

Prolifera Seagrass Marine Mammals Marine Fishes Marine Industry

WESTERN MINDANAO PROFILE

Western Mindanao Facts & Figures Western Mindanao Profile Region 9 Profile

AQUACULTURE / MARINE PRODUCTS

Lobster Culture in Pen Shrimp Crab Culture & Fattening Grouper Milkfish Culture Pearl Oyster Faming Abalone Fishery Shellfish Associated Toxins Extraction of Squalene from Shark Mud Crab Abalone Culture & Processing

Coastal Resources Management Status of Aquatic Animal Health in the Philippines Fishes of the Philippines

INVENTION & FAMOUS SCIENTISTS

Filipino Scientists & Inventors Women Inventors Famous Scientists Patents: Inventions, Utility Models & Industrial Designs

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Concrete Solar Dryer Rice Hull Ash Cement Wood Cement Board Ferrocement Technology

EQUIPMENT & MACHINERY

Gas Tungsten ARC Welding Gas Metal ARC Welding Gemstone Cutting & Polishing Gemstone Research LPG-Fired Mechanical Dryer Shielded Metal ARC Welding

STANDARDS OF QUALITY & REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROCESSING, PACKAGING & LABELING OF BOTTLED DRINKING WATER REPUBLIC ACT / EXECUTIVE ORDER

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IN THE NATIONAL R&D SYSTEM

GO IT INFORMATION WIPO INFORMATION

BIOTECHNOLOGY

Biotechnology Updates Guidelines for Generally manipulated Microorganism (GMO)

CERAMIC

Ceramic Production Physical Characteristic of Ceramic Raw Materials & Products

GUIDELINE IN RESEARCH

Research Process Effective Communication References Research Design

DIRECTORY

Directory of Major Industries in Zamboanga City OYS Directory Food Industry 2002

NSO INFORMATION

Advocacy Tools 1995 Census Based National, Regional & Provincial Population Projections Regional Current Labor Statistics as of Fourth Quarter 1997

CURRENT AWARENESS SERVICES BIMP EAGA

SMALL FARM RESERVIOR HONEY CULTURE COMPOSTING USING TRICHODERMA

RESOLUTION ON ETHNICS IN PUBLIC SERVICE SOCIAL REFORM AGENDA DOST PRIMER (SETUP)

PHOTOJOURNALISM PLANT & ANIMAL CELL URANIUM

LISTS OF SCHOOL IN REGION 9 LISTS OF ABSTRACT FILMS LIST OF FOREIGN TECHNOLOGIES LIST OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

RITC FILES 1996 TECHNOLOGY NEWS RELEASE

POCKET RADIO BASED ON ELECTRIC TRAINING SYSTEM LIFE SAVER INVENTION (BAYWATCH)

NONI JUICE SPEECHES

OTHER INFORMATION MATERIALS AGRIL MODERNIZATION ACT EXPORT DATA COMMENTS RURAL IMPROVEMENT CLUB COOPERATIVE INTEGRATED TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT & CONSULTANCY SERVICES

Medicinal Plants Common to Philippine Soil October 31, 2010 at 11:50 am (Admin, Agriculture, Body, Business, Christian,Communication, Farming, Filipino, Food, Global Warming, Grant, ImportExport,Internet, Investment, Investor, medicine, Nature, News, Philippines, Relationship, Religion,Resi dence, Season, Techology, United Nation, USA, World) Tags: Alternative Medicine, balbas pusa, banaba, faming, Farm, garden, lemon grass,Malunggay, medicinal plant, Moringa, Organic, Philippines, plant, plants, takip kuhol,tanglad

The most famous and highly demanded at this point as far as I know is 1. Moringa also called as Malunggay andHorse Radish (Moringa Oleifera Lam) Leaves

Human Food Animal Feeds Natural Medicine Better source of mothers milk Fertility enhancer Natural pesticide Viand and Delicacy ingredients

Pods

Human Food Natural Medicine Source of Seeds

Seeds

Edible Oil/Biofuel/Perfume Oil Source of moringa seedling Cosmetics and skin care ingredients Fertilizer Water Purifier Medicine Animal feeds

Flower

Medicine Health Drink

Roots, Bark and Gum

Medicine Alley Cropping

To those who have not known of moringas nutritional value, below is miracle like benefits = 7 x more Vitamin C than Orange = 4 x more Vitamin A than Carrots = 4 x more Calcium than Milk = 3 x more Potassium than Banana = 3 x more Iron than Spinach = 3 x more Vitamin E than Almond More on Health Benefits

Dietary benefits in response to increased health consciousness in US/EU, moringa being low in trans-fatty acids High oleic acid content good emollient Nutritional benefits ideal particularly for dietary supplements

Moringa Oil Benefits

Low iodine value (better than diesel) Low cetane (ignition) number (better than both coconut fat and diesel) Cost is comparable to alternatives (e.g. Soybean oil) Could potentially obtain carbon credits in future, which would further enhance value of planting Moringa

On my own observation and opinion, having a farm or manufacturing for moringa products is one of the most profitable and fulfilling among other medicinal plants. Employment and income potential will reach as far as distant rural areas and natives locations. It will even benefit other functions: truck drivers, port operators, others. As to our study, this will benefit 100 plus direct and indirect workers in its 1-3 years of start-up operations, not to mention the number of people to work for suppliers, logistics, health workers to provide medical support for our workers, etc.

Moringa also helps purify water and offer cheaper alternative to mechanical filtration. Study shows that moringa is better than in bio fuel source and technology. Moringa trees grow easily from seeds or cuttings. They grow quickly even in poor soil and bloom 8 months after planting. I currently desire to put up a farm in Tagaytay Philippines. I can provide a credible business plan for enthusiast or if you are willing for a joint venture investment. My business plan and proposal is available upon request at my direct e-mail denissalvatierra@yahoo.com 2.Balanoi also called as Sweet Basil (Ocimum Basilicum

L.) Good alternative cure for cough and dizziness Preparation and use: For dizziness, crush enough fresh leaves with our fingers and sniff them. As a decoction for cough, boil eight tablespoons of fresh leaves in two glasses of water for 15 minutes or until the liquid is reduced to half. Divide the decoction into eight parts and take of part, three times a day.

3. Oregano also called as Broad Leaf Thyme (Coleus Amboinicus Lour) Good alternative cure for Respiratory ailments like cough, asthma and bronchitis

Preparation and use: Squeeze juice of the leaves. Take one teaspoon every hour for adults. For children above 2 years old, 3 to 4 teaspoons a day.

4. Banaba (Lagerstroemia Speciosa L.) Good alternative cure for Abdominal pains and known effective for those with stones or problems with urine Preparation and use: It is prepared and taken as a tea as a general tonic. Exact dosage for other uses not yet available.

5. Makabuhay (Tinospora rumphi Boerl) Good alternative cure for Indigestion, diarrhea, fever, skin wounds and as an ointment for rheumatism. It should not be given to patients with cardiac disorders and those suffering from fever due to typhoid and pneumonia; pregnant women, children below weak individuals. Preparation and use: Wash and chop glass of stem. Saut chopped stem on low fire for about five minutes in one glass of coconut oil. Remove the stems then and half a glass of grated white candle wax. When the wax is melted, pour into clean bottle and label. Use the ointment over the whole body, save the face area, for three consecutive nights.

6. Balbas pusa also called as Cats whiskers (Orthosiphon Aristatus [Blume] Mig) Good alternative cure for Gout and Renal Disorders Preparation and use: Dosage for decoction and other crude drug preparation has not yet been established. 7. Tanglad also called as Lemon Grass (Andropogon Citrus DC) Good alternative cure for Stomach discomfort, toothache, sprain, vomiting and ringworm

Preparation and use: To make a liniment, boil equal amounts of chopped leaves and roots with freshly made coconut oil. This can also serve as insect repelant to make an infusion, mix four ounces of the grass to one pint of boiling water. To keep away mosquitos, plant it around your house or place crushed leaves on your window sills.

