Saturday, December 2Food Security Matters

Agriculture

Denver Biang: A Young Agripreneur Shaping the Future of Agriculture

Denver Biang: A Young Agripreneur Shaping the Future of Agriculture

Agriculture
At the age of 25, Denver Biang from Kapangan, Benguet, is taking significant strides toward shaping a promising future in agriculture and food production—a dream he has cherished since childhood. In a recent interview with the Philippine News Agency, Denver shared his passion for Agripreneurship and his plans to further develop his skills to secure his family's future while contributing to food production in the Philippines. "I am happy with what I do. That is the most important thing, aside from the positive economic prospects in being a farmer," Denver expressed in his native language, Ilocano. Denver is the proud owner of "Saymayat Farm," located in Barangay Bineng, La Trinidad, Benguet. His farm specializes in producing seedlings of leafy vegetables, cultivated in seedling tr...
Vermicomposting in the Philippines as Business

Vermicomposting in the Philippines as Business

Agriculture
Vermicomposting in the Philippines is a highly profitable business to start with and people who are exploring to start gari-business should look into vermiculture. The Philippines being a tropical country is not only rich in biodiversity but also has lots of agricultural resources that can turn into profitable business ventures. One of these is vermiculture - the process of turning biodegradable wastes into high-quality organic fertilizer with the use of African Night Crawler (Eudrilus eugeniae). As of this writing, 1 sack or 50 kilos of vermicompost costs P800 to P1,000 depending on which part of the country you are in, and worms cost P1,000 to P1,200 per kilo. Vermicomposting in the Philippines| The African Nightcrawler Worm  Eudrilus eugeniae, also called the "African Nightcrawler"...
25 Business Ideas in Agriculture to Start in 2024

25 Business Ideas in Agriculture to Start in 2024

Agriculture
Agriculture is the backbone of civilization, providing sustenance, livelihood, and fuel to humanity. As our world's population continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, the demand for food, fiber, and fuel is surging. This presents an immense opportunity for entrepreneurs and innovators to make their mark on the agricultural industry. In this article, we will explore 25 innovative business ideas in agriculture that tap into emerging trends, utilize cutting-edge technologies, and emphasize sustainable practices. From traditional farming ventures to agri-tech startups, let's delve into the realm of agriculture-driven entrepreneurship. Vertical Farming Vertical farming is a game-changer in the agricultural industry. It involves utilizing vertical spaces to grow crops indoors...
6 Major Reasons Why the Philippines is Importing Rice from other Asian Countries

6 Major Reasons Why the Philippines is Importing Rice from other Asian Countries

Agriculture, News & Opinion
Rice has always held a special place in the hearts and stomachs of Filipinos. It is a staple food that forms the core of many traditional dishes and is an integral part of the nation's culture. However, in recent years, the Philippines has been increasingly reliant on rice imports to meet the demand of its growing population. This begs the question: Why is the Philippines importing rice when it has a long history of rice cultivation? In this article, we will examine the factors that have led to this dependence on imported rice, from the conversion of agricultural land into residential areas to the challenges posed by a lack of modernization in agriculture. Agricultural Land for Rice Planting is Turned into Residential One of the most significant reasons for the Philippines'...
Cassava as Livestock and Poultry Feed

Cassava as Livestock and Poultry Feed

Agriculture, Livestock, Poultry
Cassava, known scientifically as Manihot esculenta, has been a staple root crop in the Philippines for centuries, and its uses are as diverse as the nation's rich culture. Locally, it is known by various names like balinghoy, balanghoy, or kamoteng-kahoy, while internationally, it goes by manioc or tapioca. Beyond its role as a human food source, cassava offers various other applications, including animal feed, medicine, alcohol, and even industrial uses such as textile production and biodegradable materials. In this article, we'll explore the untapped potential of cassava as livestock and poultry feed and the various factors that have hindered its widespread adoption in the industry. Cassava's Remarkable Versatility Cassava is prized for its versatility, and its multiple uses make i...
Why Filipino Farmers Should Grow Purple Corn

Why Filipino Farmers Should Grow Purple Corn

Agriculture
The Philippines is no stranger to the vibrant colors of its diverse culture, lush landscapes, and bountiful harvests. But there's one particular hue that is capturing the attention of both farmers and consumers alike - the mesmerizing purple of Morado F1 purple sweet waxy corn. As the demand for healthier food options grows, this unique crop offers Filipino farmers a golden opportunity. In this article, we will explore why Filipino farmers should consider growing purple corn and how it can be a game-changer for both their income and health-conscious consumers. A Growing Demand for Healthier Food Choices The modern Filipino consumer is becoming increasingly health-conscious, and this shift in dietary preferences is evident in a recent survey conducted by Food Industry Asia. The survey...
Turning Onion Leaves into Biomass: A Sustainable Solution for Agriculture

Turning Onion Leaves into Biomass: A Sustainable Solution for Agriculture

Agriculture
Agriculture has been the backbone of many economies across the globe, providing food, livelihoods, and resources. However, this vital sector faces numerous challenges, one of which is the management of agricultural waste. As the world's population continues to grow, so does the amount of agricultural waste produced. In many countries, this waste poses environmental and economic challenges. Fortunately, innovative solutions are emerging to transform agricultural waste into valuable biomass resources. One such initiative is the endeavor to turn onion leaves, often discarded as waste, into a profitable and eco-friendly resource. The Challenge of Agricultural Waste Agricultural waste encompasses a wide range of materials, including crop residues, byproducts, and organic matter. The accum...
Organic Farming vs Eco-Farming: Exploring the Key Differences

Organic Farming vs Eco-Farming: Exploring the Key Differences

Agriculture
In an era of increasing environmental awareness and a growing concern for sustainable food production in the Philippines, two terms have gained prominence in the realm of agriculture: "organic farming" and "eco-farming." While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct approaches to cultivating food and managing natural resources. Organic farming in the Philippines is becoming popular as many Filipinos are becoming conscious of the type of foods they are consuming. Meanwhile, eco-farming is usually interconnected with tourism. Let's discuss their key differences. I. Organic Farming Principles of Organic Farming Organic farming is an agricultural method grounded in a specific set of principles. The primary objectives of organic farming are to min...
Bio-Organic Fertilizer From Coir Dust and Animal Manure

Bio-Organic Fertilizer From Coir Dust and Animal Manure

Agriculture
In the world of modern agriculture, sustainable and eco-friendly practices are gaining increasing importance. One such practice that's making waves is the production of Bio-Organic Fertilizer (BOF) from coir dust and animal manure. BOF is a processed inoculated compost that speeds up the decomposition of organic materials, turning them into a nutrient-rich fertilizer. This method has several advantages over traditional composting, offering farmers an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative. Understanding Bio-organic Fertilizer BOF is distinct from traditional composting because it relies on the introduction of homogeneous microbial inoculants to hasten the decomposition process. This approach significantly reduces the time required for decomposition, from several months to...