Agriculture.ph Blog

New product corrects soil acidity

Soil acidity is a common problem in many crop areas in the Philippines, especially among growers of crucifers (cabbage and the like) in upland vegetable areas. For soil nutrients and fertilizers to be effectively taken in by plants, a certain level of the soil’s acidity or alkalinity is required.

Most crops thrive on slightly acidic soils with pH levels of 5.0 or higher but soils in many areas are too acidic as a result of continuous planting, heavy use of chemical fertilizers and erosion. Such practices and factors deplete natural elements such as calcium and magnesium that neutralize soil acidity, causing stunted plant growth and susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Usually, farmers resort to applying agricultural lime at a rate of 40 sacks or around two metric tons per hectare to address their soil acidity problems. This burdensome practice, however, is not sufficient to correct the soil’s pH level. Experts recommend a few more truckloads of about 100 to 200 sacks of agricultural lime to bring the pH level of the soil to an ideal level. As processed calcium compounds quarried from limestone deposits, agricultural lime takes a long time to react and neutralize the soil’s acidity. Thus, conventional liming is done before each planting season and only takes full effect in time for the next planting season.

In line with its thrust of partnering Filipino faarmers, Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI), a company distributing agricultural chemicals, has introduced Limelite as a convenient alternative to this tedious task of soil conditioning. Limelite is an organic water-soluble calcium powder that gives the same benefit of conventional liming but with relatively a lot less needed, takes effect immediately and is easier to apply. As opposed to the truckloads of agricultural lime usually applied by farmers, only 2.4 kilograms per hectare of Limelite is needed to provide the same soil conditioning effect.

As an ionized solution, Limelite quickly reacts with the soil to neutralize its acidity and increasing the soil’s pH level. Limelite’s water-soluble formulation allows it to be applied through spraying and is therefore more convenient than the troublesome chore of applying truckloads of agricultural lime.

Trials have shown Limelite’s consistent efficacy in increasing the soil’s pH level and improving crop stand to generate better yield and is positioned in the market as the alternative to laborious and more expensive conventional liming. Product launches are held in key vegetable areas targeting crucifer growers where conventional liming is practiced the most.

As the challenge lies on changing the farmers’ age-old practice of  conventional liming, the features of Limelite on convenience and efficacy are stressed during presentations and in all other activities and materials. Continuing farmer education through JDI’s field activities are likewise employed to generate awareness and eventually expand Limelite’s usage I in other crops.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Scientists develop a practical way of storing fresh tomato

Tomatoes can be kept field-fresh for three weeks without using cold storage, according to the researchers from the Laguna-based Philippine Horticulture Training and Research Center (PHTRC).

One economical alternative is to use the Evaporative Cooling and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Technology which prolongs the storage life of fresh tomatoes under ordinary condition using locally available materials.

Developed by the team of Gloria Masilungan, Dr. Edralina Serrano and Kevin Yap, Evaporative Cooling and MAP Technology utilizes coconut coir dust and polyethylene (PE) plastic packaging and a suitable crate or container for storing tomatoes.

Masilungan said that the technology can be easily adopted by vegetable farmers at the village level production especially during periods when the price of tomatoes is low due to abundant supply, giving them up to three more weeks to store their produce while waiting for higher selling price.

“It is important, however, that the tomatoes to be stored must be green and firm to maximize the benefits of this technology,” says Masilungan. Otherwise, storage period will be shorter than what is expected. She also emphasized that the fruits must be free from injury and mechanical damage.

The technique is to wash the tomatoes first in water with chlorox (1 tablespoon of chlorox for every 1 liter of water) to disinfect the fruits from pathogenic microorganisms. The tomatoes are then dried and packed in PE bags with 2 pinpricks per kilogram of tomatoes. Moisten the coir dust with chlorox-mixed water and line the base of the container with this. Place the packed tomatoes in the middle and cover with moist coir dust. The researchers recommend a kilo of coir dust per kilo of tomatoes.

How does this technology work for tomato? PHTRC said that PE bag modifies the tomato surrounding by decreasing oxygen and increasing carbon dioxide. These result in the delay in ripening and discoloration of the peel, reduction in weight loss and moisture loss, and reduction in injuries from chilling. The cooling effect of moist coir dust, on one hand, also delays ripening of tomato.

