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Showing posts with the label vertical farming

The Hidden Cost of Poor Infrastructure: How It Undermines Philippine Agriculture

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the Philippine economy, employing about 23% of the labor force. Yet, despite the sector’s importance, farmers continue to face systemic challenges—chief among them, inadequate infrastructure. From poor roads to insufficient irrigation, these gaps severely limit productivity, profitability, and resilience. 🚧 Infrastructure Gaps: A Barrier to Productivity One of the most pressing issues is the lack of farm-to-market roads. Without reliable transportation, farmers struggle to move their produce efficiently, leading to spoilage, higher costs, and reduced income. In Zamboanga Sibugay, for instance, the development of farm-to-market roads has been a strategic intervention to address these challenges by improving connectivity, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting rural development . Irrigation is another critical concern. Only a fraction of arable land is irrigated, making farmers vulnerable to erratic rainfall and droughts. Modernizi...

Best Crops to Plant During Summer in the Philippines

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 ...

Essential Farming Tools in the Philippines: Bridging Tradition and Innovation

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...

Hydroponics: A Guide to Growing Plants Without Soil

          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...