8. Luyang Dilawalso called as Turmeric (Curcuma Longa L.) Good alternative cure for Wounds and Swelling Preparation and use: To make an ointment, wash the ginger. There is no need to peel it. Chop the rhizomes to fill half a glass of water. Saut with one glass of coconut oil on low heat for five minutes. Place in a clean bottle and label. To use as an antiseptic for wounds, extract juice of the fresh rhizome and apply directly on the wounds or swelling. For gas pain in adults, boil a thumb-sized rhizome in a glass of water until it becomes glass. Drink the decoction.

9. Saluyot (Corchorus Capsularis L.) Good alternative cure for Chronic Inflammation or urinary bladder Preparation and use: Incorporate the leaves in vegetable dishes and soups. Dosage for decoction and other crude drug preparation has not yet been established.

10. Takip Kuhol also called as Asiatic Pennywort (Centella Asiatica L.) Good alternative cure for Wounds and skin Sores Preparation and use: The sap of the leaves is used on wounds and skin sores. Rich in Vitamin B, it can be eaten as a salad or vegetable dish. Dosage for specific conditions not yet established. Other known medicinal plants 11. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) 12. Yerba Buena (Mentha cordifolia opiz) 13. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) 14. Tsaang Gubat (Carmona refusa) 15. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) 16. Niyug-niyogan (Quisqualis Indica) 17. Bayabas (Psidium Guajava) 18. Akapulko (Cassia alata) 19. Ulasimang bato (Peperomia Pellucida) 20. Bawang (Allium sativum) A Philippine pharmacopeia released in 2004 lists 30 priority crude plant drugs backed up by validated studies here and abroad. Excluding the first 10 DOH approved plants. The list includes: Dita bark, sinta herb, kintsay leaf, sampaguita flower, ipil-ipil seeds, makahiya herb, apatot fruit, malungay

bark, ikmo leaf, paminta, oregano leaf, mayana leaf, Granada rind, romero leaf, akasya leaf, duhat bark, sampalok pulp, maabuhay stem, ginger and banaba. The list will be updated every five years. There are also ongoing studies in university laboratories for atis, for possible bio-pesticide use; gmamela, a skin salve and rejuvenator; alibunyog, antibacterial; banago, anti fungal; and mangagaw, a possible treatment for dengue fever among others. Philippines host some of the most diverse flora in the world. About 1,500 of over 13,000 plant species in the county have identified medicinal value. I desire to propagate some of the plants but lacking on capital and own farm to do such. If given the break and chance, we want to joint venture with investor grantee so we can lease a farm lot of our own. Our business plan proposal is available upon request at our email denissalvatierra@yahoo.com Thank you to Monica Feria for his writings, to where my inspiration in coming up with this blog came. Photos are excerpt from Google Images 1 Comment Moringa Brought Good Tidings July 28, 2010 at 8:29 am (Admin, Agriculture, Business, Christian, Company, Farming,Filipino, Fund, Funding, Grant, How, Impo rt-Export, Internet, Investment, Nature, News,Philippines, Residence, Techology, Visual, World) Tags: Admin, Agriculture, Article, Bicol, Business, Christian, Famous, Farming, Filipino,Food, How, Imp ort-Export, Investment, Malunggay, Moringa, Naga, News, People,Personality, Philippines, Social Network, Source, Technology, United Nation, USA, World Excerpt Article. Source: http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2010/jun24/xgood.html

Malunggay (Moringa) brings good tidings to a family in Naga (Philippines) By Juan Escandor Jr. NAGA CITYLiza Ordas could not forget the slightly bitter taste of a glass of green malunggay (Moringa oeifera) juice their mother would force them to drink at least twice a week when she was just a child. Now a 40-year-old married mother of two, Ordas claimed the regular doses of malunggay juice she intakes has worked wonders on her health pointing out that never in her lifetime was she ever afflicted with serious illness as far as she remembers. Ordas mother, a native of Tarlac, possesses the folk knowledge that malunggay is very nutritious with medicinal properties which Ilocanos embraced in their cuisine sans coconut milk, as it is prepared here in Bicol, she said. The Ilocanos mix malunggay leaves, flowers and young pods in their pakbet, bulanglang and other dishes and the old folks chew and ingest matured seeds to remedy pain and infection, Ordas claimed. She said her mother explained that since the leaves are hard to digest she devised a way of extracting the juice by boiling them, then strained and served to them in tall glasses as green liquid. Malunggay, aside from being considered poor mans vegetable, is a butt of joke in the locality because its leaves are considered to be indigestible one, remaining intact even after going through the human digestive process. But in countless researches, Moringa had been acknowledged to possess nutritional value, antioxidant, anti-aging compounds and many more which prompted the World Health Organization to utilize it as cheap health supplement in poverty stricken countries, especially in Africa where it also grows in abundance. Ordas said she searched far and wide, so to speak, about the Moringa and its products in available reading materials and the internet because she was confident she can make whatever business opportunity awaits her besides providing their family regular supplement to enhance their w ellbeing. The determination to make Moringa work in her favor was non-negotiable as the internet caf business was waning and she could not bear to see her capital just in time. She gathered more information by talking to health experts and met and chatted with a German doctor named Uwe Mueller at moringanews.com about the subject which greatly enhanced his appreciation of the benefits of Moringa. She said Mueller came over here to further promote the benefits of the wonder plant as food supplement sometime in 2008. Ordas, a graduate of Biology and Anthropology courses at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City in 1992, discovered that most of the Moringa products she learned from the internet

were from India but she noted the products were so limited which made her optimistic that many more could be developed given its properties. After about three months researching about Moringa, she and her husband Bimboy sold their internet caf business and embarked on the production of capsules from dried powder, and experimented on it by making her family the guinea pigs. In the first weeks, we experienced discharging oily compounds which I later confirmed as one of the cleansing effects of malunggay in our bodies by flashing out fats and toxins from our systems, Ordas said. She said the malunggay capsules also cleansed her husband of kidney stones and relieved her mother of hypertension and vertigo by regularly taking them thrice a day. Ordas said her enthusiasm towards developing products from Moringa was so overwhelming after experiencing first hand its health benefits so that there were times she has to get up in the middle of the night just to take down notes that kept on popping in her head. I had ideas and concepts inside my head how to process and extract products from malunggay that I wrote down in details which became the prototype of what I am manufacturing now, she enthused. Ordas recalled they closed down their internet caf in 2007 to concentrate in producing Moringa products which demand started to grow upon participation in trade fairs of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and through direct selling. We started commercial production of Moringa capsules in small volume as order came in one at a time which grew over time prompting my husband to approach a childhood friend to pitch in so that we can expand our production because the capital we have from the sale of the internet caf could not fund, she narrated. Ordas revealed Bimboy shared to his childhood friend all the trade secrets in producing Moringa capsules when they made a partnership agreement that she said never took off. She said after a month or so her husbands childhood friend withdrew his investment by reasoning that he lost interest in Moringa and wanted to concentrate in some other business venture. To their dismay, Ordas and Bimboy discovered later, after her husbands childhood friends withdrawal from their business venture that their supposed partner had already gone solo in producing his own Moringa capsules. He (husbands childhood friend) copied everything from the procedures to product package which really hurt me. But instead of being discouraged by the thought of facing an unfair competition, I was driven further to develop other products aside from Moringa capsules, she said.