Evaporative Cooling and MAP Technology was one of the technologies featured by PHTRC at the recent Agrilink trade show held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City. Others included Controlled Atmosphere Storage Protocol for Mango, Low Temperature Requirement of Tropical Fruits and Vegetables, Coco Coir as Storage Medium to Extend Shelflife and Enhance Quality of Tomato, MAP for Horticultural Perishables, Desiccants for Seed Storage, and many more.

Written by Melpha Abello

Source: Manila Bulletin

Fertilizer solves zinc deficiency in crops

A seaweed-based organic fertilizer which is said to address micronutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc (Zn) deficiency, in rice and other crops was one of the products that farmers should not have missed at the recent Agrilink trade show held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.

The fertilizer is called MegaZinc Plus, which is claimed to increase rice yield by a minimum of 20 cavans per hectare, increase resistance of rice plants to pest and diseases, increase tillering, induce uniform maturity of grains, and increase milling recovery. It has 1.62% zinc seaweed extracts plus auxins, gibberelins and cytokinins as active ingredients.

Florentino Pangilinan, owner and general manager of Central Luzon Farmers Agro Center in Cabanatuan City, the producer of MegaZinc Plus, said that zincis the most critical micronutrient to rice growth, with Zn deficiency now considered as the third most widespread nutrient disorder in lowland rice areas of Asia, next to nitrogen and phosphorus.

Symptoms of Zn deficiency in rice manifest at 2 to 3 weeks after transplanting. Slight deficiency leads to slight stunting in plant growth and decreased tillering of the rice plant with browning or yellowing of leaves; while very severe deficiency results in the death of the plant. Those that recover will show substantial delay in maturity and reduction in yield by as much as 50 percent.

Agriculture experts say that Zn deficiency can be corrected by adding Zn compounds to the soil or by dipping seedlings in Zn solution before transplanting, but the high cost associated with applying Zn fertilizers in sufficient quantities to address Zn deficiency means additional expenses for poor farmers.

Pangilinan said that using MegaZinc Plus entails only minimal cost to the farmers. One liter of MegaZinc Plus which costs R350 is enough to use for one hectare of ricefield.

MegaZinc Plus is applied at 20 to 45 days after transplanting (DAT) for transplanted rice and at 20 to 50 days after broadcasting for direct-seeded rice, both at a dosage of 10 tablespoons per 16 liter of water.

Pangilinan said that farmers all over the country who have tried MegaZinc Plus on their rice plants have got very good results. One of them is Silverio Almayda of Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija who obtained a yield of 10.96 tons per hectare with the application of MegaZinc Plus at 45 days after transplanting. Farmer cooperator Christopher Luna of Ormoc City also observed increased tillers of rice applied with MegaZinc Plus over that of rice without MegaZinc Plus.

Aside from rice, MegaZinc Plus is recommended for use also on corn, mango, onion, sugarcane, citrus, melon, cucumber, garlic, bush beans, cabbage and pechay.

Written by Melpha Abello

Source: Manila Bulletin

Filipino-Hawaiian investors put up first macadamia-tree plantation in Ilocos Norte

BADOC, Ilocos Norte—About 400 saplings of Hawaiian macadamia trees found a new habitat on a sprawling idle land in sitio Paratong, Saud, Badoc, Ilocos Norte, with the launching of the first macadamia demonstration farm in the country.

Attended by Filipino-Hawaiian investors, together with Mayor Mufi Hannemann of the city and county of Honolulu, Hawaii, and party on November 9, the first macadamia tree plantation in the country will serve as a demonstration farm for the production of macadamia nuts, a high-valued commercial crop in the United States and some parts of Europe.

Valued at P2,000 per seedling, the Filipino-Hawaiian investors, led by Mito Ablan, brought some seeds three years ago and started propagating macadamia in a nursery farm in Tarlac. About 200,000 macadamia seedlings are ready for planting.

Study shows that macadamia can be grown in the Ilocos region, which has a tropical climate like Hawaii.

Like mango trees that abundantly thrive in the Ilocos region, Ablan said macadamia could be harvested from six to eight years depending on the variety.

Ablan, who is also the president of the Ilocos Norte Association of Hawaii, has encouraged fellow Filipinos in Hawaii who have idle land in Ilocos to develop their vacant lots and invest in macadamia farming.

In Hawaii, he said about 19,000 acres is planted to macadamia, and it is bringing almost $700 million in income.

Macadamia nuts grown in Brazil, Australia and Hawaii consist of only 2 percent of the world consumption, Ablan added.

