Pinoy Farmer

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 ...

Farming has always been the lifeblood of the Philippines. With over 10 million Filipinos depending on agriculture for their livelihood, the tools they use—both old and new—tell a powerful story of resilience, ingenuity, and adaptation. Traditional Tools: Echoes of the Past In many rural areas, time-tested tools are still widely used. These are more than just implements—they're symbols of tradition and a deep connection to the land. Araro (Plow): Pulled by carabaos, the araro is used to till the soil, especially in rice paddies. It’s slow but effective, especially in wet, sticky terrain. Suyod (Rake): Essential for removing weeds in rice fields. Its wide, comb-like structure allows farmers to maintain neat and healthy paddies. Bolo: A multipurpose blade used for everything from clearing fields to harvesting crops. It’s a farmer’s constant companion. Modern Tools: Boosting Efficiency As farming faces the twin challenges of climate change and an aging workforce, moder...

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 ...

            Kalamansi, also known as calamondin or Philippine lime, is a small citrus fruit that is commonly used in Filipino cuisine. It is also a popular ingredient in juices, marinades, and sauces. Kalamansi is a versatile fruit that is easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of environments. In this blog, we will provide a guide to kalamansi farming, from soil preparation to harvest. Soil Preparation           Kalamansi thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, it is important to prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic materials. Kalamansi trees also require a slightly acidic soil pH, between 5.5 and 6.5. Planting           Kalamansi trees can be grown from seeds or cuttings. If using seeds, they should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they germinate. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of leaves, they can...

          Are you interested in gardening but don't have the space or time for a traditional garden? Have you heard about hydroponics and want to learn more? Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil that is becoming increasingly popular among gardeners and farmers. In this blog post, we'll explore the basics of hydroponics and how you can start your own hydroponic garden. What is Hydroponics?           Hydroponics is a method of growing plants using nutrient-rich water instead of soil. In a hydroponic system, the plant's roots are suspended in a nutrient solution that provides all the necessary minerals and nutrients for growth. The roots are usually held in place with an inert growing medium, such as peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite. Why Choose Hydroponics? There are several benefits to growing plants hydroponically, including: Increased yield : Hydroponic plants typically grow faster and produce more fruit tha...