With renewed determination to beat the odds, they put-up their own factory in their yard in Calauag, Naga City and poured in all the money they had and braced to make new products that were already in Ordas drawing board. It was a painful lesson (partnership with her husbands friend) I had to learn but I am confident nobody else but me has the idea of the other products that I am going to make. We resorted to borrowing from our friends to continue our venture until it started to thrive, she said. Ordas registered her business venture at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under Ordas Kalungay (Bicol word for malunggay) Depot which finally formalized their entry into the manufacturing industry. She said the DTI has helped them develop their systems from labeling, packaging to marketing with the help of her husband who designed the product presentation. Ordas explored all avenues to market her products through the internet as her Australian friend gave her free website hosting with the domain name www.kalungaydepot.com aside from posting her Moringa products in e-commerce sites like alibaba.com and sulit.com.ph. With orders and inquiries about her products streamed in from the internet, she decided to transform her enterprise into a family corporation and registered it with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as Moringa Green Health International Corp. Ordas said she is fortunate she has friends who lent her additional capital with very low interest rates which enabled her to expand her factory, upgrade her equipment and better package her products. She was also granted P600,000 worth of packaging equipment by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). She said marketing opportunities has come her way now as she was able to sign an agreement with a Korean buyer who initiated wider product exposure in leading newspapers and magazines in Korea and Japan. Acquiring the green light this year from Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) of her production process and products, Ordas Moringa business that now sells by-products like soap, wine, juice, tea and oil, aside from the capsules, are making inroads into the local and international markets, after only three years in business. At present, Ordas family-run and operated business can produce in a day 500 capsules, 500 bottles of 15 ml Moringa green oil, 100 bars of soap, 100 bottles of wine, 200 bottles of concentrated Moringa juice and 20 kilos of tea upon order. 4 Comments How To Plant Moringa (Cultivation)

July 5, 2010 at 3:51 am (Admin, Agriculture, Arts, Business, Christian, Communication,Company, Education, Farming, Food, Fu nd, Funding, Global Warming, Grant, Hero, How,ImportExport, Investment, Investor, medicine, Nature, News, Philippines, Religion, Social Network, Source, United Nation, Visual, World) Tags: Admin, Agriculture, Business, Christian, Famous, Farming, Filipino, Food, How,ImportExport, Investment, Malunggay, Moringa, News, People, Personality, Philippines,Social Network, Source, Techology, United Nation, USA, World

I could not believe myself the present interest of so many with the tree called moringa, as I received so many feedbacks after I wrote some articles about it and its economic and nutritional benefits. Believe it or not, one of my always read articles on this blog falls under tag moringa. Maybe because global trading is now pointing to organics and people these days are getting more health conscious. One of which is how to plant moringa? I have to admit that though have the knowledge, I am not yet an expert on moringa farming. Nonetheless, I knew one writer who has written a more precise suggestion and fit to where it most needed these days Africa. Allow me to excerpt from the writings of Lowell J. Fuglie and K. V. Sreeja Quote: Moringa oleifera (Malunggay in Philippine native language) is believed to be native to subHimalayan tracts of northern India but is now found worldwide in the tropics and sub-tropics. It grows best in direct sunlight under 500 meters altitude. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers a neutral to slightly acidic (pH. 6.3-7.0), well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Minimum annual rainfall requirements are estimated at 250mm with maximum at over 3,000mm, but in waterlogged soil the roots have a tendency to rot. (In areas with heavy rainfall, trees can be planted on small hills to encourage water run-off). Presence of a long taproot makes it resistant to periods of drought. Trees can be easily grown from seed or from cuttings. Temperature ranges are 25-35 degrees Celsius (0-95

degrees Fahrenheit), but the tree will tolerate up to 48 degrees in the shade and it can survive a light frost. Moringa seeds have no dormancy period, so they can be planted as soon as they are mature and they will retain the ability to germinate for up to one year. Moringa trees will flower and fruit annually and in some regions twice annually. During its first year, a Moringa tree will grow up to five meters in height and produce flowers and fruit. Left alone, the tree can eventually reach 12 meters in height with a trunk 30cm wide; however, the tree can be annually cut back to one meter from the ground. The tree will quickly recover and produce leaves and pods within easy reach. Within three years a tree will yield 400-600 pods annually and a mature tree can produce up to 1,600 pods. IN THE NURSERY: Use poly bags with dimensions of about 18cm in height and 12cm in diameter. The soil mixture for the sacks should be light, i.e. 3 parts soil to 1 part sand. Plant two or three seeds in each sack, one to two centimeters deep. Keep moist but not too wet. Germination will occur within 5 to 12 days, depending on the age of the seed and pre-treatment method used. Remove extra seedlings, leaving one in each sack. Seedlings can be out-planted when they are 60-90cm high. When out-planting, cut a hole in the bottom of the sack big enough to allow the roots to emerge. Be sure to retain the soil around the roots of the seedling. To encourage rapid germination, one of three pre-seeding treatments can be employed: 1. Soak the seeds in water overnight before planting. 2. Crack the shells before planting. 3. Remove shells and plant kernels only. IN THE FIELD: If planting a large plot it is recommended to first plough the land. Prior to planting a seed or seedling, dig a planting pit about 50cm in depth and the same in width. This planting hole serves to loosen the soil and helps to retain moisten in the root zone, enabling the seedlings roots to develop rapidly. Compost or manure at the rate of 5kg per pit can be mixed with the fresh topsoil around the pit and used to fill the pit. Avoid using the soil taken out of the pit for this purpose: fresh topsoil contains beneficial microbes that can promote more effective root growth. The day before out planting, water the filled pits or wait until a good rain before out-planting seedlings. Fill in the hole before transplanting the seedling. In areas of heavy rainfall, the soil can be shaped in the form of a mound to encourage drainage. Do not water heavily for the first few days. If the seedlings fall over, tie them to stick 40cm high for support. DIRECT SEEDING: If water is available for irrigation (i.e., in a backyard garden), trees can be seeded directly and grown anytime during the year. Prepare a planting pit first, water, and then fill in the pit with topsoil mixed with compost or manure before planting seeds. In a large field, trees can be seeded directly at the beginning of the wet season. GROWING FROM CUTTINGS: Use hard wood, not green wood, for cuttings. Cuttings should be 45cm to 1.5m long and 10cm thick.

Cuttings can be planted directly or planted in sacks in the nursery. When planting directly, plant the cuttings in light, sandy soil. Plant one-third of the length in the ground (i.e., if the cutting is 1.5m long, plant it 50cm deep). Do not over water; if the soil is too heavy or wet, the roots may rot. When the cuttings are planted in the nursery, the root system is slow to develop. Add phosphorus to the soil if possible to encourage root development. Cuttings planted in a nursery can be out-planted after 2 or 3 months. SPACING: For intensive Moringa production, plant the tree every 3 meters in rows 3 meters apart. To ensure sufficient sunlight and airflow, it is also recommended to plant the trees in an east-west direction. When the trees are part of an alley-cropping system, there should be 10 meters between the rows. The area between trees should be kept free of weeds. Trees are often spaced in a line one meter or less apart in order to create living fence posts. Trees are also planted to provide support for climbing crops such as pole beans, although only mature trees should be used for this purpose since the vine growth can choke off the young tree. Moringa trees can be planted in gardens; the trees root system does not compete with other crops for surface nutrients and the light shade provided by the tree will be beneficial to those vegetables which are less tolerant to direct sunlight. From the second year onwards, Moringa can be inter-cropped with maize, sunflower and other field crops. Sunflower is particularly recommended for helping to control weed growth. However, Moringa trees are reported to be highly competitive with eggplant (Solanum melongena) and sweet corn (Zea mays) and can reduce their yields by up to 50%. PINCHING THE TERMINAL TIPS: When the seedlings reach a height of 60cm in the main field, pinch (trim) the terminal growing tip 10cm from the top. This can be done using fingers since the terminal growth is tender, devoid of bark fiber and brittle, and therefore easily broken. A shears or knife blade can also be used. Secondary branches will begin appearing on the main stem below the cut about a week later. When they reach a length of 20cm, cut these back to 10cm. Use a sharp blade and make a slanting cut. Tertiary branches will appear, and these are also to be pinched in the same manner. This pinching, done four times before the flowers appear (when the tree is about three months old), will encourage the tree to become bushy and produce many pods within easy reach. Pinching helps the tree develop a strong production frame for maximizing the yield. If the pinching is not done, the tree has a tendency to shoot up vertically and grow tall, like a mast, with sparse flowers and few fruits found only at the very top. For annual Moringa types, directly following the end of the harvest, cut the trees main trunk to about 90cm from ground level. About two weeks later 15 to 20 sprouts will appear below the cut. Allow only 4-5 robust branches to grow and nib the remaining sprouts while they are young, before they grow long and harden. Continue the same pinching process as done with new seedlings so as to make the tree bushy. After the second crop, the trees can be removed and new seedlings planted for maximum productivity.

