Converting Waste Agricultural Biomass into a Resource - UNEP

Economic instruments for overcoming barriers
The Department of Agriculture provided the funds for this project through the
High Value Commercial Crops Program (HVCCP). The project aims to
increase farmers' income by improving fiber quality through the mechanization
of abaca fiber extraction.
Advantages to Developing Countries
Abaca is endemic to the Philippines. Being so, the country holds the largest
number of abaca germplasm, perhaps, as many as 200 varieties, of which
about 20 are cultivated commercially. Owing to the wide range of climates
existing in the country, adaptation of abaca has always been believed to be
location specific. For instance, Bicol varieties are observed to have shorter
and slimmer stalks and better anchorage and therefore, more typhoon
resistant than varieties found in Mindanao.
Disadvantages to Developing Countries
Although the field test indicated that the tuxer can produces more tuxies than
the traditional tuxying tools, it requires more man-hour and appears to be
more expensive with the added cost of fuel and depreciation. Future research
must be focused on developing a machine that is more efficient and
affordable to farmers.
Example of Real Life Applications
Level of Use:
Demonstration Level
Name of Project: Abaca Mechanical Tuxer
Location: Philippines
Supplier
Department of Agriculture
FIBER INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Asiatrust Bank Annex Building
1424 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines
http://fida.da.gov.ph/
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