OE-NADA of the proposed ARCCESS sub-project: organic vegetable production in Rodriguez, Rizal [Philippines] (final report)

Date

12-2014

Abstract

The proposed on organic production of vegetables (ampalaya, eggplant, squash, okra, string bean and tomato) will be implemented and managed by the Organic Farmers of Barangay [village] Macabud, Inc. (OFBMI) in Barangay Macabud, Rodriguez, Rizal. Vermiculture technology is the primary source of soil fertilization. The Association members will also be engaged in vermiculture to supply their organic fertilizer requirements. Incidentally, vermicast is also a potential source of additional income to farmers. Common Service Facilitates (CSFs) and Collective Marketing will also be potential sources of increased productivity of farmers members as well as other farmers in the Barangay and communities nearby. Thus, the OFBMI will be engaged in the production of organic vegetables, CSF rental, and collective marketing of organic produce with the aim of increasing income of farmer-members. Other farmers in the barangay will also benefit from the enterprise. Similarly, consumers within the locality and the surrounding areas will be also benefited through the availability of organic vegetables, apart from the environmental benefits from the use of the technology. The area is suitable for vegetable production as evidenced by the fact that farmers in the area have been planting these vegetables for several years. The challenge is the utilization of the organic production technology which is relatively new to them. Fortunately, a number of them have already adopted this technology which have inspired them to organize the OFBMI. There is an existing farm (about 12 hectares) planted to organic vegetables which serves as demonstration farm of the OFBMI. The owner is already marketing these organic vegetables and has already established link to a number of outlets, including a large vegetable distributor. Yet, marketing remains a challenge, especially if organic production will be on a large-scale basis. The Association's Collective Marketing scheme will have to address this. The CSFs component is also potential source of income for the Association. Farmer-members will have farm equipments which will be rented from the Association for land preparation and other farm activities. Farmers in the neighboring areas are potential customers of the CSFs. Finally, one of the major concerns in this Proposed Project is that the OFBMI is still a very young organization which will be facing a great challenge of engaging in organic production of vegetables in a 50-ha farm without a sure market in mind. Apart from the marketing concern, the following are the equally major issues that have to be considered and addressed: 1.enhancing the capability of the farmers on organic vegetable production technology, including vermiculture; 2.training officers of the OFBMI on organization management and financial management; 3.increasing the knowledge and skills of members on enterprise operation and management; 4.promoting the use of the organic farming technology to other farmers; 5.sourcing organic vegetables seeds/planting materials and raw materials for the vermiculture; 6.increasing the demand for organic vegetables; 7.creating and forging linkages and network for organic vegetable market; 8.formulating marketing strategies as well as creating market niche for organic vegetables; 9.establishing housing for the farm machineries and equipment for the CSFs; 10.constructing warehouse for the collective marketing scheme; 11.organizational maturity is still wanting; and 12.ASEAN in integration is fast approaching which is an opportunity for the ARBO.

Language

English

Document Type

Article

Pages /Collation

43 leaves

En – AGROVOC descriptors

MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVES; COOPERATIVE ACTIVITIES; MOMORDICA CHARANTIA; AUBERGINES; SQUASHES; OKRAS; KIDNEY BEANS; TOMATOES; ORGANIC AGRICULTURE; VERMICULTURE; SOIL; FERTILIZATION; EXTENSION ACTIVITIES; PHILIPPINES

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