For perennial Moringa types, remove only the dead and worn out branches every year. Once in four or five years, cut the tree back to one meter from ground level and allow re-growth. WATERING: Moringa trees do not need much watering. In very dry conditions, water regularly for the first two months and afterwards only when the tree is obviously suffering. Moringa trees will flower and produce pods whenever there is sufficient water available. If rainfall is continuous throughout the year, Moringa trees will have a nearly continuous yield. In arid conditions, flowering can be induced through irrigation. FERTILIZING: Moringa trees will generally grow well without adding very much fertilizer. Manure or compost can be mixed with the soil used to fill the planting pits. Phosphorus can be added to encourage root development and nitrogen will encourage leaf canopy growth. In some parts of India, 15cm-deep ring trenches are dug about 10cm from the trees during the rainy season and filled with green leaves, manure and ash. These trenches are then covered with soil. This approach is said to promote higher pod yields. Research done in India has also showed that applications of 7.5kg farmyard manure and 0.37kg ammonium sulfate per tree can increase pod yields threefold. PESTS AND DISEASES: Moringa is resistant to most pests. In very water-logged conditions, Diplodia root rot can occur. In very wet conditions, seedlings can be planted in mounds so that excess water is drained off. Cattle, sheep, pigs and goats will eat Moringa seedlings, pods and leaves. Protect Moringa seedlings from livestock by installing a fence or by planting a living fence around the plantation. A living fence can be grown with Jatropha curcas, whose seeds also produce an oil good for soap-making. For mature trees, the lower branches can be cut off so that goats will not be able to reach the leaves and pods. Termites can be a problem, especially when cuttings are planted. Among approaches recommended to protect seedlings from termite attack: Apply mulches of castor oil plant leaves, mahogany chips, tephrosia leaves or Persian lilac leaves around the base of the plants. Heap ashes around the base of seedlings. Dry and crush stems and leaves of lions ear or Mexican poppy and spread the dust around the base of plants. In India, various caterpillars are reported to cause defoliation unless controlled by spraying. The budworm Noordia moringae and the scale insects Diaspidotus sp. and Ceroplastodes cajani are reportedly able to cause serious damage. Also mentioned as pests in India are Aphis craccibora, the borer Diaxenopsis apomecynoides and the fruit fly Gitonia sp. Elsewhere in the world, where Moringa is an introduced tree, local pests are less numerous. HARVESTING: When harvesting pods for human consumption, harvest when the pods are still young (about 1cm in

diameter) and snap easily. Older pods develop a tough exterior, but the white seeds and flesh remain edible until the ripening process begins. When producing seed for planting or for oil extraction, allow the pods to dry and turn brown on the tree. In some cases, it may be necessary to prop up a branch that holds many pods to prevent it breaking off. Harvest the pods before they split open and seeds fall to the ground. Seeds can be stored in well-ventilated sacks in dry, shady places. For making leaf sauces, harvest seedlings, growing tips or young leaves. Older leaves must be stripped from the tough and wiry stems. These older leaves are more suited to making dried leaf powder since the stems are removed in the pounding and sifting process. Unquote: 6 Comments Sea Cucumber Means Money June 26, 2010 at 4:31 pm (Admin, Agriculture, Business, Calamity, Christian,Communication, Education, Europe, Famous, Farmin g, Filipino, Food, Fund, Funding,Global Warming, How, ImportExport, Internet, Investment, Investor, Nature, News,People, Philippines, Sea Cucumber, Singapore, Source, UK) Tags: Agriculture, China, Chinese Foodm, Entrepreneur, Farming, Filipino, Food recipe,Green, Hong Kong, Investment, Livelihood, Malunggay, Money, Moringa, Organic, Recipe,Sea Cucumber, Sea Foods, Singapore To tell you honestly, I am not an expert on sea cucumbers. I first heard it through a Christian radio program. Since then I got curious until I attended a session and discovered so many things. One

is I found out that this aquatic resource is common in the Philippines yet only a few knew its high income potentials if cultivated and process properly. I could not believe how high the demand for this aquatic resource in the international market. This could mean livelihood to many to aleviate poverty or entrepreneurial pursuits or investment opportunity. I need not be a business guru to understand that this matter. So are you. Sea cucumbers are actually not new to Philippines as our country is surrounded by bodies of waters. Harvesting of sea cucumbers has been a source of income to many families in the Philippines,

especially to those living near the sea shores. Its just that many of us still need to be educated on its proper cultivation and processing for a more profitable business and long term source of income. Let me quote a portion from an article written by an expert on this field excerpt fromhttp://www.bar.gov.ph/bardigest/2004/aprjun04_brightpotential.asp Quote: Sea cucumbers may be weird marine creatures but to some people, they are delectable. Across Asia, they have long been a staple in peoples diets, mainly in soups, stews and stir-fries. They are highly nutritious described as an ideal tonic food as they provide more protein and less fat than most foods. Like tofu, it is flavorless but absorbs the flavors of its surrounding seasonings and foods, wrote a food maven and epicure. Generally, sea cucumbers are sold as trepang, which is easier to store and handle than the fresh product. They are valued as an exotic delicacy and a flavorful condiment for soups, noodles and other dishes. In some parts of Europe, whole beche-de-mer can be stuffed with a filling of pork, cornstarch and chopped fried fish. Cooked fresh and quickly on a hot griddle, espardenyes are served with olive, sea salt and a squeeze of lemon in Spain. Like their terrestrial cousins, sea cucumbers can unsurprisingly, perhaps also be pickled. In some instances, they are prepared as salads and eaten fresh minus the internal organs. In other parts of the world, the internal organs of some species like Stichopus variegatus are also fermented for food.

To some people, sea cucumbers are more than just food. In fact, there are people who believe sea animals possess some aphrodisiac powers. The reason for this belief is the peculiar reaction of the creature on being kneaded or disturbed slightly with fingers. It swells and stiffens and a jet of water is released from one end. This behavior is similar to the erection and subsequent ejaculation of the male sexual organ.

By the way, people in Palau use the sea cucumber to protect their feet when walking in the reef. They squeeze the sea cucumber until it squirts out sticky threads, which they put on their feet. Even though this practice may sound harsh, the sea cucumber returns to the reef unharmed. In the Philippines, sea cucumbers are found in burrows, seagrass beds or sandy areas with large amounts of coral rubbles. Some are found in waters of up to 20 meters deep. These can be found off

the coastal waters of Zamboanga City; Zamboanga del Sur; Zamboanga del Norte; Basilan Province; Jolo, Sulu; South Cotabato; Surigao del Norte; Villas eal and Catbalogan, Samar; Negros Occidental; Cebu; Calatagan, Bangas; Polilio Island, Quezon; Masinloc, Zambales; San Vicente, Cagayan; San Fernando, La Union; Bolinao, Bani and Alaminos, Pangasinan. For almost a century, the harvesting and processing of sea cucumbers has been a source of income for many Filipino families. As Naga, the publication of the World Fish Center, reported in 1987: The steady demand for sea cucumbers from other countries has made sea cucumber harvesting an attractive source of income for many Filipinos. In many islands and coastal villages, the income derived from it constitutes a significant portion of a familys livelihood. Today, sea cucumber is a multi-million dollar industry. In the United States, price rate of dried sea cucumber is pegged at US$180 to US$250 per kilogram. The Philippines is home to 100 species of sea cucumbers, of which 31 are commercially important. There is a big export market for sea cucumbers particularly for Hong Kong, China, Korea and Japan, says Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, former executive director of the Laguna-based Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD). Aside from food, theres also an emerging market for the use of sea cucumbers in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Common medicinal uses of sea cucumber in China include treating: weakness, impotence, debility of the aged, constipation due to intestinal dryness, and frequent urination. As demand continues to escalate, the supply dwindles to the extent that their population is now in jeopardy. Sea cucumber stocks are under intense fishing pressure throughout the world, according to a recent report released by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Most high value commercial species have been depleted. In Asia and the Pacific, the most sought-after species are largely depleted. The region generates some 20,000 to 40,000 tons per year, which are exported to

