Category: AGRICULTURE

Using the ordinary to cultivate the Mysterious power of Beneficial Indigenous Microorganisms

Who wouldn’t he suspicious? Right from the get-go this workshop is promising cure-all concoctions that bring new life to everything they touch. The potions work in ways that are difficult to explain and impossible to actually see. The man conducting the affair is fast-talking and charismatic—he even lives in a far-off land. The whole thing smells like snake oil.

Here’s the catch: Gil Carandang, this crafty man from the Philippines, is not trying to sell us anything. In fact, he wants us to buy as little as possible—thats the point of this seminar. The lesson that’s officially on the agenda is the same as the event’s formal title:

“Cultivating Beneficial Indigenous Microorganisms.” But what’s really being taught here, the true objective, is the empowerment of farmers. Continue reading “Using the ordinary to cultivate the Mysterious power of Beneficial Indigenous Microorganisms”

Semen Sexing Soon to Revolutionize the Breeding Industry

Semen Sexing Soon to Revolutionize the Breeding Industry

Last October during the AGRILINK exhibit, we sat down and talked with Mr. Roger Parfitt, International Sales Manager of CEFN. A pig genetics expert, Mr. Parfitt excitedly told us about the sexing technology which he says, will soon be available in the Philippines in around two years time. Here are excerpts from our talk with Mr. Parfitt as he expounds on the role that genetics plays in pig production. Continue reading “Semen Sexing Soon to Revolutionize the Breeding Industry”

Extracting cash from cashew

Extracting cash from cashew

 

In the Philippines, many farmers are reluctant to venture into tree farming because it does not provide them immediate returns, unlike the growing of agricultural crops. But in the long run, tree farming is more profitable since it means more money and conservation. Trees help conserve the land by minimizing excessive soil erosion and run-off. Wood products mean additional income to the farmer. In addition, a farmer doesn’t have to attend his trees all the time once they have grown up.

One tree that can be a good source of income for farmers and simultaneously help the environment is cashew (scientific name: Anacardium occidentale). The forestry department of the University of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB) puts it this way: “Planting cashew trees in idle lands may be the best solution to our land conservation problem. As an agricultural crop, cashew trees provide vegetative cover to barren lands and help minimize soil erosion. There is also money in cashew. Its fruit has varied uses and commands a good price in the market.” Continue reading “Extracting cash from cashew”

Spread Happiness: Grow Gerberas

Spread Happiness: Grow Gerberas

There’s something about gerberas that just makes you wanna smile when you see them. You can’t help it- they seem to be the happiest looking flowers in the world that a mere glance at these beautiful flowers can get one’s spirits soaring. It is by no coincidence that Gerbera is among the top 5 of the most widely used flowers in the world.

Gerberas come in a burst of colors rangiug from hues of yellows and oranges to reds and pinks, and some crosses in between. These beauties are not difficult to grow. In fact, you can grow them right in your own home. All they need is a little bit of sunshine and lots of love. Continue reading “Spread Happiness: Grow Gerberas”