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THE
biotech field isn’t about to panic about declining food
production, putting its bets on the wonders of
technology to solve problems that are hindering the
larger agricultural production.
The
biotech unit of the Department of Agriculture recently
reported that the food industry can be expected to carve
about $200 billion every year in biotech products, and
is expected to grow 20 percent a year as the demand for
biotech food products rises.
“There’s
a greater awareness today on the commercial potentials
of biotechnology compared with when we started four
years ago,” said Hybridigm Consulting Inc. chief
executive Maoi G. Arroyo at the three-day conference
that Hybridigm organized and which closed at the
weekend.
Biotechnology is the broad term describing the use of
scientific, lab-based biological research to improve or
innovate for industry, commerce and agriculture.
Arroyo
acknowledged that the term continues to have negative
connotations, linked as it is with the tinkering of
genes as in producing genetically modified organisms (GMOs),
whose safety for human consumption is hotly debated.
She
said, however, that there has been improvement in the
way people view biotech. “There is more openness,
especially among investors, to bring to the market these
scientific breakthroughs.”
Arroyo
cited several prototypes of biotechnology products
conceived by university students. Telecom firm Smart
Communications Inc. funded research on the item by
Ateneo de Manila University students.
One
prototype also from Ateneo is a process for rapid
detection of tuberculosis. Crafted by four students, the
process is also less expensive at P34.34 for a test
compared to the high-end process of P2,044.
For
agricultural applications, Alicia Ilaga of the
Department of Agriculture’s biotechnology program said
the potential market is estimated to be about $675
billion every year, which she said was the 2003
estimate, the latest available. That year, she said, the
sale of biotechnology products in the heatlh and
wellness industry reached $200 billion. A department
study showed this could hit $1 trillion within the next
10 years.
“The
summit emphasizes that we should look at our own
resources: we have 1,500 medicinal plants that we can
harness and bring to market,” said Arroyo, adding that
instead of cranberry juice and apple juice, Filipinos
should look at these available resources. “We don’t have
the right to remain poor.”
For
instance, Arroyo said that instead of focusing on
jathropa, “which is toxic and monopurposive,” the
Philippines could look at the malunggay (Moringa
oleifera Lam. or horseradish tree) plant.
Aside
from the oil from its seeds, the leaves could also be
used to make noodles and pan de sal. The investment for
extractor and drying equipment, she said, could be below
P250,000.
The
company Secura International Corp. is expected to gross
P60 billion from the sale of biotechnology products from
each of the 20 sites in the country’s poorest provinces.
Arroyo
said, “Eventually, we should see ourselves selling not
only freeze-dried beans but also value-added crops.
Should we wait for foreigners to earn from our
resources? I don’t think so.” |