China and other Asian markets. Most of them come from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. The fast pace of development of sea cucumber fisheries to supply growing international demand is placing most fisheries and many sea cucumber species at risk, pointed out the FAO report, Sea Cucumbers: A Global Review of Fisheries and Trade. Sea cucumbers are utilized almost exclusively as an export commodity. This huge export makes the population of sea cucumbers in the country to decline significantly. Yes, we used to have a lot of sea cucumbers in our coastal areas, admits Dr. Guerrero. They have been depleted because of over-harvesting. But the good news is: There are now on-going projects for the artificial breeding and culture of sea cucumbers being conducted by the Marine Science Institute (MST) of the University of the Philippines (UP) in Bolinao, Pangasinan. In Mindanao, the UP is also conducting pond culture of sea cucumber in Davao City, in cooperation with a private entity, the Alson Aquaculture. In addition, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has recently established the countrys first-ever commercial hatchery for sea cucumber to enhance massive raising of the commodity nationwide. The hatchery produces 60,000 juvenile sea cucumbers every month, which can be distributed to farmers who are interested in culturing them in fish ponds, or for sea ranching (stocking them in a designated space in the sea for gathering later). Sea cucumber is a good material for sea ranching because, based on its behavior, it can travel just one to two meters a day and about one kilometer a year, the BFAR said in a statement. The mortality rate of cultured juveniles is high. But once they weigh 20 grams and placed in the seafloor or in ponds, the survival rate is almost 100%, according to Dr. Westly Rosario, executive director of the BFARs National Fisheries Research Development Institute. In a recent report, Northern Luzon news reporter Yolanda Fuertes wrote: Aside from the initial cost of the juvenile sea cucumbers (Php5 each), they are not fed commercial food, depending only on organic matter in the culture pond for nourishment (salinity should be at least 20 parts per thousand) or the sea tidal flats which are their natural habitats. Dr. Guerrero said that sea farming of sea cucumbers can be a profitable and environmentally-friendly livelihood industry for coastal communities. The PCAMRD, a line agency of the Department of Science and Technology, is supporting such kind of projects. A study conducted at BFAR showed that it takes six months for the sea cucumber to reach 250 grams, the desired weight in the export market. One hectare of fishpond can accommodate 10,000 sea cucumbers. This means that after six months, a farmer can harvest at least 2.5 tons. But before they can be exported, they have to be dried first shrunk to about 10% of their live weight. So, the marketable harvest would only be 250 kilograms. At P4,000 per kilogram, the farmer earns a whooping Phpi million from his one-hectare pond in six months. Unquote.

As I have said earlier, we just excerpt above article fromhttp://www.bar.gov.ph/bardigest/2004/aprjun04_brightpotential.asp For more specific details about sea cucumber, you may click to link below for more info. Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_cucumber http://www.spc.int/coastfish/news/bdm/13/03.Schoppe.html http://www.fao.org/docrep/007/y5501e/y5501e0c.htm http://www.bar.gov.ph/bardigest/2004/aprjun04_brightpotential.asp ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/011/i0375e/i0375e04.pdf For interested investors, entrepreneurs and those who would want to enter into the sea cucumber business, I can refer you to someone who is sincerely promoting it. Not to mention other agriculture and aqua culture potentials he help promote and develops in the past. His details are available upon request. Photos are excerpt from Google Images, credits to below link:http://www.diytrade.com/china/4/manufacturers/820682/main/Denma_Trading_Company.html http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=high-demand-in-chinathreatens-phil-2009-06-25 http://endoftheline.com/blog/archives/date/2009/04 20 Comments Moringa Recipe June 7, 2010 at 9:44 am (Admin, Agriculture, Business, Christian, Famous, Farming,Filipino, Food, How, ImportExport, Investment, News, People, Personality, Philippines,Social Network, Source, Techology, United Nation, USA, World) Tags: Agriculture, Farming, Food recipe, Green, Investment, Malunggay, Moringa, Recipe

I wont deny that I am not an excerpt on cooking and recipe, so I just gather some from those who trully cook using moringa tree parts(malunggay in filipino native language). I did this because moringa is now a craze and the world is easily turning to organic products. Most of which are excerpt from one of my favorite moringa blogger http://bellybites.wordpress.com/

Puto de Moringa (Steamed Muffins) Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup powder skimmed milk

3 tbsp moringa (malunggay) powder 3 tsp baking powder 1 cup granulated sugar 2 whole eggs, beaten 2 tbsp vanilla extract 2 1/4 cups water

Procedure: 1. Mix well all dry ingredients 2. Add water and vanilla.Fold in eggs, mix well until free from lumps 3. Fill puto molders with the mixture (3/4 full) and arrange in the steamer 4. Steam for 10 to 12 minutes. 5. Serve with Malunggay-Gulaman Juice

Moringa Tea Kindly click to link below for actual article and procedure http://crisonthesidelines.wordpress.com/2009/05/14/malunggay-moringa-tea/

Moringa Powder http://crisonthesidelines.wordpress.com/2008/07/09/how-to-make-malunggay-moringa-powder/

Moringa and Coconut Cookies http://crisonthesidelines.wordpress.com/2008/09/18/gfcf-diet-malunggay-moringa-and-coconutcookies-2/

Moringa Capsules http://crisonthesidelines.wordpress.com/2009/10/14/malunggay-capsule-procedure-bureau-ofplants/

Moringa Pastillas http://crisonthesidelines.wordpress.com/2008/07/08/malunggay-pastillas-how-to-make-it/ Polvorones de Malunggay

http://crisonthesidelines.wordpress.com/2008/07/08/polunggaypolvorones-de-malunggay/ This recipe is easy and definitely a delicious one. Try it! BANANA WINE Procedure: 1. Peel ripe bananas and slice thinly 2. Measure. To every one part sliced bananas, add one-and-one-a-half parts water. 3. Boil for 30 minutes or longer depending upon the quantity of the pulp. 4. Strain 5. Add sugar to the extract (one part sugar to every three parts extract). 6. Stir and boil to dissolve the sugar. Sugar content should be 22-24 degrees. Brix. 7. Allow to cool. 8. Place in clean glass container or demi-johns. 9. Inoculate with yeast (one tablespoon Red Star yeast to every 40 liters of boiled sweetened juice). 10. Plug mouth of demi-john with a clean piece of paper to protect from dust. 11. Ferment for a mouth. 12. Siphon out the clear fermented liquid. 13. Filter and transfer to a sterilized oak barrel for aging 14. Cover hole with a wooden plug and seal with melted paraffin 15. Age for two years or longer. 16. Clarify the wine with eggwhites (eight eggwhites for every 30 liters of wine) by heating the aged wine in stream bath or heating the age wine in steam bath or a double boiler to a temperature of 55-60 degrees Celsius while adding the well-beaten eggwhites. 17. Stir to maintain the temperature to 15-20 minutes. 18. Cool. 19. Filter the wine and bottle by siphoning into clear and sterilized bottles.

Botanical Name: Trichosanthes anguina Also known as Chinese cucumber and belongs to the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. It is a rapidly growing vine; leaves are angular and hairy, with 5-7 lobes which emit a foetid odor when bruised. Flowers are white in color; the fruits are large and greenish white. They reach up to 150 cm. in length and 8 cm. in thickness. The tender immature fruits are cooked as vegetables. Nutritive Value: Snake gourd is a very nutritious vegetable. It shows that Snake Gourd is a very nutritious vegetable with an analysis that shows it consists of:

moisture 94.6 percent protein 0.5 percent fat 0.3 percent fibre 0.8 percent and Carbohydrates 3.3 percent per 100 grams of edible portion