According to Badoc Mayor Thomas Torralba, they have identified more than 3 hectares of private lots which they initially developed as a demonstration farm. Ablan said the first Philippine macadamia demo farm in his town has been established in cooperation with Mac Nut (Phils.) Inc. and the government of Ilocos Norte under the administration of Gov. Michael Keon.

To sustain the project, Torralba said the local government of Badoc would be coordinating with technical experts from the Mariano Marcos State University and the Department of Agriculture for the proper care and maintenance of the project.

Unlike other fruit-bearing trees in Ilocos, Ablan said macadamia nuts could be harvested from June to December as it assures an all-year-round supply of quality nuts. The seeds are not perishable because it is hard.

In an earlier interview, Governor Keon said the provincial government is looking forward to the success of the macadamia plantation in Ilocos province, as he encouraged other municipalities to do the same.

He said farmers would ultimately benefit from the project by giving them other alternative source of income with its global demand.

In his speech, Mayor Hannemann told local officials and Ilocanos here that his government hopes to establish stronger ties and better cooperation with Ilocos provinces geared toward the promotion of cultural exchanges and to solidify economic ties.

Most of the Filipinos in Hawaii are Ilocanos who trace their roots in Ilocos Norte and other neighboring provinces in northern Philippines.

Written by Leilani Adriano

Source: Business Mirror

Philippines: Avocado cultivation gaining ground in South Cotabato

Commercial avocado cultivation has gained ground in South Cotabato, with 80 hectares already planted to an early maturing variety bound for export, local Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) officials said on Tuesday.

Aurelio A. Banggayong, Jr., BAS South Cotabato chief, said that Standard Philippines Fruit Corp. (Stanfilco), a subsidiary of Dole Philippines, Inc. (Dolefil), embarked on a contract growing program with upland farmers in Polomolok and Tupi towns for avocado propagation.

“Upland farmers have started planting the avocados. The initial target is 300 hectares with room for expansion,” he said.

The variety of avocado (Persia Americana) pushed by Stanfilco can bear fruit three years after planting, Mr. Banggayong said.

A source from Dolefil, a multinational company based in Polomolok town, confirmed the venture but did not provide additional details. Mr. Banggayong said that Stanfilco, whose major business is Cavendish banana growing, will buy and market the avocados in Japan.

Source: bworldonline.com

The farmer in the net

If you own a Facebook account, which I’m sure you do, you might have come across several applications that may have either intrigued or annoyed you. Among the many interactive games available on Facebook, Farmville deserves a place of honor because of its fun graphics and originality, something that’s definitely more amusing that irritating like Pet Society.

Farmville has nearly 35 million monthly users, and pretty soon, it’ll surpass the 35,554,755 record achieved by the ‘How Well Do You Know Me?’ application on Facebook. Farmville’s San Francisco-based developer, Zynga, says that the game provided a simple, fun way for people to unwind at the end of the day, with players spending an average of 20 minutes a day. The game’s popularity has been boosted by a growing trend among urbanites to try to their hand at being a leisure farmer without getting their hands dirty, literally.

Urban Planning

The objective of the game is to make your farm bigger, profitable, level up faster, avoid crops being destroyed, and to socialize with friends. You can plant and harvest fruit seeds, crops, trees, purchase different farm animals, decorate how you want your farm to look.

“What I like most about the game is the fact that young people can play it too,” says Yciar Castillo who plays it with her son. “We send each other gifts and we tell each other when it’s time to harvest. It also teaches kids patience & the value of money in the sense that you have to make money by planting seeds (which you have to pay for) and harvesting and selling your crops.”

It is important to note first of all, that the farming profession requires lots of patience and tender loving care. Neglect your crops for a couple of days and you may come back to a dry miserable field. Of course, this will affect your earnings as well.

In order to be a rich farmer on Farmville, you will need to be a bit savvy about your crops and think well before deciding what to plant.

Go home and plant Camote!

If someone tells you that, go ahead and do it – but do it with class. In Farmville, you get to plant all sorts of things, which help you earn points from berries, veggies, coffee, peppers, pineapples, wheat, cotton, and trees. While in nature, it may take months or years to harvest, in the virtual world of Farmville you can see your crops grow within a few hours. If you wont have time to toil your cyberland, plant things that take longer to grow, like trees. You can also put animals that aren’t high maintenance.

Place everything you own as close together as possible; leave no empty space on your lot. Fill it with trees and animals, this way every inch of your land is making you money.

