Under the Philippine Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR)-commissioned project "Financial Viability and Profitability Analysis of Agricultural Technologies and Enterprises," the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) published a monograph series to analyze the profitability and financial viability of selected products and technologies funded and promoted by DA-BAR. The project also aimed to stress the importance of conducting thorough research and analysis to attract potential adopters and investors to venture emerging agricultural products and technologies.
Soya chips is one of products featured in the monograph series. It was developed by Ms. Marilou Lagdameo of the Autism Recovery Network of the Philippines (ARNP) in Naga City, Camarines Norte. The project that produced the soya chips aimed to promote the production, utilization, and processing of soybeans to help prevent malnutrition to children, especially those with autism. Soya chips are a healthy and nutritious snack which are high in protein. It contains 15% fat, 8% sodium, and 6% total carbohydrates.
The ARNP has been participating in trade exhibits in the towns of Vinzons, Daet, and Labo in Camarines Norte where soya chips were the most saleable soybean product. The soya chips are distributed to different therapy centers of children with special needs in Daet and Vinzons and sold in schools located in different municipalities in Camarines Norte. Other potential market outlets of soya chips are sari-sari stores, groceries, supermarkets, tourist shops, and pasalubong centers in different parts of the country.
With the growing market of the soya chips, a financial analysis was conducted and discussed in the monograph. Results showed that the project benefits exceeded the incurred processing and operating costs. This indicates that given the set assumption in the analysis, investing in soya chips is financially viable.
For a more detailed discussion on the financial analysis and information on the soya chips processing investment, check out the monograph titled "Technology and Investment Profile of Soya Chips," which can now be downloaded from the SEARCA website at https://www.searca.org/pubs/monographs?pid=484.