Its mineral and vitamin contents are:

calcium 26 mg. percent phosphorus 20 mg. percent iron 0.3 mg. percent carotene 96mg. percent

thiamin 0.04 percent riboflavin 0.06 mg percent niacin 0.3 mg. percent

Its calorific value is 18. Health Benefits: The juice of the fresh leaves is beneficial in heart disorders like palpitation and pain in the heart on physical exertion. It should be taken in doses of 1 to 2 tablespoons thrice daily. The juice is also useful in the treatment of alopecia, a disease of the scalp resulting in complete or baldness and in the treatment of jaundice. Snake Gourd has been proven to cure Fevers Snake gourd is useful in reducing bilious fever. A decoction of the fruits should be prepared for use in this condition. Its ability is increased if it is given with chiretta and honey. In obstinate cases of fevers, a combined infusion of this plant and of coriander will be more beneficial. About 12 grams of each should be infused in water overnight. The strained liquid should be given in two parts the next day. A decoction of the leaves of the plant, made with the addition of coriander leaves, is also useful in bilious fever. The leaf juice is used to induce vomiting. In remittent fever, the leaf juice is applied as a liniment over the body. Diabetes Snake gourd is considered useful in wasting and thirst, which is an ancient reference to diabetes. This has led to investigations of its potential to treat this disease. Modern Chinese treatments for diabetes frequently include Snake gourd root as an ingredient. Even otherwise, being a low-calorie food, this vegetable can be used liberally with advantage by Type-II diabetics to reduce weight and also at the same time get adequate nourishment. Heart disorders The juice of the fresh leaves is useful in the disorders of the heart like palpitation and pain in the heart on physical exertion. The juice should be given in doses of one to two tablespoons thrice daily. Jaundice An infusion of the leaves is beneficial in the treatment of jaundice. It should be given in 30 to 60 grams doses with coriander seed decoction thrice daily. As a Purgative

Juice of the snake gourd root is a strong purgative, while an infusion of the dried fruit is a mild one. It also aids digestion. The leaves of the plant are useful as an emetic and purgative in children suffering from constipation. A teaspoon of the fresh juice should be given early in the morning for this purpose. The seeds are especially useful as a moistening agent for treating dry constipation. Precautions The seeds of the snake gourd should not be taken in excess of prescribed dosage as their overdose may cause gastric discomfort, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea; due to their high content of oil. The fruits are contraindicated in cold with diarrhea. Snake gourd root should be used cautiously during pregnancy as high doses may have an abortifacient effect.

Sources: Home Remedies Guide, Natural Health Care Topics: Crops & Vegetables, Medicinal Plants (Halamang Gamot) | No Comments Panyawan/Guduchi By goGreen | August 6, 2011

Plant Description Known by the common name Guduchi, Panyawan is an herbaceous vine of the family Menispermaceae indigenous to the tropical areas of India,Myanmar and Sri Lanka. It is a climbing shrub typically growing in deciduous and dry forests, leaves are heart shaped,

succulent bark is creamy white to grey in color, with deep clefts spotted with lenticels and puts out long, slender aerial roots. It is often growing on mango or neem trees. Flowers are yellow, growing in lax racemes from nodes on old wood. Fruits are drupes, turning red when ripe. Other Names

Tinospora cordifolia (Latin) Menispermum cordifolium (Latin, obs.) Menispermum glabrum (Latin, obs.) Cocculus cordifolius (Latin, obs.) Guruchi, Gulanch (Hind.) Amrita-valli Giloe (Hindi) Amrit, Amrita (Sanskrit) Gulancha (Bengali) Gado, Galo (Gujarati) Duyutige Teppatige (Telgu) Heartleaf Moonseed (English) Indian Tinospora, Boraphet (Thailand) Makabuhay (Tagalog) Paliaban (Bisaya) Pagiauban (Bisaya) Taganagtagua (Philippines) Brotowali Andawali Putrawali (Indonesia)

Useful Parts stem and roots Benefits

1. Fresh juice of guduchi, when mixed with rock candy, speeds up the recovery in hepatitis patients. 2. It helps in remedying ailments like raktapitta, anemia, cardiac debility, diabetes, sexual debility and splenic disorders. 3. The starch of the plant serves as a household remedy for chronic fever, relieves burning sensation and increases energy and appetite. 4. The decoction of guduchi, mixed with nimba and vasa, eases the itching and oozing. 5. It benefits general weakness, dyspepsia, impotency, dysentery, secondary syphilis, tuberculosis, jaundice, constipation, leprosy, general debility, cutaneous rashes and condylomata. 6. Guduchi helps in getting rid of renal caliculi and reduces blood urea level. 7. The decoction of guduchi and sunthi is a good combination for treating gout and rheumatic disorders. 8. Guduchi juice, when taken with cows milk or lodhra, is effective in combating leucorrhea. 9. The juice is mixed with cumin seeds and consumed to reduce the burning sensation caused due to pitta. 10. The root of guduchi is a strong emetic and used for bowel obstruction. Caution Diabetic patients are advised to use guduchi with caution, since it can lower blood sugar levels. In case you are about to undergo a surgery, stop consuming guduchi two weeks beforehand, since it can interfere with blood sugar control during the surgery. It is better to avoid guduchi during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Soources: Wiki answers, Ayurvedic medicinal plants, freePRnow, iloveindia.com Topics: Medicinal Plants (Halamang Gamot) | No Comments Steps In Vermicomposting By goGreen | August 5, 2011

VERMICOMPOSTING is composting plant materials with worms. The advantage of vermin-composting to that of the usual conventional compost pile is that the process is faster and the resulting organic soil is richer in certain nutrients provided by the earthworms themselves. It is rich in humic acid, which is a growth promoting. African Night Crawler (Eudrilis eugeniae) earthworm is incredible eaters and will eat and expel their own weight every day when conditions are right. It takes 60 days or less for fresh organic waste to be converted into compost fertilizer. Our native earthworm may also be employed. Steps in Vermi-composting: 1. Have a shed for the composting site to protect the worms from direct sunlight and from torrential rains to be able to do their work undisturbed. The worms need a good living condition, dimly lit area to live in with enough moisture. 2. Construct a storage area for digested compost before it is screened and bagged. 3. Construct the compost bed for worms to digest with concrete hollow blocks three blocks high with a depth of 30-45 cm. 1 meter wide by 2 meters long or longer. Be sure that the soil bed is well drained under the composting bed. The worms will not escape into the soil if there is available food to digest. 4.Use a shredder or hammer mill to crush the organic materials into small particles easy to decompose and eaten by the earthworms. Good food: They need 25% nitrogen from legumes like Madre de cacao and ipil-ipil leaves, chicken droppings and cattle dung, etc. and 75% carbon source like grasses, rice and corn stalks, cogon and sugarcane tops.

5. Mixing old animal manure and chicken droppings (2 months old) with shredded vegetable waste will improve the nutrient content of the finish product. Do not use fresh manure for the ammonia produced will give discomfort to the worms. 6. Water the bed from time to time to keep them moist but not flooded so as not to drown the worms. 7. Fence off or screen in the beds to keep out chickens, birds, rodents and other pest that will eat or bother the worms in the wormer. 8. Mix a little ordinary soil to the fresh shredded vegetable materials before introducing the worms. 9. Place one kilogram of worms per square meter for fast composting. 10-20 pieces may do to start with but it will take longer time to compost while the worms breed to increase their number. A kilo of worms are sold for P500 and they breed fast in two months. 10. Inoculating and spraying the compost materials with pro-biotic bacteria will help fast tract decomposition and the worms to digest the compost in much shorter time. 11. When the compost is digested, the worms become less active. It is time to herd them to another compartment with fresh food materials. As they leave, the digested compost is ready for harvest and transferred to the stocking or holding area for screening, drying and packing. 12. Harvesting will be easier by allowing the bed with completely digested compost material to dry up so the worms will move to the next compartment with moisture and fresh shredded vegetable food materials. 13. Screen the material with inch mesh before weighing and bagging for sale. 50 kilo bag humus is sold for P150 to P300 to gardeners. If you use it in your own farm, there is no need of screening. (Note: Commercial imported chemical fertilizer today prices have gone over P600 per 50 kilo bag) The worms feces are called vermin-casting or humus. Compost takes 2-3 months to decompose, while shredded materials fed to worms takes only 15-21 days. Advantages of Vermicomposting: 1. Environment friendly. The use of organic fertilizer, vermin-casting of humus is one, revives the soil fertility level and brings back life to soil environment, improves soil texture and improves water holding capacity. 2. Economical. Investment on vermicomposting is only about P2.00 per kilo while commercial chemical fertilizer cost P8-15 per kilo. 3. Higher Crop Yield. Humus has shown its potency in inducing higher crop yield for a longer period. Vermi-casting humus is found to be more effective compared to ordinary compost and chemical fertilizers.

