BIBLIOGRAPHY PACSI, RHEALYN Y. APRIL 2008....

BIBLIOGRAPHY
PACSI, RHEALYN Y. APRIL 2008. Production and Marketing Profile of
Cassava in Benguet. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Jovita M. Sim, MSc
ABSTRACT

The study sought to determine the production and marketing profile of cassava in
the different municipalities of Benguet. Specifically the study aimed to (1) determine the
production profile of cassava in Benguet, (2) find out the production and marketing
practices of the cassava growers and (3) identify the production and marketing problems
of cassava growers in Benguet. There were 50 respondents of the study from different
municipalities of Benguet. These composed of 17 respondents from Mankayan, 16 from
Sablan, 14 from Kabayan and 3 from Kapangan, Benguet. The study was conducted from
December 2007 to February 2008 with the use of survey questionnaire and personal
interview.

Farming is the main source of livelihood of the respondents. Majority of the
respondents were not member in any organizations or farmers/marketing association in
their locality or municipality. All of the respondents financed their own production of
cassava and (78%) of the respondents owned the land they are cultivating.

Majority of the cassava growers were devoting small farm area, less than 1
hectare for the cassava production and most of them usually plant in the month of May.
The varieties of cassava grown in the province of Benguet are golden-yellow cassava

(miracle) and white cassava. Respondents practice the usual crop management practices
such as land preparation and cultivation, weeding and pest control. The most common
pest in cassava production is rat which is controlled by using a rat poison. The
respondents produced an average of 19 sacks of cassava tuber. A one sack is
approximately 50 kilograms. Respondents utilize cassava produce for home consumption;
sell surplus and as animal feed.

Growers bring their produce to Baguio Hanger Market and local outlet or to their
neighbors. One respondent operating more than 1 hectare of cassava, supply his product
in Pangasinan. Growers sell cassava on consignment basis and set their own price.
Promotion of cassava is by word of mouth or sales talk and by joining trade fairs/festivals
in their own municipalities. The choice of buyers depends on the price offered, proximity,
accessibility or convenience. Farm gate price for cassava ranged from 6-10 pesos per
kilogram but could be as high as Php 40 per kilogram on retail price. Respondents
produce only a small quantity to avoid surplus, some consume or processes the surplus.
The problems encountered by the respondents varies but the common problem
mentioned was lack of information for standard pricing, limited market outlet, long
maturity, rat, buyers control price, and far distance from farm to market. They also
mentioned, lack of market information, short storage life and limited knowledge on post
harvest handling.
To provide solutions to these problems; research and development for cassava,
should be geared towards improving/prolonging, storage life, post harvest and utilization
and improved varieties which are short maturing. Develop alternative outlet/alternative

ii

uses of cassava. Market information should be established especially in standard pricing
to encourage growers to plant cassava, thus increasing the production.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
Bibliography...……………………………………………………………….. i
Abstract………………………………………………………………………. i
Table of Contents……………………………………………………………..
iv
INTRODUCTION
Rationale……………………………………………………………... 1
Statement of the Problem…………………………………………….
3
Objectives of the Study……………………………………………….
4
Importance of the Study………………………………………………
4
Scope and Limitation of the Study……………………………………
5
REVIEW OF LITERATURE………………………………………………...
6
Production……………………………………………………………. 7
Marketing…………………………………………………………….. 9
Problem Encountered…………………………………………………
11
METHODOLOGY…………………………………………………………... 14
Locale and Time of Study…………………………………………….
14
Respondents of the Study……………………………………………..
14
Data Collection……………………………………………………….
14
Data Gathered………………………………………………………...
17
Data Analysis……………………………………………………........
17

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Profile of the Cassava Producing Areas………………………………
17
Profile of the Respondents……………………………………………
22
Farm Area Devoted to Cassava Farming……………………………..
26
Production Practices of the Respondents……………………………..
26
Marketing Practices of the Respondents……………………………...
31
Production and Marketing Problems…………………………………
36
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS…………....
41
Summary……………………………………………………………... 41
Conclusion…………………………………………………………… 42
Recommendation…………………………………………………….. 43
LITERATURE CITED……………………………………………………….
44
APPENDICES……………………………………………………………….. 46
Appendix A. Letter to the Respondents………………………………
46
Appendix B. Letter to the Municipal Mayor…………………………
47
Appendix C. Questionnaire…………………………………………...
48
Appendix D. Cassava Plantation……………………………………...
53

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1
INTRODUCTION

Rationale

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz syn. M. Utilissima Pohl) is considered one of
the important root crops in the Philippines. This plant belongs to Euphorbiaceae family.
It is a dicotyledonous perennial shrub, which grows three to six feet tall. It has large
palmate leaves. The edible portion is the root/tuber. However, the top is currently
promoted as vegetable. The flowers are borne at the end of the stems and range in color
from greenish purple to light greenish yellow (Stephens, 2007). It is also the only one of
98 species in its family that is widely cultivated for food production (O’Hair, 1995).
Cassavas are essential raw materials in manufacture of monosodium glutamate
(MSG), of beer products, alcohol, ethanol, and vinegar as well as vermicelli (noodle or
sotanghon) and a good source of starch for “sago” production. However, an important
break through is using cassava in soy sauce making (Lasdacan, 1987). It is also used as
filler to the content of pills and tablets and other pharmaceutical products and used as
chemical raw materials in manufacture of plastics, and tanning of leather, coating, sizing
and adhesives, paper making and textiles. In the Benguet, it is locally known as
“kamoteng kahoy or balinghoy”. It is a long tropical perennial crop which is grown
traditionally with limited inputs or unfertile/marginal soils and usually planted in
backyards and harvested when the need for food or other delicacies like “suman”, cake,
chips and other snack items arises. During “Canao”, the Igorot’s feast, cooked cassava
roots are usually served as part of the menu.

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

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Two thirds of the population of Benguet, depends on the root crops industry. The
cassava production has reached its peak a long time ago and has declined since then. The
rapid decline is exacerbated by diminishing planting areas and unawareness of consumers
on the nutritional value of the cassava.
With the farmer facing these problems, it is very important that they should be
reminded about the importance of the crop as buffer food and for traditional purposes so
that they will produce more despite the pressing problems of land conversion and
marketing of the crop in Benguet. Cassava processing could also be a potential
livelihood.
Benguet Province is one of the six provinces under the Cordillera Administrative
Region and composed of thirteen municipalities and 140 barangays comprising the
municipalities of Benguet (Anonymous, 2007). Benguet is also known for its cassava
production as fermented cassava products always available/displayed during festivals.
The cassava is are often used mainly for human food either as substitute staple or snack
item, since it is readily available and by using simple technology it can be made into a
large number of traditional products, either in the form of moist food or dried products, it
also used as industrial raw material (starch based industries) and animal and poultry feeds
(Ghosh, et al., 1988). Some farmers sell cassava to La Trinidad trading post, Baguio
hanger market and direct consumers. Aside from the plantation cassava is also planted in
backyards as a ready source of food.
Cassava as an important crop is not given much attention by the people in
Benguet. Propagation of this crop is not taken seriously. Even though cassava can be a
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

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promising industry especially in starch making, supply of cassava in the locality is still
for subsistence.
In most of the municipalities of Benguet, cassava hardly competes with food or
feed grains. However, the multiple use of cassava and its adaptability in a wide range of
soil- climatic conditions are plus points of the crop by which it should find a significant
position in many of the provinces.
This study could be used to provide information that is necessary and useful to
asses the condition of the cassava industry, cooperatives and associations to formulate
plans for the development of the cassava production. It is therefore imperative to
undertake this study to generate necessary data, which may be useful in developing or
improving the cassava industry, thus improved the livelihood of cassava farmers and
entrepreneurs.

