MANILA, Philippines — Researchers from the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) are looking to develop improved varieties of purple yam, or ube, as the root crop gains rising global acclaim.
In a statement, the UPLB Institute of Crop Science (ICropS) said a research team is looking to cultivate better ube varieties through advanced breeding and genome study.
The project aims to develop superior purple yam varieties with desirable traits such as high yield, high dry matter content, resistance to pests and disease and elevated levels of anthocyanins and antioxidants.
The selected traits are needed to improve farm productivity and the nutritional value of yam-based products.
The research team said that they aim to develop superior varieties and ensure their rapid multiplication and distribution to local producers.
“Purple yam is a high-value crop with strong market demand locally and internationally. However, production is still limited due to the scarcity of improved planting materials,” the team said.
The project is led by ICropS professor Antonio Lalusin, in collaboration with the Philippine Genome Center for Agriculture and funded by the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Agricultural Research.
The project will be conducted through breeding and biotechnology, integrating conventional selection, chemical mutation breeding, whole-genome sequencing and large-scale propagation.
“The project is expected to significantly contribute to the sustainable development of the Philippine yam industry by providing farmers with improved planting materials and generating scientific data for conservation and future breeding programs,” ICropS said.
It is also anticipated to benefit processors, researchers, students and stakeholders in the root crop value chain, as the improved ube variety opens opportunities for food processing, export markets and value-added products.
Researchers noted that continued investment in breeding, genomics and propagation technologies would revitalize the ube industry and strengthen its long-term competitiveness in both local and global markets.
Farmers’ support
At the same time, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is vowing to support local ube farmers through the distribution of planting material and the funding of research and development.
DA Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said the department has ongoing research and development programs with state universities to strengthen the propagation of planting materials.
He added that the agency is looking to increase funding support for root crops under the 2027 national budget.
“We will also increase funding for root crops, including ube. For now, they were given P17 million, but the intention is to increase it by 2027,” De Mesa said in a press briefing.
The increase in funding will also support the government’s program to promote domestic ube as an exportable product, amid the ongoing boom of the root crop variety in the international market.
He added that the agency is also looking to secure the intellectual property of locally grown ube in the international market.
Bohol seeks geographical indication
The provincial government of Bohol has filed an application for geographical indication (GI) for Ubi Kinampay amid the growing global popularity of ube.
In a statement, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said it has received the application for GI registration of the Bohol Ubi Kinampay filed through the Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office.
A GI is a sign used on products to indicate that it is from a specific region.
The application was filed to formally recognize Bohol Ubi Kinampay’s qualities, which are linked to the province’s geography, soil, climate and traditional farming practices.
Known for its violet flesh, earthy aroma and rich flavor, the Bohol Ubi Kinampay is in high demand both locally and overseas.
Through the GI protection, Bohol aims to prevent false origin claims and the unauthorized use of Ubi Kinampay’s name.
The move is expected to strengthen the Ubi Kinampay’s market value, as well as help sustain local livelihoods and preserve traditional and organic farming practices.
“The world is now in the middle of a purple gold rush and GI protection can help the Philippines stake its claim in the growing global demand by strengthening its market identity and position,” IPOPHL director general Teodoro Pascua said.
“As ube becomes more global, we must make sure the roots of varieties from the country are not lost. GI protection helps ensure that the true heart of the Bohol Ubi Kinampay — its soil, story and people — remain Boholano and Filipino,” he said.
If approved, the Bohol Ubi Kinampay would be the second locally protected GI from Bohol after the Alburquerque Asin Tibuok.
Apart from the Alburquerque Asin Tibuok, the Philippines has three other registered GIs such as the Guimaras Mangoes, Aklan Piña and Tau Sebu T’nalak.
The issuance of a geographical indication certification on Philippine ube varieties would provide better safeguards for the root crop variety and improve their marketability.
“It is important to establish the geographical indication for ube, like in Bohol, because we don’t want it to be stolen. If we have that it is already protection (for us),” De Mesa said. — Louella Desiderio