Converting Waste Agricultural Biomass into a Resource - UNEP

in the countryside, and therefore prevent rural migration. Local abaca
processors and manufacturers and foreign buyers will likewise benefit from
the project with the expected increase in fiber production and the stabilization
of supply. The country’s gain will be in the form of increased export revenues
as abaca, both in raw and processed forms, are generally for export.
Investment and Operating Cost
Cost of stalk, Php0.30/kg
Cost of hauling, Php0.1/kg
Labor: 13 x Php100
Fuel, 20 liters x Php22/liter
Cost of Machine-Php550, 000
Economic instruments for overcoming barriers 200
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
Only two countries deal in abaca products, one of them Ecuador, a minor
second to the Philippines. Indonesia is a small producer but a potentially
major competitor given its large rural labor.
The Philippine government and private sectors here and abroad
actively pursue promotional activities.
Trainings on skills development and strengthening especially on piña
fiber extraction and knotting have been continuously undertaken in
Aklan, Surigao del Norte, Palawan and Negros Occidental.
The handwoven piña fabric is considered a top fashion material
catering mainly to the high-end market due to its limited supply and
relatively high price vis-a-vis other natural fabrics.
The fabrics are also made into vestments of the clergy through the
initiative of the Transfiguration Foundation Inc. of the Monastery of the
Transfiguration.
Piña seda is becoming more attractive to buyers because of its
comparable quality and low price.
Disadvantages to Developing Countries
Lack of supply of planting materials and piña leaves which resulted to
low fiber supply;
Lack of capital needed for the establishment of piña plantation for fiber
production;
Some scrapers and knotters find the process of fiber extraction and
knotting too tedious;
Inconsistent quality of handwoven fabrics and uneven embroidery;
Delayed payments or issuance of bouncing checks by piña cloth
buyers;
Embroiderers sometimes resort to cut-throat competition which
adversely affects the industry; and,
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