Statement of the Problem

In general, the study aimed to investigate the potentials of the cassava production
and marketing in Benguet. Specifically, the study aimed to answer the following
question:
1. What is the production profile of cassava in Benguet?
2. What are the production and marketing practices of cassava growers in the
study area?
3. What are the problems production and marketing of cassava growers?

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

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Objectives of the Study

Generally, the study was conducted to document the production and marketing
profile of cassava in Benguet.
Specifically, the study aimed to:

1. Determine the production profile of cassava in Benguet.
2. Find out the production and marketing practices of the cassava growers.
3. Identify the problems of cassava growers related to the production and
marketing of cassava.

Importance of the Study

The study will provide relevant information on cassava production and marketing
practices in Benguet and serves as a source of baseline data needed in developing
programs towards the improvement of production and marketing. This study would also
be a basis for recommending possible profitable project, such as cassava processing
enterprise or look for alternatives outlets and uses of cassava. Moreover, the results of the
study provide data to the processors, to the source of cassava as raw material. In one way
or another, this study helps the processors to source out supply of cassava. As we all
know the whole world is entering an area of new challenges, and Benguet is not
excluded. With the entire global market opening through GATT, APEC, etc., there arises
the need to be competitive. Every major industry is geared towards quality, high value
product and cost efficient operations. It is for this context that we must work for the
development of the Benguet entrepreneurs, as stated by Gov. Raul M. Molintas (June 13,
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

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1997), during his address in the opening of the Trade Fair in the Benguet Provincial
Capitol (Saturno, 2000).
At present, there is insufficient data on cassava production in Benguet. In order to
develop this potential industry in Benguet, a good data base is necessary.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study concentrated mainly on the production and marketing profile of cassava
in Benguet. The study also includes production and marketing practices applied in
cassava. In addition, the study will try to look into the problems related to the production
and marketing of cassava.

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REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Cassava is one of the world’s most important staple food crop because it serves as
a binder and stabilizer for many processed meat products such as sausages, it is also the
main ingredient in some regional Muslim cuisine (Botangen, et al., 2006) because it is an
excellent source of energy, of food nutrition values due to its highly digestive
carbohydrates (70% - 75%), mainly starch (Crisanto, et al., 1988), The flesh can be
chalk-white or yellowish; raw cassava tastes like a mixture of potato and coconut flesh, it
breaks like a carrot, and darkens quickly upon exposure to the air (Anonymous, 2007).
Indeed, cassava is the third largest source of carbohydrates. In Benguet, it is
grown mainly for home consumption because of its low economic valve. But with the
increasing demand of cassava cake sold by the bakeshops and peddlers in Baguio City,
the market potentials of this crop is being explored by farmers (Sim, et al., 2001). Since it
is readily available and by using simple technology it can be made into a large number of
traditional products, either in the form of moist food or dried products. Cassava is
particularly valued because of its drought tolerance and its ability to grow on poor soils
and its relative resistance to diseases and insect pests. These characteristics plus the fact
that it can be left in the ground without harvesting for a long period of time makes it an
ideal food crop as a security against famine. The utilization of cassava as a traditional
food offers good prospects for further development, both with respect to marketability as
well as the improvement of processing techniques. However, many problems still need to
be solve, especially those related to quality and storability (Ghosh, et al., 1988).

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

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Production

“Productivity is how well resources are used to produce desire output”.

-By Peter Drucker

Production: The transformation of two or more inputs (resources) into one or
more products. The transformation that take place includes the technology that industry
uses, its relative efficiency, its costs of production, its capacity to meet market demands
and the labor directed to the production does not vary evenly as inputs are fed uniformly
into the production process. The volume of production determines whether a product
should be produced in small or large quantities.
In the Philippines, cassava is rank number 10 and number 1 in the world in terms
of dry matter production (Botangen, et al., 2006). Cassava grows almost everywhere in
Benguet Province without any climatic restrictions and thrives better in poor soils than
any other major food plant. As a result, fertilization is rarely necessary. Planting cassava
plant start of the rainy season, within one week after planting, the cutting will begin to
sprout. Cassava has a long maturity period from 9-11 months for early maturing and 11-
18 months for late maturing (Sim, et al., 2001). However, yields can be increased by
planting cuttings on well drained soil with adequate organic matter. Cassava is a heat-
loving plant that requires a minimum temperature of 80 ºF to grow. Many cultivars are
drought resistant, cassava can survive even during the dry season when the soil moisture
is low, but humidity is high (Anonymous, 2003). For the weed control and cultivation,
the critical period for weed control in cassava production is during first two months of
growth when the canopy is not yet closed. Therefore, weed control operations such as
hand weeding and cultivation should be confined to this period to provide maximum
benefit to the crop. Cultivation is not only necessary to control the weeds but to lossen
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

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the soil which is beneficial to the expanding storage roots. Harvesting for the subsistence
farmers, the age of harvest does not matter much as long as they get sizeable roots to eat.
For those who grow the crop for business, the crop should be harvested at the right time
to get the maximum return. If late, the starch and dry matter contents maybe low although
yield may be high and the roots become fibrous (Villamayor, 1988). Harvest cassava at
full maturity after planting and harvesting too early results in low yield and poor eating
quality. On the other hand, do not harvest cassava right after rain or when the soil is too
wet. At this time the roots have high water content which makes them difficult to store.
Also wet soil particles would stick easily to the roots especially if the soil is clayey, this
making the roots hard to clean and harvest cassava during relatively dry weather so that
you can easily remove the soil particles from the roots (O’Hair, 1995).
Cassava roots are harvested by individual gatherers using digging tools such as
crowbar or hoe if necessary and are pulled manually to attain as much merchantable
length as possible (Tayaban, 1996).
Cassava production is closely allied with, but not the cause of, poorer farm
household. This relationship exists because poorer households are marginalized and often
live in marginalized areas the same areas where cassava performs well. Cassava also is a
source of food security, not only because it can be grown or less productive land, but
because it is a source of income for producers and generally a low cost source of food.
These relationships suggest that the development of market opportunities for cassava can
contribute substantially to poverty alleviation, especially for resource-constrained
households, and can increase household food security (Anonymous, 2007).

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Marketing

Marketing is primarily a legal-economic ethical relationship formed between
individuals in their efforts to acquire rights to scare goods which they believe will have a
further value, in business marketing is the process by which products are matched with
markets and through which ownership transfer are affected. Processors play an important
role in marketing process of cassava produce because they satisfy some of the customer’s
needs and wants at right place and at right time. The efficiency of marketing is often
dependent on marketing practice employed by middlemen (Salbino, 2006).