4. Market Potential is Very Big. Organically grown food crops are increasing in market demand. Organic fertilizer has likewise increased in use as imported commercial fertilizer have been increasing its prices. 5. No imported inputs required. Farmers can make their own organic fertilizer from farm waste materials. This means no dependence on imports and oil price fluctuations. 6. Healthful. Organic farming is considered as healthful way of growing food crops. 7. Lesser risk. Producing your own fertilizer will make you unaffected by exchange rates and fluctuation changes in the prices of other commodities. There is less or no risk at all producing your own fertilizer and even selling excess requirement of your own farm. 8. Undemanding laborers. The worms themselves them selves are the workers converting farm waste materials into organic plant food nutrients. 9. Big savings. Producing your own fertilizer is a big savings and cost cutting for the farmers. 10. Income-earner. This technology can help farmers earn more from their farm waste

Source: Organic Farming

Topics: Farming Methods | No Comments How to Plant Water Lilies/Water Hyacinth By goGreen | August 5, 2011

WATER LILY

* (family Nymphaeaceae), any of 58 species in 6 genera of freshwater plants native to the temperate and tropical parts of the world. Most species of water lilies have rounded variously notched, waxycoated leaves on long stalks that contain many air spaces and float in quiet freshwater habitats. The stalks arise from thick, fleshy, creeping underwater stems that are buried in the mud. The showy, fragrant, solitary flowers are borne at or above the water surface on long stalks that are attached to the underground stems. Each cuplike flower has a spiral arrangement of its numerous petals. The water lilys leaves shade the water, keeping it cool and thus allowing for more dissolved oxygen. The plant also provides hiding places for small aquatic creatures, which in turn attract predators. But in places where it has been introduced, the Water Lily can become a weed and blocking out sunlight and oxygen from the water and displacing local aquatic plants.

Scientific Names: Nymphaea nouchali Burm. f Nymphaea pubescens Willd. Nymphaea lotus Blanco Castalia pubescens Blume Nymphaea caerulea Sav. Nymphaea stellata Willd.

Common Names: Labas (Tag.) Lauas (Tag.) Pulau (Tag.) Talailo (Bis.) Ambal (India) Tunas (Bis., Tag.) Lotus lily (Engl.)

How to plant a water lily

1. Hardy water lily tubers grow horizontally, so choose a shallow, wide container. One water lily will fit comfortably in a pot that is 1218 inches wide and 610 inches deep. Containers with no drainage holes are best. Otherwise, line the pot with burlap to keep the soil from drifting into the water. 2. Pot your water lily in topsoil or other heavy garden soil. Avoid potting soil or mixes with components that float easily, such as perlite, vermiculite, and peat. Now is the time to add aquatic plant fertilizer pellets. 3. A new plant will likely be pot-ready, but one you overwintered may need some light pruning. In either case, remove any old leaves and thick, fleshy roots. Leave only emerging leaves and buds, and newer, thin roots. 4. Plant the tuber against the side of the pot, with the growing tip pointed upward and angled about 45 degrees toward the center of the pot. 5. Cover the soil with a layer of rock or pea gravel to keep the soil in the pot. 6. Now youre ready to place the plant in your pond. Water lilies need to be set so the base of the pot is 12-18 inches below the surface, allowing the leaves to float to the surface. If your pond is deeper than that, support the pot on concrete blocks, crates, or overturned pots so the plant is growing at the proper level. Hint: Lower the pot into the water at an angle to let trapped air escape more easily.

Uses The stalks of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) are a viable natural source of alternative textile material, according to the Department of Science and Technologys Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI). Researchers at PTRI are studying water hyacinth fibers as raw material for the manufacture of clothing and home fabrics. Processing the fibers with polyester staples initially produced blended yarns with 2035 percent water hyacinth component. The stalks went through a series of chemical and mechanical treatment to achieve the crimp property of wool for better processing, reduce the plants glue-like or gum content, and soften the fibers to make them fine and fit for knitting and weaving into apparel and other home textiles. For a yarn count of 15 Ne suitable for apparels, blends of 80/20 and 65/35 of polyester/water hyacinth fibers were used. The same blends of polyester/water hyacinth fibers were used to get a yarn count of 1012 Ne ideal for home textiles such as curtains, upholstery, table runners, napkins, bed cover, pillow case, and other items found at home. Water lilies can multiply very fast and could cause infestation of large areas of water in no time, creating various problems. Even though, water lilies are actually producing exquisite products of clothing, slippers, handicrafts, and placemats.

Aside from these, there are some interesting uses of lilies and lily buds.

In China, dried lily flower buds which are called golden needles or jin zhen in China are used in Chinese cuisine. They are soaked and cooked with mushrooms. In China, baihe gan or the L. brownie bulbs are considered to be a health and luxury food. They are used to make soups thicker and are used in stir fried food. The Chinese also used dried lily bulbs as a medicine. In their tradition, it could cure sore throats, build the lungs stronger, help address heart problems and improve kidney functions. They could also be used to lower down fever temperatures. Some would use lily bulbs to help them relax and improve sleep. European history also showed that they have used lily bulbs for medicinal purposes like fevers, cleaning wounds and sores. In the Philippines, water lilies or water hyacinth and bamboos are used to clean polluted rivers. It is used as a biological filter helping the water get cleaned of pollution and heavy metals. Other Southeast Asian countries have been using this, prior to the Philippines. If you have a pond with fishes in it, then try adding some water lilies. They provide a habitat for micro-organisms that fishes feed on, according to the Texas A&M University. By doing so, your fish would not require too much artificial food.

Lilies are not just flowers meant for decoration, but they play an important role in other countrys culture. It just makes the flower and the plant more valuable. Source: water lily, Garden ideas, Encyclopedia Britannica, Philippine Medicinal Plants, ,LilyFlower.com, Filipino Researchers Eye Water Hyacinths Potential As A Natural Fiber Source Topics: Agri-Business | No Comments Abaca: Culture and Management By goGreen | August 4, 2011

ABACA

ah-b?-KAH, from Spanish abac for Musa textilis)is a species of banana native to the Philippines, grown as a commercial crop in the Philippines, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.

This fibre is also known in the trade as manila and manila hemp. This plant is being harvested for its fibre. This fibre was originally used for making twines and ropes; now most abaca is pulped and used in a variety of specialized paper products including tea bags, filter paper and banknotes. It is classified as a hard fibre, along with coir, henequen and sisal. Abaca fibre is valued for its exceptional strength, flexibility, buoyancy, and resistance to damage in salt water. These qualities make the fibre exceptionally suitable for marine cordage. Abaca is chiefly employed for ships ropes, hawsers, and cables and for fishing lines, hoisting and power-transmission ropes, well-drilling cables, and fishing nets. Some abaca is used in carpets, table mats, and paper. The plants inner fibres can be used without spinning to manufacture lightweight, strong fabrics, mainly used locally for garments, hats, and shoes. Today, abaca is produced commercially in only three countries: Philippines, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. The Philippines remain the worlds largest producer of abaca. The abaca plant to the naked eye can easily be mistaken for a regular banana plant without the fruit.

Read the rest of this entry Topics: Agri-Business | No Comments Medicinal Plant: Pako/Fiddlehead

By goGreen | August 4, 2011

Pako is widely distributed in the Philippines, being a characteristic plant on gravel bars and banks of streams. It is found from India to Polynesia. The rootstocks are stout. The wiry roots are often gathered and sold in Manila as osmunda roots for growing orchids, particularly Cattleyas. The stipes are green and somewhat smooth, 20 to 50 centimeters long. The fronds are 2- or 3-pinnate, 50 to 80 centimeters long; the pinnules are lanceolate; 2 to 5 centimeters long and rather coarsely toothed. The sori are superficial, arranged in pairs on the side of the veins or veinlet.

Local names: Pako (Bik., Ilk., Pamp., Bis., Tag.) Tagabas (Tag.) Fresh-lady Fern (Engl.) Vegetable Fern (Engl.)

