Status, Problems, and Prospects of Mandarin Citrus Production and Marketing in San Antonio, Quezon

Date

5-2017

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Melodee Marciana E. De Castro

Committee Member

Rachelle A. Mariano, Jeanette Angeline B. Madamba, Agnes T. Banzon, Dinah Pura T. Depositario

Abstract

This research study looked into the status, problems, and prospects of mandarin citrus farmers and traders in San Antonio, Quezon. It specifically aimed to: (1) present the socioeconomic profile of mandarin citrus key players; (2) discuss the production, marketing, financial, and human resource practices of mandarin citrus key players; (3) evaluate the problems and issues faced by the mandarin citrus industry; (4) identify investment opportunities for government and non-government organizations; and (5) recommend solutions to the identified problem.

An analytical framework was formulated to serve as a guide throughout the study. Fifty farmers, of which six were identified as farmer-traders and five identified as traders, were interviewed. The survey on socio-economic profile, management practices, and support institutions, which included government and non-government institutions, comprised the information gathered. The integrated analysis combined Michael Porter’s Model, SWOT Analysis, Cost and Return Analysis, and Supply Chain. These altogether were used to analyze the status, problems, and prospects in the mandarin industry. Recommendations were also formulated for the continuous improvement of the industry.

Results showed that the farmers were using the Szinkom mandarin variety in their farms. The oldest farmer was recorded at 86 years old and the youngest at 41 years old. The largest farm was eight hectares and the smallest was 0.25 hectare. Most of the farmers cultivated their own farm lands. The common farm gate price during the mandarin harvest season was five pesos per kilogram. For the traders, majority of them were contract buyers or called ―mamamakyaw‖, and the search for farmers was through word of mouth. Traders also bought the produce in bulk and they were the ones responsible for harvesting the products. They transported the products to Manila, Northern Luzon, and the CALABARZON Region.

The peak season for mandarin citrus fruits was December to January, but the traders were searching and buying products as early as July. Buying fruit products during its flowering stage made it cheaper for the traders since they would be investing while there were still no fruits. This also assured the farmers that there would be a buyer for their fruits, so they eventually negotiate with the traders’ given price.

Several frameworks used in the study also showed the following results: the Integrated Analysis showed the competitive forces of the mandarin citrus industry in San Antonio, Quezon; the SWOT analysis exhibited the competitive strength of the industry, its weaknesses, and opportunities which could be taken advantage by the farmers and traders; the Supply Chain Analysis and Distribution showed that 40% of the products were transported to Manila, 25% were transported to Northern Luzon, 30% were transported to CALABARZON, and 5% were transported to other places. The Cost and Return analysis conveyed that the profitability of the mandarin citrus was at 62.29% profit margin when used as monocrop, and 25% less when used as intercrop. It also showed that the best option for using intercropping was lanzones and coconut.

The problems identified were overproduction and oversupply, pest and plant diseases, quality of product, and sometimes, manpower problems, though this could be resolved by the farmers and traders. Another problem reported is that whenever there was overproduction, the traders would just leave the fruits in the trees to fall off. This would make the soil acidic which could later harm the tree itself. Farmers also expressed that they expected support from the government since their community in San Antonio, Quezon was getting more popular for its mandarin citrus production.

Recommendations were formulated to eliminate, if not minimize, the occurrence of the problems identified in the industry. Recommendations for the farmers were: (1) the application of liming to mandarin citrus farms; (2) the application of Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) and Farm Certification; (3) the establishment of an organization or cooperative for mandarin citrus farmers; and (4) the use coconut or lanzones as intercrops for their mandarin citrus farms. On the other hand, the recommendations for the traders were: (1) an increase in distribution areas; and (2) partnership with processing organizations. Lastly, the recommendation for the support institutions include: (1) the establishment of warehouses and storing facilities; (2) the conduct of additional research regarding the pests and diseases of mandarin trees; (3) the conduct of trade fairs for the key players in the industry; and (4) the provision of additional support for inputs.

Language

English

LC Subject

Citrus fruit industry, Production control, Marketing

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993 2017 M17 M375

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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