Marketing is the business activities associated with the flow of goods and services
from production to consumption. Marketing of agricultural products begins on the farm,
with planning of production to meet specific demands and market prospects. It is
complete with the sale of the fresh or processed product to consumers, or manufactures in
the case of raw materials for industry. Agricultural marketing also includes the supply to
farmers of fertilizers and other inputs for production. It also directs the flow of goods and
services from producer to ultimate users. One way of moving a particular commodity is
through middlemen generally classified as wholesalers and retailers (Comila, 2003).

The wholesalers, retailers and contract buyers are the common channels of
marketing. Cash payment is the most acceptable term of payment. Passenger jeepney’s
and human beings are use to transport farm produce to nearest market outlet. Basket and
sacks are common containers for their farm product (Tayaban, 1996).
The majority of cassava growers obtain information on pricing mostly from co-
producers and buyers who produce majority of their harvest while other growers canvass
the prices to set the right price for their product. However some growers rely on
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information from buyers who are their “suki” while some set their price lower to compete
with the others. These variations are related to several factors, foremost of which the
marketing practices are involved in the movement of products from the point of
production to the ultimate consumers (Salbino, 2006).
The country’s agricultural development efforts since 1950’s have directed
towards production to attain self-sufficiency. Philippine agricultural marketing has been
left to the private sector within the context of free market system. The private trading
sector can be viewed as a complex system of market intermediaries who are involve in
buying, transporting and processing (Tayaban, 1996) and considered marketing mix
where in the industry determines, in response to market, not only the product but also the
prices, the channel of distribution, the market place, and promotion and advertising, that
an industry does not mean much unless its product is sold (Salbino, 2006). Packaging
should also be considered in marketing, give protection to the goods and to the end users.
Goods are packed on the right way for product to prevent spoilage or rotting. Secondly
reason for packaging is convenience, not only on transporting the products but also using.
Consumers want packages that are easy to open, while being able to protect their
contents. Packaging may also make possible for the manufacture to economize. Product
should be packed in units that meet the preferences with consumers. Thus, cassava has
three distinct markets, a) the domestic market mainly for human consumption, b) the
animal feed market and c) the starch market.

Marketing improvement will help the farmers make good production decisions
according to the needs of the market in terms of the kind of the crop produced, quality
and quantity of deliveries. They also contribute to transforming small farmers into
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

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commercially oriented producers. It also improves the distribution and price, to meet the
needs of the consumers and promoting it in such a way as to make profit. It means that it
is the right product at the right price at the right place at the right time to the consumers
which
not only contributes to a more efficient consumption but on an improvement of consumer
as well. Furthermore, farmers will be able to experience a better quality of life. The
development of efficient marketing and distribution facilities and the availability of
production credit as well as processing facilities, in long run, will promote expand
production and higher income from these farm enterprise (Tayaban, 1996).

Studying marketing activities allows us to weigh their loss, benefits and flaws
more efficiently and effectively. In addition, marketing enables concerned and affected
individuals to improve their marketing practices in order to attain the maximum level of
income (Salbino, 2006).

Problem Encountered

In Benguet Province, most farmers are willing to plant cassava if they were
assured a market for the production because the effective and efficient marketing system
from the farmers viewpoint is one that will induce the production of those productions
and qualities which, when sold to consumers, will result in maximum returns.
The common problem faced by the farmers in production and marketing of their
products that they find it difficult to transport them to the market needs; they encounter
fluctuation price, existence of frugal customers and hidden damage/low quality which
results to low price and high transport cost. Other problem is how to market their product.
This is very vital for the success of the cassava production in Benguet, because
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

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oftentimes farmers tend to ask “Sino bang bibili niyan?”(Who will buy?). Despite to this
problem, there are several other issues that need to be addressed. These include among
others, the limited cultivated land, market outlets, transportation problems, and shift life
of cassava roots is very short, once it is removed from the stem, so there is an urgency to
get the food to market. “Roots can turn to mush in less than a week and cassava fresh
market time is very small, so it has to be processed immediately” (Sayre, 2003). It also
includes communications and peace and order.
The transportation problem is not surprising in the Cordillera, considering its
topography. Farms are either on top of mountain or far from the main road. These have
been a perennial problem of vegetable growers and are seemingly experienced by cassava
growers now.
Marketing of agricultural products is a commonly problem among the farmers as
the system passes through a series of middlemen before it reaches the ultimate consumer,
who buys it at an exorbitant price as compared to the original farm gate price. The
presence of middlemen is just one among the other problems confronting the market
industry of cassava and vegetable in the cordillera as well as the country (Palao-ay,
2003).

Definition of Terms

Agriculture. Art, science, and industry of managing the growth of plants for
human use.
Cassava. Is a shrubby, tropical, perennial plant that is not well known in the
temperate zone. For most people, cassava is most commonly associated with tapioca
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Carbohydrate. Any of a large group of compounds in which hydrogen and
oxygen, in the proportions in which they exist in water, are combined with carbon; the
formula of most of these compounds may be expressed as Cm(H2O)n. Structurally,
however, these compounds are not hydrates of carbon, as the formula would seem to
indicate.
Crop. A group of plants grown by people for food or other use, especially on a
large scale in farming or horticulture.
Distribution. The handing out or delivery of things to a number of people, the
selling and delivery of goods to retailers.
Entrepreneur. A person who visualizes the need to increase cassava production
and takes the necessary action to initiate or change the process by using available
technology.
Farmer. Person who is engaged in agriculture, raising living organisms for food
or raw materials. This is a way of life that has been the dominant occupation of human
beings.
Marketing. The performance of business activities that direct the flow of goods
and services from the producers to the consumers which includes selling, buying,
transforming and risk taking.
Price. Cost of something bought or sold: the amount, usually of money, that is
offered or asked for when something is bought or sold.
Producers. Refers to individuals who are engaged in processing of cassava into
finished products. Producers are also the farmers planting cassava.
Production. Refers to propagation and planting or growing of crops, i. e. cassava.

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

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METHODOLOGY

Locale and Time of the Study

The study was conducted in Benguet from December 2007 to February 2008. The
location map of the study area is shown in Figure 1.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of this study included cassava growers for the survey; they were
identified with the help of community leaders in the locality. There were 50 respondents
of the study coming from different municipalities of Benguet. These composed of 17
respondents who are in Mankayan, Benguet. There were 16 respondents in Sablan, 14 at
Kabayan and 3 respondents in Kapangan, Benguet with a total of 50 respondents. Aside
from the survey and observation, Municipal Agricultural Officers and Agriculturist for
Key Informant Interview.

Data Collection

Data gathering was done through survey questionnaires. The researcher conducted
an informal interview with the farmers to supplement the information gathered from the
questionnaires. Prior to the floating of the survey questionnaires a pre-test was done in
order to make possible improvements on the questionnaires based on the answers of the
pre-test respondents.

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

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Figure 1. Map of Benguet showing the study area

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

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Figure 2. Map of Benguet showing the cassava production area

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

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Secondly data were gathered before the preparation of proposal and were
collected from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Office of Provincial Agriculturist
(OPAG), the internet, library research and other available resources. The information
gathered from the literature was used in the construction of the research problems and
questions.

