Diffusion and Utilization of UPLB Corn Mechanization Technologies
in Masbate Province

Rossana Marie C. Amongo1, Kevin F. Yaptenco2, Ronaldo B. Saludes3,Maria Victoria L. Larona4, Fernando O. Paras, Jr.3, Rosa B. De los Reyes5,
Marion Lux Y. Castro5, Erwin P. Quilloy5,, Jose D. De Ramos6, Ronel S. Pangan7, Victor A. Rodulfo, Jr.7, Mark Daniel G. Estrada8, and Ronnie C. Valencia8

 ABSTRACT

A project on diffusion and utilization of UPLB Corn Mechanization Technologies (CMTs) and knowledge systems was implemented by the Center for Agri-Fisheries and Biosystems Mechanization (BIOMECH) and the Institute of Agricultural Engineering (IAE), UP Los Baños in Masbate. It was funded by the National Agriculture and Fisheries Education System-Commission on Higher Education (NAFES-CHED). Ten different CMTs developed, designed and/or modified by UPLB were diffused in the area for adoption and utilization. The study employed community participatory extension including capability building, with the goal of increasing farmer’s crop and labor productivity. A survey was conducted to determine farmers’ insights on the use of each CMTs using the Likert scale. Results showed farmers’ favorable response on technology adoption and utilization in Mandaon, Masbate. The benefit cost ratio of the utilization of nine CMTs were greater than 1.0 indicating economic viability of the technologies. For the sprinkle irrigation system, the BCR is less than 1.0 due to the high initial cost of the system. This may however be increased by utilizing the system for high value annual crops or fruit trees production. The project empowered all the stakeholders through continuous improvement of extension strategies, the realization of the farmers-beneficiaries for the establishment of machinery custom hiring services enterprise, model farm and machinery training center; and strengthening the research, development and extension capability of the project implementing institutions.

Keywords: diffusion and utilization, agricultural mechanization technologies, participatory extension strategies

1Associate Professor 6, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, and Director, Center for Agri-Fisheries and Biosystems Mechanization, College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology, University of the Philippines Los Ban os, 4031, College, Laguna, Philippines
2Professor 2, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology, University of the Philippines Los Ban os, 4031, College, Laguna, Philippines
3Associate Professor, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology, University of the Philippines Los Ban os, 4031, College, Laguna, Philippines
4University Researcher II, Center for Agri-Fisheries and Biosystems Mechanization, College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology, University of the Philippines Los Ban os, 4031, College, Laguna, Philippines; (Author for correspondence; email: [email protected]; [email protected]; Tel.: +63 49 536 8745)
5Assistant Professors, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology, University of the Philippines Los Ban os, 4031, College, Laguna, Philippines
6University Extension Specialist III, Center for Agri-Fisheries and Biosystems Mechanization, College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology, University of the Philippines Los Ban os, 4031, College, Laguna, Philippines
7Engineer, Center for Agri-Fisheries and Biosystems Mechanization, College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology, University of the Philippines Los Ban os, 4031, College, Laguna, Philippines
8University Research Associate I, Center for Agri-Fisheries and Biosystems Mechanization, College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology, University of the Philippines Los Ban os, 4031, College, Laguna, Philippines

Citation:
Amongo, R.M.C, Yaptenco, K.F., Saludes, R.B., Larona, M.V.L., Paras, F.O., Jr., De los Reyes, R.B.,
Castro, M.L.Y, Quilloy, E.P., De Ramos, J.D., Pangan, R.S., Rodulfo, V.A., Jr., Estrada, M.D.G., and
Valencia, R.C. (2017). Diffusion and Utilization of UPLB Corn Mechanization Technologies in Masbate
Province. Philippine Journal of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, 13, 51-66.