It’s Berry Good

If you’re bored and have tons of time on your hands, invest in a lot of strawberries. “Planting the berries are the fastest way to earn money, since they have a really short harvest time,” shares Farmville fanatic Kristine Icasas.

Written By ALEXEI F. VILLARAZA

Source: Manila Bulletin

Goat farm targets big RP milk market

“The Philippines is importing 99 percent of its milk requirements as it produces only one percent of the total.”

Thus said owner Rene Almeda of the Alaminos Goat Farm (AGF) to illustrate the magnitude of the local market that his dairy products and those of other goat milk producers can supply.

AGF, according to Almeda, is stepping up its marketing offensive by showcasing an extended line of dairy products at the forthcoming Agrilink, Foodlink and Aqualink 2009, which is slated at the World Trade Center Metro Manila on October 8 to 10.

AGF is the maker of Milk Star, the pioneering fresh goat’s milk brand to be commercially produced and distributed at SM and Robinson’s supermarkets across Metro Manila.

“Milk Star was the darling of the visitors in Agrilink last year. But for this year’s show, AGF will feature, not only pasteurized milk, but also ice cream, leche flan, barquillos and cheese, all made from goat’s milk,” Almeda pointed out.

The market for fresh goat’s milk continues to expand as consumers learn more about its health benefits, including ease of digestibility and low cholesterol.

“As awareness grows about the availability of goat’s milk in the supermarkets, a lot of doctors are starting to prescribe it as an alternative medicine for their patients suffering from cancer, lactose intolerance and constipation,” Almeda stressed.

The AGF started out in 1993 when Almeda was asked by his son Art to embark on a goat project on their 16-hectare property, where they used to fatten feedlot cattle from Australia. Soon Almeda’s younger son Toti joined the business and handled marketing.

But it was after importing 100 purebred Saanen goats in May 2007 that the Almedas officially ventured into the dairy business. “It was a challenge to prove that one can milk Saanen dairy goats profitably in a tropical country like the Philippines,” Almeda said.

In the past, the government had imported a sizeable number of Saanen goats under the PL 480 program of the United States, but nothing significant came out of it.

Almeda observed that the Saanens adapted faster to the country’s hot, humid and wet weather than the Boers from Australia. “They (Saanens) love the fresh forage grass and legumes in Alaminos, Laguna,” he said.

By November 2007, they were milking their first Saanen and subsequently marketing the Milk Star fresh pasteurized goat’s milk.

As one of the country’s finest goat farms, the AGF has a herd of about 300 Saanens and some 600 Boers and Anglo Nubians.

“What’s good about Saanen goats is that they can produce at least two liters of milk a day for up to 300 days after giving birth. The Anglo Nubian, on the other hand, is considered a dual breed (good for meat and milk) such that it cannot produce milk for the same span of time. Nonetheless, the Anglo Nubian can give birth three times in two years, hence it can produce more kids than the Saanen,” Almeda explained.

“AGF will also showcase its prime cuts of goat meat based on industry standards. The soft launch of ‘GOAT MEAT: The World’s Most Friendly Red Meat’ will be held at Agrilink 2009,” Almeda announced.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Coco sugar a hit at trade fair

Coco sugar and other organic products from Lanao del Norte sold like the proverbial hotcake at the 2009 National Livelihood Trade Fair at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City under the auspices of the Philippine Chamber of Handicrafts, Inc. and the Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc.

Besides coco sugar, the other organic products from Lanao del Norte included honeymansi with pineapple, honeymansi concentrate plain, pineapple marmalade, bangus in corn oil packed in glass container, coco honey and coconut vinegar which are all manufactured without any preservatives.

A lot of people bought the coco sugar although the price is much higher than the sugar from sugarcane. The coco sugar is in the form of fructose which is superior healthwise compared to the sucrose in the ordinary sugar from sugarcane.

Former Gov. Imelda Quibranza Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte explained that the relatively high price of coco sugar is due to the fact that it requires much more effort and hard work to make. The sap of the unopened flowers (toddy) is extracted from the coconut tree which is cooked to make coco sugar.

Coco sugar is in demand not only in the Philippines but also in other countries. It is now exported to countries in Europe as well as Korea and Japan. There are also other producers of this unique product in Misamis Oriental.

Congressman Abdullah “Bobby” Dimaporo (2nd district, Lanao del Norte) has been very supportive to agricultural production, not only in farm crops but also in livestock. In fact, he has been responsible for putting up the biggest dairy cow operation in the country. Lately, he imported more than 2,000 Savanna goats from Australia for commercial production by farmers in his province.