Data Gathered

The data gathered were the production areas, production and marketing practices
and problems related to production and marketing practices of cassava in Benguet.

Data Analysis

The data collected were tabulated and analyzed using frequency counts,
percentages, mean and interpreted according to the objectives of the study.

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Profile of the Cassava Producing Areas in Benguet
Major cassava producing areas. Table 1 shows the top major cassava producing
areas of Benguet, Kapangan had the highest cassava production with 1,400 metric tons,
compared with other four municipalities namely Itogon, Tuba, Kibungan and Sablan,
Benguet with a volume of production ranging from 1,189 to 140 metric tons.

Table 1. Major cassava producing areas in Benguet (2006)
MUNICIPALITY
PRODUCTION
(mt)
Kapangan
1,400
Itogon
1,189
Tuba
256
Kibungan
206
Sablan
140
Source: Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG)

Cassava production and area planted. Table 2 shows that the cassava production
in Benguet indicates that in year 2000 total area planted 839.50 hectare, while production
was 5,907 metric tons. Compared with similar data from 2006 there has been a big
reduction in cassava area planted was 208.20 hectare, production was 2,055.10 metric
tons and table 3 show the cassava production in Benguet by municipalities in year 2000-
2006.
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

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Table 2. Production, area harvested and yield of cassava in Benguet (2000 – 2006)

YEAR

PRODUCTION
AREA PLANTED AREA HARVESTED

(mt)

(ha)

(ha)
2000

5,907.00
839.50

697

2001

5,150.00
546.00

657.75

2002

2,803.02
383.50

421.75

2003

3,993.22
426.95

532.25

2004

3,110.00

321.80

437.45

2005

3,403.90

300.90

426.55

2006

2,055.10

208.20

416.6

TOTAL

26,422.24
3,026.85

3,589.35

Source: Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG)

Table 3.Cassava Production in Benguet by Municipality (2000-2006)

MUNICIPALITY
YEAR
__________________________________________

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Bokod
Area
Planted
(ha) 7 10 8 10 10 10 10

Area
harvested
(ha)
5 10 10 10 10 10 10

Production (mt)

50
98.50 98.50 98.50 98.50 97.50 100

Productivity
(mt)
10 9.85 9.85 9.85 9.85 9.75 10

Number
of
farmers
35 50 40 50 50 50 50

Source: Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG)

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Table 3. Continued…

MUNICIPALITY
YEAR
__________________________________________

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Itogon
Area
Planted
(ha)
133 133 133 133 133 133 133

Area
harvested
(ha)
131 131 131 131 131 131 131

Production (mt)

1,189 1,189 1,189 1,188 1,189 1,189 1,189

Productivity
(mt)
9.08 9.08 9.07 9.07 9.08 9.08 9.08

Number
of
farmers
663 633 663 663 663 663 663

Kabayan

Area Planted (ha)

10.50 12
10.50 9
9
9
9

Area
harvested
(ha)
5
4.75 5.25 4.25 6.25 4.25 4.25

Production (mt)

50
47.50 52.50 42.50 62.50 42.50 42.50

Productivity
(mt) 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Number
of
farmers
55 60 48 45 40 45 45

Kapangan
Area
Planted
(ha) 190 90 52 90 90 90 90

Area
harvested
(ha)
190 90 40 90 90 90 90

Production (mt)

2,280 1,080 480 1,080 1,080 1400 1,400

Productivity
(mt) 12 12 12 12 12 15.56
15.56

Number
of
farmers
1,780
900 520 900 900 900 900

Source: Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG)

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

21
Table 3. Continued…

MUNICIPALITY
YEAR
__________________________________________

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Kibungan
Area
Planted
(ha)
313 115 124 129 26.80
14.60
14

Area
harvested
(ha)
40 115 66 116 22.20
18 12

Production
(mt)

324 859 522 1,022
166 108 206

Productivity
(mt)
8.10 7.47 7.92 8.81 7.40 6
17.2

Number of farmers
2,325 860 1,032 1,032 541 740 840

Mankayan
Area
Planted
(ha) 150 150 21 18 19 10 6

Area
harvested
(ha)
163 145 11 18 18 13.80
7

Production
(mt)

1,630
1,500
110 180 150 143 77

Productivity
(mt) 10 10.34
10 10 8.33
10.36
11

Number
of
farmers
705 835 190 130 110 101 60

Sablan
Area
Planted
(ha) 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

Area
harvested
(ha)
14 14 14 14 14 14 14

Production
(mt)

140 140 140 140 140 140 140

Productivity
(mt) 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Number
of
farmers
64 64 64 64 64 64 64

Source: Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG)

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

22
Table 3. Continued…

MUNICIPALITY
YEAR
__________________________________________

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Tuba
Area
Planted
(ha) 20 20 16 16 16 16 16

Area
harvested
(ha)
20 20 16 16 16 16 16

Production
(mt)

220 220 192 192 192 256 256

Productivity
(mt) 11 11 12 12 12 16 16

Number
of
farmers
300 300 160 160 160 160 160

Tublay
Area
Planted
(ha) 2 2 2 7.95
4 4.30
6.20

Area
harvested
(ha)
3 2 2.50
7 4 3.50
6.35

Production
(mt) 24 16 19.80
50 32 28 44.60

Productivity
(mt) 8 8 7.92
7.14
8 8 7.02

Number
of
farmers
200 200 200 455 280 146 119

Source: Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG)

Profile of the Respondents

The socio-demographic profile of the respondents included their, other sources of
income, membership in farmers/marketing association, status in farming and
landownership. These were presented in Table 4.
Other sources of income. Six of the respondents claimed that cassava production
is the major source of livelihood; forty four of the respondents have other source of
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

23
income such as gardening (56%), laborer/farm worker (14%), and business (8%), broom
making (4%), carpentry (4%), and swine raising (2%).
Membership in farmers/marketing association. Seventeen (34%) of the
respondents were members in farmers/marketing association. Four (8%) of the
respondents were members of Kabayan Farmer’s Association and 13 (26%) were
members of the organization of Sabdang, Kidpol Farmer’s Association (SKFA). This
finding implies that the majority (66%) of the respondents were not member in
farmers/marketing association or any organization in their locality or municipality.
Status
in
farming. All (100%) of the respondents said that they financed their own
production of cassava.
Land
ownership. Twenty two percent of the respondent’s leased the land they
utilize for cassava production and 78% owned the land they were cultivating. This
implies that majority of the farmers were cultivating their own land.

