In a relentless pursuit of fostering the cassava industry's growth in the Visayas, a dynamic alliance between the Fatima Multipurpose Cooperative (FMPC), VSU-PhilRootcrops, and Agriterra recently ventured to Bangkok, Thailand. Their mission? To glean invaluable insights into the art of cassava production and processing from industry leaders, benchmark on mechanization, and explore other cutting-edge technologies on cassava. The transformative journey unfolded from September 4-8, 2023, at the Yunus Center, Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok.
Thailand's Cassava Triumph
Thailand has emerged as the undisputed champion in cassava exports, boasting a staggering 60% share of the global market for cassava by-products, including starch, chips, pellets, and ethanol. In 2021 alone, Thailand exported cassava products valued at a staggering 3.8 billion U.S. dollars. This remarkable achievement owes its success to a harmonious blend of abundant cassava resources, a well-developed processing industry, competitive production costs due to high utilization of relevant technologies, robust government support, an insatiable global demand for cassava products, and continuous search for innovative technologies. Given these compelling factors, Thailand became the natural choice for this enlightening study visit.
The VSU Delegation
Among the distinguished members of the VSU staff participating in this transformative journey were:
Prof. Marlon Tambis, Assistant Director of PhilRootcrops.
Mr. Dioscoro Bolatete Jr., Senior Agriculturist of PhilRootcrops.
Ms. Mikaela Gongora, former Science Research Assistant of PhilRootcrops, and currently the OIC Station Manager of VSU-DYDC.
These dedicated individuals brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, setting the stage for a journey of discovery and innovation.
The FMPC and PhilRootcrops Collaboration
At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a robust partnership between FMPC and PhilRootcrops. FMPC, a key player in the development of the cassava industry in Region 8, relies heavily on PhilRootcrops for technical assistance in cassava production. This collaboration has been instrumental in nurturing the cassava landscape not only in the region but also in some parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.
Objectives of the Excursion
The primary goals of the Bangkok study-visit program were clear:
Knowledge and Experience: Gain insights and experiences in cassava production, trading, and processing.
Cassava Business Enhancement: Improve the cassava business, promoting increased mechanization.
Starch Processing Facility: Lay the foundation for the establishment of a starch processing facility.
FMPC's Ambitious Plans
Nestled in Calubian, Leyte, FMPC, with its staggering membership of around 10,000 and an impressive asset base of approximately P600 million, primarily focuses on savings and loans. However, their vision stretches beyond financial services. The cooperative aspires to expand its agribusiness, particularly in cassava trading and processing with San Miguel Corporation as a key partner in FMPC's cassava granule endeavors. Furthermore, FMPC envisions constructing a starch-processing facility with a remarkable capacity of 500 metric tons per day, a move poised to augment income streams for both the cooperative and its dedicated farmer members.
The Bangkok study-visit program signals a promising chapter in the evolution of the cassava industry in the region. Armed with newfound knowledge and inspired by the success of Thailand's cassava giants, FMPC, PhilRootcrops, and VSU are poised to invigorate the cassava landscape, forging a path toward prosperity and self-sufficiency in cassava production and processing. The valuable learning experience may have begun in Thailand, but its echoes will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the region, catalyzing a cassava revolution of unprecedented magnitude.
Written by: Cristelita E. Boco and Mikaela M. Gonggora
