The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) officially kicked off the implementation of the Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) for Queen Pineapple through the Accelerated R&D Program for Capacity Building of Research and Development Institutions and Industrial Competitiveness to further boost the production of the country’s “sweetest” pineapple variety.
Queen Pineapple flower (Crops Research Division, DOST-PCAARRD)
The DOST-PCAARRD said it has funded the three-year R&D program “to address inadequate agricultural mechanization, pest infestation, and inadequate knowledge in post harvest processing methods” being experienced by Queen pineapple growers.
The program will be spearheaded by Dr. Arlene C. Alegre of the Camarines Norte State College (CNSC), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office No. 5 (DA-RFO 5).
“Among the commonly grown pineapple varieties in the Philippines, the Queen pineapple is hailed as the sweetest. With its production that dates back in the 1950s, it became the most popular cash-crop in the 12 municipalities and 282 barangays of Camarines Norte,” the Council noted.
Source: Manila Bulletin