Table 4. Profile of the respondents

CHARACTERISTICS

FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Other Sources of Income

Cassava production as a
source of income

6

12

With other sources of income

Farming 28
56

Laborer/farm
worker
7 14

Business
4 8

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

24
Table 4. Continued…

CHARACTERISTICS

FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Broom
Making 2 4

Carpentry

2

4
Swine
Raising
1 2

TOTAL 50
100

Membership in Farmers Associations
With no membership in farmers
association
33
66

With membership in farmers
association

Sabdang, Kidpol, Farmers
Association (SKFA)

13

26

Kabayan Farmers Association

4

8

TOTAL 50
100

Status in Farming
Self
financed
50
100
Others

0

0

TOTAL 50
100

Land Ownership
Owner

39

78

Leased

11

22
TOTAL 50
100

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

25
Farm area. Table 5 shows land area devoted by the respondents for cassava
production. Majority of the respondents (96%) devoted 1 hectare and below and only 1
(4%) utilized more than 1 hectare and above for the cassava production.
This finding shows that majority of the cassava growers were devoting a small
area for cassava production because most of the respondents plant crops that are short
maturing. Most often cassava intercropped with yam/ubi (Dioscorea alata), taro
(Colocasia esculenta) and galiang (Xanthosoma sagitifollium), sweet potato (Ipomoea
batatas), and vegetables or farmers totally shift to other crops or rice farming. As
mention by Mr. F. Binay-an and Mr. H. M. Bengeg. They cannot convince people to
plant cassava because there is no market not like taro (gabi), or other vegetable which has
a higher market. There should be a program that can help the farmers in marketing their
cassava produce, or seminar/workshop to learn some processing techniques in as
alternative market. Further more, Mr. W. P.Cilo, a Municipal Agricultural Officer of the
municipality of Itogon, Benguet, stated that cassava production is negligible in Itogon,
Benguet, because people prefer to go private mining and rice farming. Few of the farmers
go to their office to solicit advice on the crop. Instead many farmers shift to private
mining; agriculture or farming a second priority of the residents in Itogon, Benguet. Mr.
Cilo also mentioned that he want to convince farmers to plant taro (gabi) because many
of them are using taro (gabi) during occasion or vigil, but as he said they cannot force
farmers to plant this crop.

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

26
Table 5. Farm area devoted to cassava farming in square meter
FARM
AREA
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Less
than
1
ha. 48
96

1
ha.
and
above 2 4

TOTAL 50
100

Production Practices of the Respondents

Area planted. Table 6 shows that most (88%) of the respondents had a farm of
less than 0.5 hectare, and 8% of the respondents had more than 1 hectare. Only few 2
(4%) of the respondents had more than 1 hectare area planted for cassava production. The
study revealed that the respondents have limited area farm for cassava production.
Land classification. The same table reveals that most (86%) of the respondents
had flat lands for cassava plantation and only (14%) had sloppy lands. The respondents
mentioned that the land used for cassava production is flat land, because it is easy to
cultivate and production is continuous.
Month of planting. Table 6 shows that (36%) of the respondents plant cassava in
the month of May, 20% plant in November. As mentioned by the respondents it is good
to plant after rainy season. Eighteen percent usually plant on the month of April, 10%
plant on the month of September, and 8% of the respondent’s claim that they plant in the
month of June and October during rainy season. This finding implies that cassava can be
planted in the month of April to October before or after rainy season.

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

27
Variety. Table 6 shows that (62%) of the respondents were producing golden-
yellow cassava (miracle) and 38% were producing white cassava variety. Some
respondents said that they prefer golden-yellow variety because it has a longer storage
life than the white variety, but other said that white is good for flour making. The
International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and IITA (International Institute of
Tropical Agriculture) play a lead role in developing improved cassava varieties and
preserving the genetic diversity of this important staple crop (Anonymous, 2007).
Care and maintenance. Table 6 revealed that 65.22 % of the respondents weed
their farm manually. The weeds were dried burned and ash was used as fertilizer, or
compost for organic fertilizer. Respondents mentioned that the more organic matter is
present in the soil, the more fertile it will be. Some (19.57 %) of the respondents often
cultivate their soil to enhance the soil aeration and make the area suitable for crop
production. Cultivation and weeding were done simultaneously. However, further
weeding may be necessary for areas with denser weed population. There were seven
(15.22%) of the respondents who claimed that they used rat poisoning to control this pest,
because this can cause substantial loss/reduction in yield. This practice is usually done in
Sablan, Benguet as mentioned by Mr. G. Santa, Barangay Secretary of Sabdang, Kidpol
Farmers Association (SKFA). Cassava is mostly intercropped with other root crops such
as taro (gabi), sweet potato, ginger, pineapple and banana. The study implies that control
measures were regularly done according to the farmer’s assessment of pest and diseases
with regard to their experience or practice.

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

28
Table 6. Production practices of the respondents
PARTICULARS
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Area planted
Less
than
0.5
ha.
44
88
0.5
ha.-1
ha.
4 8
More
than
1ha. 2 4
TOTAL 50
100

Land classification
Flat
land 43
86
Sloppy
land
7 14
TOTAL 50
100

Month of planting
May
18
36
November
10
20

April

9

18
September
5 10
June

4

8
October

4

8

TOTAL 50
100

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

29
Table 6. Continued…
PARTICULARS
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Variety of cassava grow

Golden-yellow
cassava
31
62
White cassava

19

38

TOTAL 50
100

Care and maintenance
Weeding
30
65.22
Cultivation

9

19.57
Rat poisoning

7

15.22

Volume of production. Table 7 shows that 57.14% of the respondents were
harvesting an average of 1-3 sacks per cropping, an approximate of 50 kilograms per
sack, 14.29% produce 4-6 or 10-12 sacks and 9.52% of the respondents who had 7-8
sacks per cropping, and only one respondents, Mr. Leo Guzman, produced more than 300
sacks. This is because he has a larger farm size which is fully utilized for cassava
production than the others. Mr. Guzman had been engaged in production for almost 5
years.

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

30
Table 7. Volume of production per cropping

VOLUME
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
(SACK)

1-3

12

57.14
4-6

3

14.29
7-9

2

9.52
10-12

3

14.29
12-300

1

4.76

Mean: 19

Distribution of produce. Table 8 shows that 48% of the respondents utilize
cassava produce for home consumption, 30% sold and 22% for animal feed. This implies
that cassava is produce by the respondents were commonly used for home consumption.

Table 8. Distribution of cassava produce
PARTICULARS
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Home
consumption
24
48
Sold

15

30
Animal
feed
11
22

TOTAL 50
100

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

31
Marketing Practices of the Respondents
Market outlet. Table 9 reveals the different market outlet for cassava. Since the
respondents came from different organization and municipalities, they employ different
strategy to market their produce either in locality or outside the locality. Only one
respondents market his produce to some of the bakeries in Baguio City and La Trinidad,
Benguet and the excess produce are sold in Pangasinan. According to Mr. L. Guzman
market demand of cassava in pangasinan is high because of the processors in the area.
Market in Baguio City and Benguet is limited.
However, all producers bring their produce to their local market in the area or to
their neighbors. More than half (54.76%) sell their produce to their neighbors. Some
(33.33%) of the respondents dispose their produce to the processors. The rest of the
respondents said they bring their produce to Baguio Hanger Market (7.14%) and 1
(2.38%) of the respondents that has a big volume of produce usually dispose to some
bakeries in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet and (2.38%) of the respondents sell to
local outlet. This shows that market for the cassava in Benguet is limited.
Mode of selling. Table 9 shows that (46.81%) of the respondents sell through
consignment; whatever was sold were paid to avoid bankruptcy but not preventing the
farmer to ask for advance payment when they need cash. Some (44.68%) of the
respondents sell in cash/cash on delivery and 8.51% were bartered, exchange with other
crop to their neighbors or other consumers. This method is still applied not only in
agricultural crop but also for other products.

