RE [Renewable Energy]-powering Philippine Agriculture through UPLB [University of the Philippines Los Baños] Developed RE Technologies

Renewable Energy (RE)has been a catchcall phrase for any energy source that is infinite, 'free', and environment friendly. Growing awareness on the negative effects of using fossil fuels and its continuous depletion has again intensified interest in the development of RE technologies. This paper will present the current status, utilization and strategies on how to RE-power Philippine Agriculture. The clear advantages of utilizing renewable energy as against conventional, fossil based fuels for various application in our agricultural and fishery industry, will be discussed. Also, some of the principles regarding the use of RE, particularly that of solar, wind, and micro-hydro applications would be presented. Some thoughts on how they are currently being used in the agriculture and fishery industry would likewise be discussed. As stipulated in RA10601, the Department of Agriculture is mandated to pursue the development and utilization of renewable and non-conventional energy resources for agricultural and fisheries equipment and machineries. The AFMech Law also mandated UPLB [University of the Philippines Los Baños] through the Agricultural Mechanization and Development Program to be strengthened and institutionalized to lead and coordinate the agricultural and fishery mechanization RDE program for all academic institutions in the country. With the critical role of UPLB in the advancement of RDE activities, particularly in the development of appropriate agricultural and fishery machinery and equipment utilizing RE technologies, the UPLB developed RE technologies are hoped to become models for adoption by the RDE network. Hopefully, these would be further enhanced and adopted by the agriculture and fishery sector as a whole. An overview of different search initiatives of the Agricultural Machinery Division of the Institute of Agricultural Engineering in the generation and utilization of RE for agricultural purposes will be discussed; and will highlight how the division had indulged in renewable energy systems design and development as part of its academic, research and extension functions. Most importantly, the paper would identify gaps and challenges that are preventing us from RE-powering the Philippine agriculture and fishery sector. The essential elements that would be needed in order to break the barriers that hinder the development, promotion and adoption of RE technologies for our agri-fishery sector would also be proposed.