Sustainable vegetable production through the use of low-cost protective structures: a farmer's experience in Bontoc, southern Leyte, Philippines

摘要

For years, Lucio "Boie" R. Gerona, a civil engineer by profession but with a passion for business and farming by family orientation, had been dreaming of becoming a progressive farmer. Countless attempts in farming on his self-acquired land in Pamahawan, Bontoc, southern Leyte, Philippines, were made but often failed and/or were non-profitable. Among the many constraints, he found continuous heavy rains the most difficult and almost impossible to manage. With the use of protective structures (curved-roof and vent types with plastic roofing and bamboo framings) as rain shelters, year-round production of vegetables was made possible. Results showed that yields of lettuce {Lactuca sativa L.), ampalaya {Momordica charantia L.), and two croppings of sweet pepper {Capsicum annuum L.) were consistently higher with gross margins of nearly three fold as compared with those in the open field. Yields of two croppings of watermelon {Citrullus lanatus Thunb.), which were planted during the dry months, were alsohigh although statistically comparable with those in the open field, which was understandable since watermelon is a sun-loving crop. With the adoption of the technology, Boie attained rewarding outcomes: sustained productivity and profitability which enabled him to put up other farm improvements (irrigation system, enclosed structures for leafy vegetables, vermiculture shed and mini-piggery to start diversification); capacity building that allowed him to serve as a consultant/resource speaker/panelistin farmer's fora/FFDs/training sessions specifically on protected vegetable cultivation and marketing; and not to mention the enhanced publicity of his farm, which is now a favorite educational trip destination for many people from all walks of life.