Needs assessment of farmers practicing conventional, organic farming, and those in conversion to organic farming in Pili, Camarines Sur

Date

6-2015

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Major Course

Major in Agronomy

College

College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Ma. Fatima O. Mercado

Abstract

The farm practice was done from May to June 2013 in Pili, Camarines Sur to assess the needs of farmers practicing conventional, organic, and those in conversion to organic farming. Objectives of the study were to identify the bio-physical, socio-cultural, political and economic conditions of the farmers, analyze the different practices in production of organic and conventional farming, document and analyze the various practices employed in actual production of an organic and conventional farm. Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood in Pili, Camarines Sur. Approximately 72% of the land is allotted to agriculture with rice as their major crop production and others are sugarcane, coconut, corn, and abaca. Majority of the lands are flat and some portions are hilly. Primary animals raised are carabao, cow, goat, pig, and chicken. Seeds come from Department of Agriculture (DA), Municipal Agricultural Office (MAO), or other organizations through trading. The produce is marketed to 'sentro', and 'comprada'. Conventional produce are sold directly in the market or through middlemen while organic produce has specific market located near the town proper of Pili. Although conventional farming produces higher yield (120 sacks/ha), in the long run, organic farming has high net returns since organic produce is sold higher (100%) than that of conventional farming. Demand for organic produce is increasing due to health conscious consumers and its good effect to the environment and soil fertility. Preparation of inputs is also labor intensive and conversion process may take a long time. Some problems in the area were lack of government support and implementation of organic agriculture, poor farm to market road for transport of goods, source of organic materials, area for farmers who does organic farming, and market for organic produce. The identified needs of the organic farming in Pili, Camarines Sur are as follows: (1) support from the government in implementation of organic farming, (2) conduct of seminar/workshop for distant farmers, (3) availability of planting materials especially for organic farming, (4) larger areas allotted for organic farming, (5) availability of more organic fertilizers, and (6) separate market for organic and conventional produce.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 993 2015 A3 /T36

Document Type

Thesis

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS