Small agribusiness firms need not be daunted by the high technology required for their expansion and growth toward global competitiveness. Competent technology assistance is being provided by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) under the National Technology Commercialization Program (NTCP), a policy initiative of Agriculture Secretary Domingo F. Panganiban. BAR implements the NTCP, which commercializes technologies that have been found usable and sustainable. Similar assistance is being provided by the Aquaculture Department (AQD) of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), which has generated major technological breakthroughs in research and development, particularly on induced spawning of big head and silver carps, native catfish, tiger shrimps, milkfish; farm production of sea bass, grouper, rabbit fish, and Nile tilapia; mariculture of window pane oysters and top shells; grow-out systems for abalone production; propagation of aga-producing seaweeds; and mud crab hatchery, among others.

Gov't outfits provide small firms with commerciable technologies. (2006, August 26). Manila Bulletin, p. D-3.