A Business Trip to DOST

Yesterday was a good day. I was at the ITDI of the Department of Science and Techonology at lower Bicutan only because my daughter needed some research material for her thesis. DOST is only open from Mondays to Fridays that it would be almost impossible for Ikee to go there. So, off I went.

It was a so nice that both Mam Andy and Mam Jane (my namessake) of the ITDI Library were very helpful that they took out several materials related to what my daughter needed. After I had gotten the material Ikee needed, I inquired about sardine making and there they were - my eye openers. They not only the material I needed, they also had the suppliers listed on the same handout. What a pleasant surprise eh? After all, I had been scouring through several materials both printed and on the internet but none offered such an extensive resource. Not only did I learn about the sardines, I also found out that I can actually have my goods packed, canned or bottled by them at a cost that I can afford. Could you imagine being able to start my business with just 10 thousand or so? Yup. No kidding. Did I mention they have hundreds of business opportunities there? Food, industrial, livelihood, etc. It's just great!

Here's a list of the trainings and techonology you can find there:
1. Meat processing
2. Fish processing,
3. Biogas
4. Jatropha Biofuel
5. Mushroom farming
6. Wine Making
7. Bagoong production
8. Packaging
9. Market linkages/marketing

The one sad thing is that the DOST does not have a central library where anything and everything can be found. I had to be transferred a number of times to get to the right person.

For those who are interested to check out DOST, you can find them at www.dost.gov.ph. Alternatively, you may call them at (63) 8372071 to 82 local 2265 or 2270. Their email address is rtid@dost.gov.ph.

Getting into the Wheatgrass Craze

I've been looking for wheatgrass for a very long time now. Finally, I got hold of it at the EDSA Garden House inside the Manila Seedling Bank.

This grass could be a potential business venture. Check out the math:

a shot of wheat juice is sold for 75 pesos.

If you start to plant your own, you can buy an 800 gram bag for 240 php. this bag can yield of about 36 to 50 oz in just 10 days. but, you would need at least 6 trays to plant the grains in. and some soil.

To summarize:


returns in 7 to 10 days (35 oz x 75/oz) 2625.00
Less:
1 bag of grains (800 g) 240.00
6 trays 420.00
soil 100.00
water 100.00
labor 300.00

total initial cost (1110.00)

Total profit from first harvest (conservative) PHP 1515.00



Assumptions:
Wheatgrass will be sold from the home of entrepreneur.

From the figures, it looks like wheatgrass is a lucrative business. But of course, further study should be made to prove it.