Pinoy Farmer

In the heart of Bilar, Bohol, a remarkable transformation is taking place — a former overseas worker, now a thriving fish farmer, is showing how innovation, training, and hard work can turn dreams into reality. Recently, Ms. Dalagan , a beneficiary of the Aquabiz School-Technology Business Incubation (ABS-TBI) project, successfully completed her second production cycle, harvesting 50.75 kilos of giant freshwater prawn (ulang) and a staggering 938.25 kilos of tilapia . Her aquaculture venture, set on two ponds totaling 1,400 square meters , flourished over just four months , using advanced techniques and a complete Package of Technology (POT) developed for tilapia-ulang polyculture. Cultivating Success with Technology The farming journey wasn’t just about placing fingerlings in water — it was science-backed and technology-driven. Key performance results included: Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): 7.29 for ulang, 0.87 for tilapia Survival Rates: 41.23% for ulang, 46.91% for tila...

 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...

As of 2024, Philippine agriculture is undergoing significant transformations, driven by technological advancements, sustainability efforts, and evolving market demands. Here are some of the most prominent trends shaping the sector: 🌿 1. Sustainable and Organic Farming There’s a growing emphasis on sustainable and organic farming practices in the Philippines. Farmers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly methods such as organic fertilization, crop rotation, and water conservation techniques to enhance soil health and reduce environmental impact.  📱 2. AgriTech Innovations Technological advancements are revolutionizing Philippine agriculture. The integration of drones for crop monitoring, automated irrigation systems, and precision farming tools is helping farmers increase efficiency and yields.  🌆 3. Urban and Vertical Farming With rapid urbanization, urban and vertical farming are gaining traction in the Philippines. These methods allow for year-round food production in li...

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...

         Onion is one of the most widely cultivated crops in the Philippines. Its versatility in cooking, as well as its high demand in the market, make it a profitable crop for farmers. However, onion farming requires knowledge and skill to ensure a successful harvest. In this blog, we will discuss some tips for Philippine farming onion that can help you achieve a bountiful crop.            1. Choose the right variety There are several varieties of onion that can be grown in the Philippines, each with its own unique characteristics. When choosing which variety to grow, consider the climate in your area, as well as the market demand for the type of onion you plan to cultivate. Some popular onion varieties in the Philippines include Red Creole, Red Pinoy, and Yellow Granex.           2. Prepare the soil Onions prefer well-drained soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.8. Prepare the soil by removing ...