Category: AGRICULTURE

Producing your own Seeds

 

Producing your own Seeds

The Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc. recommends the following steps in producing our own seeds.

In Genesis chapter 1, verse 30, God told Adam and Eve, “I give you every green plant for food.” And it was so. The propagation of plants is basically divided into two types: the sexual (or propagation by seeds) and the asexual (or propagation using vegetative parts or plants). Among the two types, seeds are the most important.

“Seeds are many things,” wrote Victor R. Boswell, author of The Importance of Seeds. “Above all else, they are a way of survival of their species. They are a way by which embryonic life can be almost suspended and then revived to new development — even years after the parents are dead and gone.” Continue reading “Producing your own Seeds”

Sweet peas

Sweet peas

Sweet pea, locally known as sitsaro, is primarily grown in the Mt. Province. Sweet peas may also be known as Baguio beans. Approximately 2000 hectares of land is currently growing sweet peas in the Mt. Province.

Like lettuce, broccoli and celery, sweet peas are also considered as a cool season vegetable. However, sweet peas are considered legume crops like sitaw and bitswelas. Cool temperature is important in growing sweet peas, therefore it is ideal to grown them in the highlands. Continue reading “Sweet peas”

The Art of Landscape design

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The Art of Landscape design

By Ronald G. Mangubat

Less plants, a profusion of trees, use of non-living components in the garden. These describe the future wave of landscape design.

 Over the last 20 years, ornamental expert Nib Moncayo, manager of Hortanet Ornamental Plants, has seen the evolution of landscape designs in the country. Though his company is engaged in the mass production of ornamental plants which he supplies to the big developers and landscape development companies, he admits to have keenly observed how the ornamental industry has developed over the past two decades. Continue reading “The Art of Landscape design”

Organic Livestock and Poultry Farming

Organic Livestock and Poultry Farming

BY  CABMELA  ABAYGAR

Here’s an in-depth look at the world of organic farming for both livestock and organic.

Organic farmers should promote animal well-being throughout the farm. This may be done by minimizing physical and psychological stress on the animals and reducing the incidence of disease. Also, when animals are not stressed, veterinary bills are reduced and meat tenderness is maintained.

Pain  and stress relief Conventional farming practices such as castrating, marking and mulesing, if it cannot be avoided, should be kept to a minimum.

Physical alternations should be provided as needed to promote the animal’s welfare and in a manner that reduces pain and stress. Anesthetics lidocaine and procaine are allowed to be used for pain reduction. Chlorohexidine is also allowed for surgical procedures conducted by a veterinarian, as well as a number of other topical disinfectants.

Also, stress during handling can be minimized by reducing noise and not rushing stock through gateways.

Animals also experience stress when in transport going to market and during slaughter. Stress must be minimized during this period. Slaughter must be done quickly and without unnecessary stress. Animals should not be placed in an area where slaughter of other animals can be seen.

Living conditions

The farm should have living conditions for animals such that their needs for free movement, food, water, shelter and shade are provided. Also, the farmer must be aware of the animals’ specific natural behavior patterns. Living conditions that accommodate the health and natural behavior of the animals should be provided. Continue reading “Organic Livestock and Poultry Farming”