Lanao del Norte, by the way, tops the list of growing economies with a gross domestic product growth of 5.3 percent in 2008, the highest among the regions during the period.

Written by Danny Junco

Source: Manila Bulletin

Meat processor keen on investing in corned tuna

MEAT-processing firm Foodsphere Inc. has expressed its interest in investing in the tuna-canning business, citing the bright potential in the domestic market of corned tuna, a new product that is expected to boost the canned-tuna sector.

Jerome Ong, president of Foodsphere, said a new investment into the corned-tuna category would provide  Filipino consumers with better alternative to existing canned-tuna products in the market today.

“Foodsphere, with over 34 years of experience in meat processing, is venturing into the corned-tuna category, as a part of its expansion plan,” said Ong.

“This forms part of the company vision to diversify into other food products which can be enjoyed by the Filipino household,” Ong said.

Corned tuna, the first of its kind in the Philippines, is a new category in the canned-tuna industry which is expected to expand the market for healthy products demanded by consumers with active and healthy lifestyle.

“Corned tuna is a new category in the canned-fish industry. Its entry will make the industry grow bigger, to the benefit of the Filipino consumers,” said Ong.

The introduction of new product categories is expected to result in a more competitive canned-tuna industry, where only a few players dominate 90 percent of the market. There are less than a dozen brands competing in the local market today.

Corned tuna is expected to attract even nonfish consumers because of its delicious taste combined with healthy content, two factors sought by modern consumers who want to have satisfying meals while staying fit, active and healthy.

Foodsphere, founded by Jose and Corazon Ong on June 26, 1975, is one of the leading meat-processing companies in the country today.

It has been cited by the Department of Agriculture because of its ability to manufacture and market high-quality processed meat products at cost- competitive prices.

Apart from meat processing, Foodsphere is also into meat canning, fruits bottling, water distilling, cheese and mayonnaise production, and fish canning.

It has recently invested P300 million in a modern manufacturing and distribution facility situated over a 9-hectare property in Malvar, Batangas, that would expand the company’s capacity by an additional 150,000 kilos of food products daily.

Source: Business Mirror

Processed dragon fruit products launched

In celebration of the Cavite State University’s (CvSU) 2nd Research, Extension, Continuing Education and Training Services Week, four dragon fruit processed products were launched. These products were jam, jelly, juice and puree.

The products were developed through the project “Pilot testing of dragon fruit jam, jelly, puree, and juice” by CvSU’s research team led by this writer. Other members of the team include Dr. Edna DA. Vida and Prof. Fe N. Dimero as project staff; Dr. Nelia C. Cresino, Dr. Ma. Agnes P. Nuestro, Ms. Carmen Batiles, and Ms. Ma. Fatima C. Ilagan as support staff.

The project was made possible through a grant from the Department of Science and Technology-Technology Innovation for Commercialization and the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development.

The dragon fruit juice has two variants, the “clear” juice drink and the “pulpy,” which is rich in fiber. Both flavors, however, are enhanced with calamansi. After the launch, the products will undergo marketability assessment.

The dragon fruit products have the following label specifications:

1. Trade Mark – The trade mark is the CvSU Laya at Diwa Statue mounted in a round golden plate with Cavite State University printed on top. On both sides is a dragon fruit chain indicating that the product is one of the dragon fruit product lines. At the bottom is the year 1906 enclosed in a ribbon indicating the year CvSU was established.
2. Brand Name – The brand name is “Severino’s” named after Don Severino De las Alas.
3. Product Name – The product names are: dragon fruit jam, dragon fruit jelly, dragon fruit juice, and dragon fruit puree.
4. Other features:

* Name of Manufacturer:  The manufacturer is the Cavite State University assisted by the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development (PCIERD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
* Net content:  280 ml (jam and jelly), 320 ml (juice and puree)
* Ingredients:  Indicates the ingredients used such as dragon fruit, pectin, sugar, citric acid, and artificial food color
* Nutrition Facts:  Indicates the nutritional information of the product as analyzed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute
* Packaging:  The jam and jelly is packed in a round clear glass with metal caps, while the juice and puree is packed in an elegant bottle with gold cap (juice and puree) and white cap (jam and jelly).

Incidentally, CvSU is the base agency of the Southern Tagalog Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium or STARRDEC. STARRDEC is one of the 14 regional research and development consortia of PCARRD.

Written by Teddy F. Tepora, STARRDEC-RACC