Baguio National Crop Research, Development and Production Support Center
Vision
Vibrant crop farming communities and the industry sector producing quality, accessible and globally competitive agricultural crops profitable for the Filipino
Mission
Conserve and develop Philippine Plant Genetic Resources and ensure the protection and development of the plant industry.
History
The former Baguio National Crop Research Development and Production Support Center (BNCRDPSC) started its humble beginnings in 1904 as the Trinidad Garden, an offshoot of Act No. 261 dated October 8, 1901 of the United States – Philippine Commission under the Department of Interior creating the Bureau of Agriculture. Organized and conceived to foster scientific agriculture of semi-temperate crops, the station first held its office at the present site of the Benguet State University. In 1920, it was transferred to Bontoc, then the capital settlement of the whole Mountain Province, some 140 kilometers north of Baguio City. Some years later, it was brought back to Pacdal, Baguio City then finally to Guisad Valley, Baguio City where it sits at present.
On October 25, 1934 during the time of the late Governor General Frank Murphy, Trinidad Garden became the Semi-Temperate Fruit Station by virtue of proclamation No. 743. The facility was later renamed “The Baguio Experiment Station.” In 1986, the station was merged with the Buguias Experiment Station and was named the Baguio-Buguias Experiment Complex.
In January 1987, when Bureau of Plant Industry was recognized as a staff Bureau under the production group of the Department of Agriculture through Executive Order 116, Baguio-Buguias Experiment Complex was one of the four stations retained under BPI. The station was renamed Baguio National Crop Research and Development Center (BNCRDC) in 1992 and was again renamed the Baguio National Crop Research , development and Production Support Center in 2014 .
BNCRDPSC station is located at Guisad Valley, Baguio City at an average altitude of 1,417 meters above sea level. The compound has a total land area of 9.40 hectares to include the experimental and germplasm pool where collections of different fruit trees, which are considered exceptional are planted. Buildings, laboratories and othe production facilities are likewise erected in the area.
With agricultural development as an imperative concern, BNCRDPSC continues to be involved in the a) Conduct of researches on crop protection, crop improvement, culture and management, and varietal improvement; b) Production of clean seed and plant materials of potato, highland vegetables, banana, strawberry, citrus and other sub-tropical fruit crops; c) Mass production of Diadegma semiclausum as a biological agent for the control of Diamond backmoth and Trichoderma for the control of clubroot for crucifers and bacterial wilt for potato; d) Provision of the appropriate technologies to clients ; e) Monitoring of pesticide residues in agricultural crops; f) Certification of improved planting materials; and g) Coordinating the implementation of plans and programs of the Bureau of Plant Industry as a whole.
Mandate
Agricultural research. development and extension are its main concern with emphasis on technologies for semi-temperate crops suitable in the Cordillera and other regions of the country with similar agro-climatic conditions. BNCRDPSC continues to be involved in the production of improved quality seeds and planting materials, crop protection from pests and diseases, biotechnology with emphasis on tissue culture of specific crops.
Included in the regulatory/extension functions are: the monitoring of agricultural pesticides residue levels under the pesticide analytical laboratories, development of bio-control technologies as an important factor of Integrated Pest Management and secure the mass production of Diadegma and Trichoderma for distribution to farmer-clients. The center also responds to requests of farmers, LUGs, SCUs and other NGOs for trainings and field/facility visits as part of our information dissemination.
Thrusts:
- Generation of technologies and development programs that respond to the needs of the clientele for increased productivity
- Production of quality seeds and plant materials
- Development and expansion of integrated pest management program
- Monitor pesticide residues on crops, fishes and environment concerns in Regions CAR, I and II.
- Provision of analytical services to government/private clientele Provides seed certification services
- Provides technical assistance to farmer clienteles in the region
- Production of Information Education and Communication Materials
Satellite and Extension Projects
Sual Foundation Grove
A foundation grove for assorted fruit crops is currently being maintained by BNCRDC in Sual, Pangasinan. At present, fruit crops being raised include citrus, mango, pummelo, durian and papaya. The area serves as source of scions or budwoods for scion groves. The area was established October 1991.
Buguias Seed Farm
The satellite station of the Center located at Barangay Calagan in Buguias, Benguet with an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level is primarily devoted to white potato seed production. Buguias Seedfarm has a total area of 36 hectares but only 10 hectares as operational. Eight (8) units of plastic houses have been constructed for Go potato seed production.
Established in 1978, the seed farm is envisioned to become the major source of basic seeds for distribution to qualified contract growers who in turn will produce certified seeds for the region and other potato growing areas in the country. Production of pechay seeds serves as an intercrop.
A one (1) hectare virgin area is being maintained for seed production of potato vars. Igorota, Tawid, Gloria, Watwat, Signal, and vegetable seeds such as radish and pechay.