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

32
Price determination. Table 9 also shows that most (72%) of the respondents set
their own market price for their produce. The respondents determined their price using
the cost of production as basis plus market-up that is acceptable to the farmers. Some
(28%) of the respondents follow the price set by the buyers. The producers can not
demand price because cassava should dispose immediately upon harvesting it is highly
perishable.
Mode of promoting their produce. Table 9 shows that (73.08%) of the producers
promote their produce by word of mouth or sales talk, where they explain to consumers
the benefit of eating organic produce and uses of the said crop. As mention by Mrs. S. A.
Lino, an Agricultural Technician of Tublay, Benguet, that “we need more activities to
promote our own crops because now a days some do not give importance to the crop,
because we do not know what are the some benefits we can get from it, she further
mentioned that “now a days many farmers prefer to undertake vegetable farming, flower
industry or go abroad. Some respondents (26.92%) participate in local trade fairs/festival
in their own municipalities to let the public know that cassava produce can be made in
many ways, as snacks, and can be made into flour and wine.
Reason for the choice of buyers. Table 9 also shows the distribution of
respondents according to the reason for the choice of buyers. Majority (69.05%) said that
they choose buyers because of convenience and 13 (30.95%) because of the higher price
offered. These means that most of the respondent choose the buyers who are within the
locality.

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

33
Table 9. Marketing practices of the respondents
PARTICULARS
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Market outlet
Neighbors
23
54.76

Processors

14

33.33

Baguio hanger market

3

7.14

Bakeries (Baguio and La Trinidad)
1

2.38

Other outlet

1

2.38

Mode of selling
Consignment
22
46.8

Cash on delivery

21

44.68

Barter

4

8.51

TOTAL
50
100

Price determination

Set
own
price
36
72
Price set by buyers

14

28

TOTAL
50
100

Product promotion

Word
of
mouth 19
73.08

Participate in local
trade
fairs/festival
7 26.92
Reason for choice of buyers
Convenience
29
69.05

Offers price

13

30.95
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

34
Quantity sold. Table 10 shows that the volume produce sold by respondents. Most
(64.86%) of the respondents reveals that quantity of cassava sold ranged from 10-100
kilograms, 21.62% sold 101-200 kilograms, 2.70% sold 201-300 kilograms, 8.11% sold
3001-400 kilograms and 1.59% sold more than 15,000 kilograms. Mean quantity of
cassava sold is 285.12 kilograms.

Table 10. Quantity sold (price per kilogram)
QUANTITY
SOLD
FREQUENCY

PERCENTAGE

10-100
24
64.86
101-200 8 21.62
201-300 1 2.70
301-400 3 8.11

401-15,000
1 2.70
Mean: 285.12

Price. The price of a product is one of the considerations in the selection of crop
to plant. Table 11 shows most (67.57%) of the respondents sell their produce, farm gate
price at 6-10 pesos per kilogram, 8.11% sell at 11-20 pesos and 21.62% of respondents
sell at retail price 21-30 pesos and 2.70% sell at Php 31-40 per kilogram. The result
implies that farmers received a low price of their cassava crop thus; they are discouraged
from planting cassava crop as mentioned by 37 of the respondents.

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

35
Table 11. Prices of the cassava (per kilogram)
PRICE

FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE

Farm gate price
P
6-10
25
67.57
P11-20

3

8.11
Retail price
P
21-30 8 21.62
P31-40

1

2.70

Respondents’ response as to whether they produce more than the demand of their
customers. Table 12 shows that majority (58%) of the respondents do not produce more
than the demand of their customers since most of them have small farm areas of about 50
to 1,000 square meters, while others producers harvest on staggered basis to meet the
requirement of their buyers (continuous supply but limited volume). On the other hand,
only 21 (42%) claimed to have produced more than the demand of their customers,
especially those who have wider farm area of 5,000-20,000 square meters. This implies
that those who have wider area have experienced surplus of supply.
Utilization of excess produce by respondents. Table 13 shows that 48% of the
respondents consume their surplus produce. The rest (8%) of the respondents give surplus
harvest to neighbors or relatives in the area and (12%) exchange produce with other
crops. Other respondents, 32% process it as snacks and sold to their neighbors or in
school canteens that are willing to buy. This shows that all producers utilized their
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

36
produce to avoid wastage of crop, labor and time. This is practice because of the
producer’s psychological orientation that the product must be properly utilized.

Table 12. Respondents’ response whether they produce more than the demand of their
customers

RESPONSE
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

No

29

58

Yes

21

42

TOTAL 50

100

Table 13. Utilization of market excess by respondents
RESPONSE
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Home consumption

24

48

Process
16
32

Exchange products with other members
6

12
Given away freely to neighbors/relatives
4

8

TOTAL 50
100

Problems in Production and Marketing of the Respondents
Problems in production. Table 14 present the different problems encountered by
the respondents. The production problems identified by the respondents include; a) low
storage life (24.50%), b) limited post harvest/utilization knowledge (21.19%), c) long
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

37
maturity/cropping season (17.22%), d) pest-rat (9.93%) and e) lack of farmer
road/accessibility from farm to market road (7.95%).
Problems in marketing. Table 14 shows the marketing problems encountered by
the producers, the problems identified included; a) lack of market information (21.48%),
b) absence of marketing outlets for cassava produce (18.52%), c) lack of information for
standard pricing (14.81%), d) buyers control price (13.33%) and e) difficulties in
transporting produce (12.59%). This implies that most of the respondents have
encountered problems during production and marketing or it may either be financial
matter.

Table 14. Production and marketing problems encountered by the respondents
PROBLEM

FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE

Production problems
Low
storage
life
37
24.50

Limited post harvest/

utilization knowledge

32

21.19

Long maturity

26

17.22

Attack of pest and diseases

15

9.93
Distance from farm to market

12

7.95

Marketing problems
Lack
of
market
information
29
21.48
Limited of marketing outlets for

cassava produce

25

18.52

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

38
Table 14. Continued…
PROBLEM

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Lack of information for standard
pricing

20

14.81

Buyers control price

18

13.33
Difficulties in transporting produce
17

12.59

Potential of cassava. Table 15 reveals that 83.33 percent of the respondents
believe that cassava production could become the main source of income especially to the
family who are producing this crop, as we have learn cassava is a source of food from the
leaves down to its roots. That can be made into many ways but we need to be patient in
product development and make this crop competitive. Technology on cassava
processing’s readily available. Cassava can be prepared in the form of moist food or dried
products. This can also be processed into a cake, chips, crisp, and other traditional
products like “suman”, “petchi-petchi”, “tinupig” and as “bibingka”. This is practice in
Mankayan, Benguet. Three respondents mentioned that it is the main source of income of
their family until now but they need more knowledge and skills in processing this crop.
Cassava tubers can be made also as a wine through the traditional ways of processing
wine by our old folk called “binobodan”. This is practiced by all the producers of
cassava. In Kabayan, Benguet producers process them into flour for home consumption
only. Some (16.67%) of the respondents said that cassava production could be
commercialized/industrialized if we really give attention and importance to the said crop.
Mrs. Nora A. Canggat, an Agricutural Technologist from Mankayan, Benguet stated that
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

39
if we give attention to cassava crop it would help our farmers, processors and especially
our community, nowadays we observe that all the important crops that should be
maintain are no longer seen in our locality, because many people prefer mining, or plant
high value vegetables. This situation leads to the surplus of vegetable crops and also
degradation of environment because of pesticide/chemical used in the production of
vegetable crop.

