Pinoy Farmer

 In the heart of the Philippine countryside, where the earth is rich and the sun generously beams its light, thousands of Filipino farmers rise with hope each morning. For many, onion farming is not just a livelihood — it’s a heritage, a life’s work cultivated through generations. But today, that heritage is under siege, not by nature, but by the tides of imported goods. The Life of an Onion Farmer Growing onions in the Philippines, especially in provinces like Nueva Ecija, Ilocos Norte, and Mindoro, is a labor of love. From planting delicate seeds to painstakingly nurturing crops through unpredictable weather, Filipino farmers invest months of sweat, care, and patience. Harvest time, typically from December to April, should be a season of reward. However, the reality for many farmers is far from prosperous. Production costs — fertilizers, irrigation, pesticides, and labor — have soared. Meanwhile, prices they receive for their onions often barely cover these costs, leaving farm...

Nestled in the mountainous regions of Northern Luzon, the rice terraces stand as both cultural heritage and vital agricultural systems. Built by hand and maintained for generations, these terraces showcase Filipino ingenuity and the deep bond between people and nature. Why the Rice Terraces Matter Cultural Significance: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the terraces are a symbol of ancient indigenous knowledge passed down for over 2,000 years. Sustainability: Terraced farming helps prevent soil erosion, controls water runoff, and maintains biodiversity in upland ecosystems. Food Security: These terraces support local rice production in regions where flat land is scarce. Challenges in Upland Agriculture Limited Mechanization: The terraces’ steep terrain makes it difficult to use modern farming machinery. Climate Vulnerability: Typhoons and landslides frequently damage infrastructure and crops. Youth Migration: Many young people leave farming communities, leading to fewer han...

The dry season—or summer—is a unique opportunity for farmers and home gardeners in the Philippines to grow a variety of crops that thrive under the sun. While the heat can be intense, many plants actually love the warmer weather and can produce excellent yields with proper care. Here are some of the best crops to plant during the Philippine summer: 1.  Corn (Maize) Corn is one of the most popular summer crops in the Philippines. It requires full sunlight and well-drained soil. With the right irrigation system, corn can grow rapidly and yield a profitable harvest in just a few months. 2.  Mango Known as the “king of Philippine fruits,” mangoes love the summer heat. In fact, the dry season is essential for mango trees to flower and bear fruit. Provinces like Guimaras and Zambales enjoy bumper mango harvests during this time. 3.  Watermelon Summer wouldn’t be complete without watermelons. These juicy fruits need high temperatures and lots of sunlight to ...

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed strong disappointment on Thursday regarding recent remarks made by Vice President Sara Duterte questioning the quality of rice distributed by the National Food Authority (NFA), which is planned to be sold at P20 per kilo. Secretary Laurel, who also chairs the NFA Council, underscored the department's dedication and commitment to delivering quality rice to Filipino families, emphasizing the impact of the Vice President's remarks on the morale of farmers and agricultural workers nationwide. "With all due respect to the Vice President, the Department of Agriculture (DA) family is deeply hurt by her suggestion that NFA rice is ‘hindi pang tao, pang hayop,’" Laurel stated, highlighting the unintended negative impact these comments have on the perception of local agricultural products. He reinforced that the rice distribution initiative is critical to fulfilling President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s campaign promise...

 The National Food Authority (NFA) has made a major move to boost the country's food security, increasing its rice buffer stock to an impressive 7.56 million 50-kilo bags of milled rice. This milestone comes as the summer harvest reaches its peak, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to intensify palay procurement and provide stronger support to Filipino farmers. As of April 24, the NFA’s inventory stood at 10.1 million bags of palay (unmilled rice) and 1.2 million bags of milled rice. This supply is enough to feed the entire country for 10 days—the highest stockpile the NFA has recorded since late 2020. NFA Administrator Larry Lacson shared the agency’s commitment to further strengthen the inventory. “We still have about ₱12 billion allocated for palay procurement, and we intend to maximize purchases during the ongoing summer harvest,” he said. This effort, he emphasized, is crucial in making rice more affordable for Filipino consumers. Under its mandate, th...

          Agriculture is a vital industry in the Philippines, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the country's food security. However, traditional farming practices can have negative impacts on the environment, such as soil erosion, water pollution, and deforestation. Sustainable agriculture offers a solution to these problems, promoting practices that conserve natural resources and support the long-term viability of the industry. In this blog, we will discuss some sustainable agriculture practices in the Philippines that can help create a greener future. 1. Agroforestry Agroforestry is a practice that combines agriculture and forestry, integrating trees into farming systems. This technique helps to prevent soil erosion, increase soil fertility, and provide shade for crops. Additionally, agroforestry can provide farmers with additional sources of income through timber and fruit production. 2. Organic Farming Organic farming is a method ...