Business Potential for Agricultural Biotechnology - Asian Productivity ...

Business Potential for Agricultural Biotechnology Products in the Philippines
Pectinase Utilizes locally-produced pectinase in
extracting essential oils from leaves
of patchouli, lemongrass, and citro-
nella and from ilang-ilang flowers
Proteases From Bacillus sp. and Monascus sp.;
can be used as bread improver, as
feed additive, and in coconut oil
production
Papain Proteolytic enzyme; can be used in
breweries, pharmaceutical, and personal
care industries
Bromelain Proteolytic enzyme which can be
used in breweries, pharmaceutical,
and personal care industries
– 145 –
UPLB–
BIOTECH
UPLB–
BIOTECH
Source: UPLB–BIOTECH and SECURA flyers/brochures, various years
UPLB–
BIOTECH
UPLB–
BIOTECH
SECURA SECURA
Clients find
product of high
quality
SECURA SECURA
Clients find
product of high
quality
BIO-N
This is a microbial-based fertilizer composed primarily of bacteria isolated from the roots
of talahib (Saccharum spontaneum) which reportedly replaces 30%–50% of the nitrogen fertilizer
requirements of rice and corn and enhances vegetables production. It is popular among
farmers. Ten mixing plants have been set up in major corn-growing provinces, and the Technology
Livelihood and Resources Center (TLRC) has begun commercializing it. Demand is high,
and more entrepreneurs are needed. The required investment is about USD12,000 (PHP54/
USD1), with 302% average annual return.
Enzymes for Virgin Coconut Oil (VCN) Extraction
VCN is popular for its health and diuretics effects (Kabara, undated). Using enzymes,
coconut oil can effectively be extracted without the use of heat, producing more high-quality
virgin coconut oil for potential export. Enzymes can also be utilized to derive more quality
essential oils from plants, which can decrease imports (currently USD226 million annually). The
required capital investment is about USD92,500 (equipment, administrative and marketing
costs). With an average net income of USD176,000 a year and a return on investment of 2.08%,
the investor can break even in about six months.
Biotech Microbial Rennet
This technology produces cheese with improved taste, smell, texture, and shelf life compared
to cheeses made with animal rennet. Cost is also reduced by 80% compared to imported
rennet. The required investment in building and equipment is USD1,500. With net sales of 1,192
liters, the investor attains a net profit/cost ratio of 5.6 with a payback period of 3.5 years.
Biotech Detection Kits
To detect salmonella and E. coli contamination in water, food, and animal feeds, these kits
use polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based DNA technology that makes detection faster, more
specific, and more accurate, with greater reliability. With an investment of USD157,500, an
entrepreneur can have a net present value of USD320,500 and recover total investment within
three years.
Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), Fowl Cholera (FC), and Coryza Vaccines (Cr)
Vaccines using monoclonal antibodies can provide a more specific and effective defense
for cattle, carabaos, and fowl against septicemia, fowl cholera, and infectious coryza. The re-