Vegetable seeds and seedlings production: an approach towards food sustainability
Paper Details
Vegetable seeds and seedlings production: an approach towards food sustainability
Abstract
The study was conducted at San Mariano, Lal-lo, Cagayan, Philippines, from January 2021 to September 2021 to assess the immediate outcomes of massive seeds and seedlings production among vegetable growers affected with Covid-19 pandemic and determine their sociodemographic and socioeconomic statuses. Fifty (50) vegetable growers were selected and interviewed utilizing the structured questionnaires. Data collected were processed through available statistical software. Results revealed that vegetable farmers are predominantly male, aged 40-50, married, Ilokano, with elementary and tertiary educational attainment belonging to nuclear type family with 3-4 members. The majority of respondents are full-time members of the San Mariano Vegetable Growers Association, earning an average income of Php33, 480.39 from a 0.25 to 1.0-hectare vegetable-corn land. The majority of the beneficiaries are affected with a high cost of inputs, high labor cost and absence of hauling vehicles during harvesting and post-harvest operations and a very low price of products also exists during marketing. Furthermore, vegetable yields average to 3,520 kilograms with a net income of Php45, 306.40, and an ROI ranging from 20% to 247% per cropping season. The results imply that the Bayanihan II program significantly increased the income of vegetable farmers from Php33, 480.39 to Php45, 306.40. Hence, the project was recommended to provide additional funds, closed supervision, and proper management. The continuity is vital in the sustainable supply of safe and quality vegetables in the market, helping farmers generate income in a short period of time and providing immediate and alternative sources of healthy food during this time of the pandemic.
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