Determinants of Profitability of Sweet Potato Production in Camarines Sur, Philippines

Sweet potato has found its niche in the global market and is now outpacing other primary staple foods not only because of its desirability for human consumption but as an immediate source of income as well. A study was conducted to examine the factors affecting the profitability of sweet potato production in Camarines Sur, Philippines. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the 108 farmer-respondents. A structured questionnaire and focused group discussion were used as main tools for gathering data. Frequency counts, weighted means and percentages were used to describing and analyzing the socio-demographic data. Cost and return analysis and return on investment were used to determine the profitability of sweet potato production. The factors affecting the profitability of sweet potato production were also evaluated using multiple regression analysis. Results revealed that sweet potato production is generally profitable with the high financial return of 144% to farmers, or a net income of Php 48,400.00 pesos per hectare. There exist a positive relationship between income and farm size, labor input cost, cost of other inputs and access to buyers but inverse relationship exist between income and years of experience and tenurial status. Furthermore, farm size and cost of other inputs are significant variables that contribute to the increase in income. Recommendations include stabilizing the pricing system for sweet potato through the formation of production clusters to improve their market opportunities; provision of seminars and workshops on product development; provision of subsidies on agricultural inputs to reduce the cost of production; provision of basic and high-technology infrastructure; and establishment of an information network on the agricultural market

STATUS OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS IN THE BICOL REGION, PHILIPPINES

Abstract A study was conducted to determine the status of the organic agriculture (OA) research and development (R and D) programs in Bicol Region, Philippines. Specifically, it aimed to conduct inventory of R and D projects on organic agriculture, determine the information needs of OA stakeholders and identify research gaps and propose strategies to enhance the OA R and D programs. Secondary data was gathered on OA researches undertaken and survey was conducted to 149 stakeholders to know their information needs. Data gathered showed that 46 projects were implemented and most of the researches conducted were on production aspect. Highest percentage (34%) recorded in terms of information needs of the stakeholders were on demand and supply. Research gaps identified were absence of a whole research chain on organic agriculture for a specific commodity, lack of a research with component on developing a centralized, web-based information system, and inadequate research on policy and governance on OA. Recommendations included the strengthening of research programs with holistic approach, development of a web-based OA information system, conduct of research on governance, policy processes on OA and strengthening of financial support from government and private institutions and intensification of information dissemination campaign on organic agriculture

Research and Development Trends and Information Needs in Organic Agriculture in Bicol Region, Philippines

The platform for organic agriculture (OA) implementation has great potentials in the Philippines. Various researches on OA had been conducted because organic crops are one of the most important needs of Filipinos. A study was conducted to determine the status and trend of the organic agriculture (OA) research and development (R and D) programs in Bicol Region, Philippines. Specifically, it aimed to conduct inventory and determine the trends of R and D projects on organic agriculture, determine the information needs of OA stakeholders and identify research gaps and propose strategies to enhance the OA R and D programs. A survey using purposive sampling was undertaken to 149 stakeholders to know their information needs and secondary data was gathered on OA researches. Result of the study revealed that 46 projects were implemented and most of the researches conducted were on production aspect. Highest percentage (34%) recorded in terms of information needs of the stakeholders were on demand and supply. Research gaps identified were absence of a whole research chain on organic agriculture for a specific commodity, lack of a research with component on developing a centralized, web-based information system, and inadequate research on policy and governance on OA. While considerable effort had been done on researches related to organic agriculture, a more focused action research on market opportunities and market knowledge is needed and imperative to ensure the effective and successful implementation of the OA program in the Bicol region. This should be coupled with continued aggressive information dissemination campaign to firm up appreciation and strengthen awareness of stakeholders on organic agriculture