Scientific Names and Local Names Athyrium esculentum (Retz.) Cope

Anisogonium esculentum (Retz.) C, Presl. Asplenium esculentum (Retz.) Copel. Calipteris esculentum (Retz.) J. Sm. Diplazium esculentum

Read the rest of this entry Topics: Crops & Vegetables, Medicinal Plants (Halamang Gamot) | No Comments What are Bamboo Shoots? By goGreen | August 3, 2011

Bamboo Shoots Bamboo is a member of the grass family. Bamboo shoots are young, new canes that are harvested for food before they are two weeks old or one-foot tall. Bamboo shoots are crisp and tender, comparable to asparagus, with a flavor similar to corn. They are used frequently in Asian cuisine. Commercially canned bamboo shoots are common, but fresh, locally grown bamboo has far better flavor and texture.

How do we use bamboo shoots? Bamboo shoots need to be peeled and cooked before using. Eating bamboo shoots raw is not a good idea as it is bitter to the taste and can be hard to digest. Here are some instructions on how we use it:

Trim the roots, peel the outer leaves (sheath leaves), and remove any tough flesh of the shoots before cooking. Tender leaves can be left attached and eaten. The shoots should be cut across the grain into one-eighth inch slices. If very tender, the shoot can be cut into any pattern. Cook bamboo shoots in boiling water in an uncovered pan for 20 minutes. Leaving the pan uncovered allows the compounds that cause bitterness to dissipate into the air. If there is any bitter taste to the shoots after cooking, boil them in fresh water for 5 more minutes. Bamboo shoots can also be microwaved, in an uncovered shallow pan of water for four minutes. Shoots will still be crisp and crunchy after cooking.

Fresh bamboo shoots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. A bitter taste develops if kept longer than this, or if the shoots are exposed to sunlight. Store whole, unpeeled bamboo shoots in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Fresh shoots can also be cooked then frozen.

How Nutritious are Bamboo Shoots? Bamboo shoots are low in fat and calories. One cup of half-inch long slices contains a mere 14 calories and half a gram of fat. The shoots are a good source of fiber. The same serving size provides about 2.5 grams of fiber; which is approximately 10% of the recommended amount needed in a day. Fiber helps keep cholesterol levels in check and plays a role in preventing colon cancer. Bamboo shoots are also a good source of potassium; one cup provides 640 milligrams, which is 18% of the daily recommended amount. Potassium is a heart-healthy mineral. It helps to maintain normal blood pressure and a steady heartbeat. When it comes to phytochemicals, natural substances found in plants, bamboo shoots hold promise. They contain lignans and phenolic acids. Lignans, a component of fiber, exhibit a number of important properties that appear to have anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity. Phenolic acids have mild anti-inflammatory properties and are potent antioxidants which help prevent cancer and the blood vessel injury that can start atherosclerosis.

Enjoying Bamboo Shoots Bamboo shoots must be peeled and boiled for 20 minutes before using. Raw shoots are bitter tasting and can be hard to digest. Here are some ways cooked bamboo can be used.

Serve as a vegetable side dish with a bit of butter and pepper or soy sauce. Add to salads, soups, vegetable combination dishes or stir-fry. Stir-fry in a wok and serve with soy sauce and rice. Marinate in rice vinegar, sesame oil and soy sauce for several hours.

Harvesting fresh bamboo shoots provides an additional crop for farmers to bring to market. When you use fresh bamboo shoots, it does not only give you and your family a new vegetable to enjoy but also supports our local farmer. Source: http://agsyst.wsu.edu/bambroc.pdf Topics: Crops & Vegetables, Miscellaneous | 4 Comments What Is a Coco Coir? By goGreen | August 2, 2011

Definition: Coir is the fibrous material found between the hard, internal shell and the outer coat of a coconut. This is the only natural fibre resistant to damage by salt water. Uses: Coir is a natural fibre extracted from the husk of coconut and used in products such as floor mats, doormats, brushes, mattresses, upholstery padding, sacking and horticulture. White coir is harvested

from unripe coconuts, and is used for making finer brushes, string, rope and fishing nets. White coir is also spun into yarn and then twisted into rope or twine, or woven into cloth mats. Kinds: Brown Coir the color of the material relates to the degree of ripeness when the coconut is harvested. Brown coir results when coconuts are harvested fully ripe. It is strong and very resistant to abrasion and sun damage. White Coir immature or green coconuts produce white coir, a finer but weaker fiber. Production Process: For brown coir The fibrous husks are soaked in pits or in nets in a slow moving body of water to swell and soften the fibres. The long bristle fibres are separated from the shorter mattress fibres underneath the skin of the nut, a process known as wet-milling. The mattress fibres are sifted to remove dirt and other rubbish, dried in the sun and packed into bales. Some mattress fibre is allowed to retain more moisture so that it retains its elasticity for twisted fibre production. The coir fibre is elastic enough to twist without breaking and it holds a curl as though permanently waved. Twisting is done by simply making a rope of the hank of fibre and twisting it using a machine or by hand. The longer bristle fibre is washed in clean water and then dried before being tied into bundles or hunks. It may then be cleaned and hackled by steel combs to straighten the fibres and remove any shorter fibre pieces. Coir bristle fibre can also be bleached and dyed to obtain hanks of different colours.

For white coir The immature husks are suspended in a river or water-filled pit for up to ten months. During this time micro-organisms break down the plant tissues surrounding the fibres to loosen them a process known as retting. Segments of the husk are then beaten by hand to separate out the long fibres which are subsequently dried and cleaned. Cleaned fibre is ready for spinning into yarn using a simple one-handed system or a spinning wheel.

Researchers at CSIRs National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram have developed a biological process for the extraction of coir fibre from coconut husk without polluting the environment. The technology uses enzymes to separate the fibres by converting plant compounds into soluble compounds and hence curbs the pollution of water-bodies caused by retting of coconut husks. Coir is a completely renewable and is an environmental friendly product. It can be dehydrated and easily stored until needed. Coconut fiber contains potassium and phosphorus, and has a near-neutral pH. Thus, best for growing a wide-range of plants. Source: www.ehow.com, wikipedia

Topics: Agri-Business, Technologies | 3 Comments Bamboo Shoot Recipe By goGreen | August 2, 2011

Evil Jungle Prince with Mixed Vegetables lb mixed vegetables-any variety of the following: bamboo shoots baby corn asparagus zucchini tomatoes bell peppers water chestnuts string beans mushrooms 2 to 6 small red chile peppers

 stalk fresh lemon grass 2 tablespoons oil cup coconut milk teaspoon salt 10 to 15 basil leaves 1 cup chopped cabbage Procedure: Cut mixed vegetables into thin strips. Grind red chili peppers, and lemon grass in a blender or with mortar. Heat oil to medium high and saut pepper mixture for 3 minutes. Stir in coconut milk and cook for 2 minutes. Add vegetables and cook for 5 more minutes. Stir in basil. Serve on a bed of chopped cabbage. . (adapted from Kosher Thai Recipes) Source: http://agsyst.wsu.edu/bambroc.pdf Topics: Agri-Business | 1 Comment Tuba Vinegar By goGreen | July 30, 2011

Palm wine also called Palm Toddy also called Kallu in Malayalam and Tamil or simply Toddy is an alcoholic beverage created from the sap of various species of palm tree such as the Palmyra, and coconut palms.This drink is common in various parts of Asia and Africa, and goes by various names, such as emu and oguro in Nigeria, Nsamba in Democratic Republic of the Congo, nsafufuo in Ghana, kallu in South India, tuak in North Sumatra, Indonesia, goribon (Rungus) in Sabah, Borneo, and tuba in the Philippines, Borneo and Mexico. Tuba, or the sweet, freshly-gathered coconut sap was a popular alcoholic beverage in the Philippines in the early 50s. However, it never reached the level of large-scale, commercial production. Now, tuba is getting a boost with the production of organic coconut vinegar. Tuba turns sours after two or three days. After eight to 12 weeks of fermentation, tuba becomes pure and natural organic vinegar. Here are the steps to show how vinegar is produced and processed. Read the rest of this entry