Table 15. Potential of cassava as perceived by the respondents
PARTICULARS

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Could become the main source
of
income
35
83.33

Could
be
commercialized/industrialized
7 16.67

Table 16. Perceived solutions to the problems by the respondents
PERCIEVED SOLUTIONS

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

Government support

11

22
Establish cooperation between
producers and traders

9

18

Product handling/transportation or
product storage facilities should be built
9

1

Cash payment

7

14
Set standard price

6

12
Create market information system

3

6

TOTAL

50
100
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

40
Suggested solutions to problem. Table 16 shows the suggested solutions to the
problems encountered by the respondents. These were: to improve the marketing system
of cassava tubers, set standard price, create market information system, product handling,
transportation and product storage facilities. To improve product quality, government
support and assistance should be availed by the cassava producers. Participations to
seminars and trainings related to cassava are necessary. There should be cooperation
among farmers to stabilize price and to set standard quality of cassava. This study should
not only apply to cassava production but also to all of agricultural crops.

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

41
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

The study provided an overview of the production and marketing profile of
cassava in Benguet. The study was conducted in the different municipalities in Benguet
specifically to (1) determine the production profile of cassava in Benguet, (2) find out the
production and marketing practices of the cassava growers and (3) identify the problems
of cassava growers related to production and marketing of cassava in Benguet. There
were 50 respondents of the study from the municipalities of Mankayan, Sablan, Kabayan
and Kapanagn. The study was conducted from December 2007 to February 2008. Data
were gathered with the use of survey questionnaire and personal interview.

Farming is the main source of livelihood of respondents and majority of the
respondents were not member of any organizations or farmers/marketing association in
their own municipality. All of the respondents financed their own production of cassava
and (78%) of the respondents owned the land they were cultivating.

The cassava growers were devoting a small farm area for cassava production.
Most of the respondents had a farm of less than 1 hectare, and majority of them
mentioned that cassava plantation should be in flat land. Most of them usually plant in the
month of May. Varieties grown include golden-yellow cassava (miracle) and white
cassava which is common in the province of Benguet. For the crop management, most of
them practice weeding and cultivation. Rat is the major pest in cassava production.
Farmers control rat by poisoning.

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

42
The respondents produced an average of 19 sacks of cassava tuber. A one sack is
approximately 50 kilograms. Most of the respondents utilize cassava for home
consumption; for cash income or as animal feed.
Growers bring their produce to Baguio Hanger Market and local outlet or to their
neighbors. One respondent operating more than 1 hectare for cassava, supply his product
to Pangasinan. Growers sell cassava on consignment basis and set their own price.
Promotion of cassava is by word of mouth or sales talk and by joining trade fairs/festivals
in their own municipalities. The choice of buyers depends on the price offered, proximity,
accessibility or convenience. Farm gate price for cassava ranged from 6-10 pesos per
kilogram but could be as high as Php 40 per kilogram on retail price. Respondents
produce only a small quantity to avoid surplus, some respondents consume or processes
the surplus.
The problems encountered by the respondents varies but the common problem
mentioned was lack of information for standard pricing, limited market outlet, long
maturity, attack of pest and diseases, buyers control price and distance from farm to
market. They also mentioned, lack of market information, short storage life, limited
knowledge post harvest handling.

Conclusions

Based on the results of the study, the following conclusions were drawn:
1. Area devoted for cassava is small/limited.
2. Farmers produce for subsistence/primarily for home consumption.
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

43
3. Growers were willing to develop the cassava production and marketing but
encountered the following constraints:
a. short storage life
b. limited post harvest/utilization knowledge
c. long maturity period
d. limited market outlet
e. lack of market information
f. lack of information for standard pricing
g. buyers control price

Recommendations

In relation to the results obtained, the researcher recommends the following in
order to develop the cassava production and marketing in Benguet.
1. Increase/prioritize research and development for cassava especially in
improving storage life, post harvest and utilization and develop improved
varieties which are short maturing.
2. Develop alternative uses and outlet by processing.
3. Market information should be established especially in standard pricing to
encourage growers to plant cassava and also to increase the production of
cassava products.

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

44
LITERATURE CITED

ANONYMOUS. 2007. Benguet History. Retrieved October 01, 2007 from
http://elgu2.ncc.gov.ph/benguet/.

ANONYMOUS. 2003. Cassava research boosts production. Retrieved October 01 2007
from http://www.fao.org/NEWS/.

ANONYMOUS. 2007. Cassava. Retrieved September 14, 2007 from http://www.iita.org.

BOTANGEN E. T., G. S. BACKIAN and B. T. GAYAO. 2006. Cassava Industry Profile.

COMILA Z. B. 2003. Profile of Vegetable Marketing Operations at the La Trinidad
Vegetable Trading Post. Unpublished Thesis. BSU. L.T.B. P 4.

CRISANTO R. E and L. K. MIRANDA. 1988. State of the Art abs Abstract Bibliography
Cassava Research. Published through the Philippine Agriculture and Resources
Research Foundation, Inc (PARRFI) Los Banos Laguna. pp. 1-2, 69-70.
GHOSH, S. P. T. RAMANUJANI; J. S. JOS; S. N. MOORTHY; R.G NAIR. 1988.
Tuber Crops. Published by Mohan Primalani for oxford and IBH publishing Co.
Pvt. Ltd., 66 Janpath, New Delphi 11001 and Printed at Sunil Printers, Narama,
and New Delhi 110028. P. 1.
LASDACAN, L. T. 1987. Effect of Different Levels of Cassava on the Growth
Performance of Swine. Unpublished Thesis. BSU. L.T.B. pp 2, 4.

MICROSOFT ENCARTA. 2003. Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved
October 01, 2007 from http:// Encarta.msn.

O'HAIR, S. K. 1995. Agriculture and Consumer Protection. Tropical Research and
Education Center, University of Florida. Retrieved October 01, 2007 from
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/cassava.html.
OFFICE OF PROVINCIAL AGRICULTURIST (OPAG). 2006. Commodity Production
Profile of Cassava.
PALAO-AY, S. M. 2003. Status of Fruit Production in Sagada, Mountain Province.
Unpublished Thesis. BSU. L.T.B. pp 10-11.

SALBINO. V. B. 2006. Marketing Practices of Flower Shop Owners in Selected Areas in
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SATURNO, R. P. 2000. Benguet Entrepreneurs Association Production and Marketing
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SAYRE, R. 2003. Researchers get to the Root of Cassava’s Cyanide-Producing Abilities.
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Yam and Cassava. P. 6.

