One might wonder
about the latest superfood that TESDA–Wangan National Agricultural School has
produced? To answer all that buzz, Agricultural Crops Production led by its
Head Trainer Erlinda V. Ferrer harvested a remarkable yield of Adlai Grains
from its field.
We consider this
crop a superfood because of its amazing health benefits. Adlai is loaded with
essential nutrients that our body needs. The grain is high in dietary fiber,
packed with protein, and filled with minerals such as calcium, phosphorus,
iron, niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin.
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Adlai, also
known as “Job’s Tears,” is a tropical plant belongs to the family of Poaceae or
the grasses, the same kind as corn, wheat, and rice. It grows an estimated
height of 1 to 3 meters tall until the harvest season.
In October 2019,
TESDA-WNAS started its quest for the successful propagation of Adlai. Four
months after sowing, from one hundred (100) grams of Adlai seeds, we harvested
twenty-seven (27) kilograms of grains. In our case, we manually administered
the process from sowing, weeding, harvesting until threshing to produce the
tear-shaped grains which differ from white to brown in color.
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| Adlai grains with colors vary from brown to white. |
Adlai production
is very promising in terms of the Income Generating Project (IGP) of the
institution. The price of Adlai may vary from Php 300.00 to Php 500.00 per
kilogram, a way more expensive than its counterparts. The demand of this crop
is high for the health-conscious people because Adlai is gluten-free and has a
low glycemic index, making it safe for people who watch their sugar level, and
for gym buffs, it has low carbs that anyone who consumes carbohydrates as a source
of energy may become guilt-free.
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| Ms. Erlinda V. Ferrer leads the harvest of Adlai. |
This breakthrough suggests another reason for TESDA-WNAS to celebrate with significant challenges to keep in mind. First, if we can continue and increase the production of this high-value crop. Second, to engage in additional research to further develop its potential as a sustainable and healthier alternative to rice and corn. To generate awareness mechanisms highlighting its significance as superfood including marketing scheme to re-introduce Adlai as a game-changer in the food industry. The success of Adlai Production in TESDA-WNAS relies on the concerted efforts involved in this project and if all concerns are addressed properly. - Jonah D. Samillano / SMAC Focal
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