Philippines Looks to Maximize Farmer Income

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 08/05/2009

The Philippines is looking to maximize its income from leaf tobacco by using stalks and low-grade leaf to produce paper, tobacco extracts and handicrafts, according to a story in The Philippine Star. The three by-products, along with ethanol and others still undergoing laboratory tests, were developed by National Tobacco Administration (NTA) researchers. NTA administrator, Carlitos Encarnacion, says his agency has developed tobacco pulp for use in the manufacture of paper and tobacco extracts effective against insects that infest fruit and vegetables. As part of the NTA's initiative, a tobacco pulp processing plant is to be established at Santa, Ilocos Sur. The announcement of these projects was made during the official inauguration of a newly-established tobacco dust processing plant, also an NTA venture. Tobacco dust is said to be efficient at killing snails and other pests that inhabit fishponds. Processed from low grade tobacco leaves, the dust also acts as a fertilizer for the growth of "lablab", a fish nutrient found in fishponds. Enditem