STEPHENS, J. M. 2007. Cassava - Manihot esculenta Crantz. Ed Gibbon, the Congo
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Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

46
APPENDIX A
Letter to the Respondents

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management
Benguet State University
La Trinidad, Benguet
January, 2008

Dear Respondent,

I am a fourth year student of Benguet State University, taking up Bachelor of Science in
Agribusiness; I am presently conducting a study on “Production and Marketing Profile of
Cassava in Benguet”.

In this connection, may I request your full cooperation and assistance in gathering data by
answering the questionnaire sincerely and honestly, which will help me in the success of
this research.

Thank you very much for sharing a part of your precious time. God Bless!

Very truly yours,

RHEALYN Y. PACSI
Researcher

Endorsed by:

JOVITA M. SIM
Adviser

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

47
APPENDIX B
Letter to the Municipal Agricultural Officer

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management
Benguet State University
La Trinidad, Benguet

January , 2008

HON: _________________
Municipal Mayor
___________, Benguet

Thru:
__________________________
Municipal
Agricultural
Officer
___________,
Benguet

Sir:

Greetings!!!

I am a fourth year student of Benguet State University, taking up Bachelor of Science in
Agribusiness; I am presently conducting a study on “Production and Marketing Profile of
Cassava in Benguet”.

In this connection, may I ask permission to interview the cassava growers, at the same
time gather data on the cassava production areas.

Your favorable endorsement for this request is very much appreciated.

Thank you!

Very truly yours,

RHEALYN Y. PACSI
Researcher

Endorsed by:

JOVITA M. SIM
Adviser
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

48
APPENDIX C
SURVEY QUESTIONAIRE

Municipality_____________________________________________________________
Barangay________________________________________________________________
Respondent No.____
I. Socio-demographic profile

Name: ______________________________________ Age: ________
Address: ____________________________________ Gender: ( ) Male ( ) female
Civil Status: ( ) Single ( ) Married ( ) Widowed
Highest educational attainment: __________________________________________
Number of household members: _____________

Sources of income aside from cassava farming (pls. check)

( ) Employment (pls. specify) ___________________________________

( ) Business

( ) Carpentry

( ) Laborer/farm worker

( ) Gardening

( ) Broom making

( ) Swine raising

( ) Others, specify _______________________________

Membership in Farmers/ Marketing Association: ________________________________
Status
in
Farming:
Landownership:

( ) contract grower

( ) owned
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

49

( ) self financed

( ) leased
Farm area (in square meter): ______________________
II. Production

1. Location
Area Land Classification Volume Quantity Price/
Planted
(a)
produce (kg) sold Unit

__________ ______ ( ) flat land __________ ________ _______

( ) sloppy land

2. Current production volume per cropping
Volume
(sack)
_____________________
3. What variety of cassava do you grow?

( ) white cassava ( ) yellow cassava ( ) others, specify ___________

4. What month do you usually plant cassava? ____________________________

5. Specify the care and maintenance practices you follow.
______________________________ _____________________________

______________________________ _____________________________

______________________________ _____________________________

______________________________
_____________________________

III. Marketing (Please check those who apply to you)

1. What is the distribution of cassava produce?

( ) sold
( ) home use
( ) animal feed
( ) others, specify____________________
2. Where do you market your product?

( ) Baguio Hanger Market
( ) peddling to
( ) neighbors
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

50
( ) processors
( ) bakeries
( ) others, specify_____________________
3. What is your reason for your choice of buyer?

( ) higher price ( ) convenience ( ) others, specify_____________

4. Do you produce more than that the demand of your buyers?

( ) Yes

( ) No

If yes, what do you do with the excess? __________________________

5. Manner of payment

( ) cash basis
( ) consignment
( ) paid in cash upon delivery
( ) others, specify_____________

6. Who are the sources of price information?

( ) Set own price
( ) set by buyer
( ) others, specify____________________
7. How do you promote your product?

( ) participate in local trade fairs / festivals
( ) advertisement by support groups
( ) word of mouth
( ) others, specify____________________

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

51
IV. What problems are met in the production and marketing of cassava product in
your locality?

a. Problems encountered in production.

( ) limited post harvest / utilization knowledge

( ) short storage life

( ) long maturity

( ) attack of pest and diseases

( ) distance from farm to market

( ) others, specify _____________________

b. Problems encountered in marketing.

( ) limited of marketing channels for cassava produce

( ) lack of information for standard pricing

( ) buyers control prices

( ) lack of awareness of consumers on cassava

( ) difficulties in transporting produce

( ) lack of market information

( ) others, specify _____________________

V. Suggestions related to the problems encountered:

a. Production problems:
________________________ _____________________________
________________________ _____________________________
________________________ _____________________________

b. Marketing problems:
_______________________ _____________________________
________________________
_____________________________
________________________
_____________________________

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

52
VI. Other information:

1. What is the potential of cassava in your locality?

( ) could be commercialized/industrialized

( ) could become the main source of income

( ) others, specify _____________________

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR SHARING A PART OF YOUR PRECIOUS TIME. GOD BLESS!!!!!

RHEALYN Y. PACSI
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

53
APPENDIX
D
Cassava Plantation

Figure 3. Cassava production in Colalo, Mankayan, Benguet, newly planted

Figure 4. Cassava production in Colalo, Mankayan, Benguet, newly planted
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

54

Figure 5. Cassava production in Pukitan, Paco, Mankayan, Benguet

intercropped with pineapple and newly planted, vegetation stage

Figure 6. Cassava production in Colalo, Mankayan, Benguet, vegetation stage
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

55

Figure 7. Cassava production in Sablan, Benguet, intercropped with gabi
and papaya and vegetation stage

Figure 8. Cassava production in Kibungan, Benguet, intercropped with banana
pineapple and ready for harvesting

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

56

Figure 9. Cassava production in Colalo, Mankayan, Benguet, ready for harvesting

Fig Figure 10. Cassava production in Palpaltogan, Paco, Mankayan, Benguet

intercropped with sweetpotato and ready for harvesting

Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

57

Figure 11. Cassava production in Palpaltogan, Paco, Mankayan, Benguet

intercropped with banana and ready for harvesting

Figure 12. Cassava production in Pukitan, Paco, Mankayan,Benguet

intercropped with banana and sweetpotato and ready for harvesting
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

58

Figure 13. Cassava production in Kapangan, Benguet
intercropped with bananan and pineapple and ready for harvesting

Figure 14. Cassava production in Colalo, Mankayan, Benguet

ready for harvesting
Production and Marketing Profile of Cassava in Benguet /Rhealyn Y. Pacsi. 2008

Document Outline

Production and Marketing Profile ofCassava in Benguet
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- ABSTRACT
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
  - Rationale
  - Statement of the Problem
  - Objectives of the Study
  - Importance of the Study
  - Scope and Limitation of the Study
- REVIEW OF LITERATURE
  - Production
  - Marketing
  - Problem Encountered
  - Definition of Terms
- METHODOLOGY
- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
  - Profile of the Cassava Producing Areas in Benguet
  - Profile of the Respondents
  - Production Practices of the Respondents
  - Marketing Practices of the Respondents
  - Problems in Production and Marketing of the Respondents
- SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
  - Summary
  - Conclusions
  - Recommendations
- LITERATURE CITED
- APPENDIX