BIBLIOGRAPHY

ROMAN, MYRA P. MAY, 2011.Best Practices of Bell Pepper Farmers in
Central, Kapangan, Benguet. Benguet State University La Trinidad Benguet

Adviser: Constantino T. Sudaypan Sr. Ph.D.


ABSTRACT

The study documented the best practices of bell pepper farmers in Central,
Kapangan in the province of Benguet relative to sourcing of seeds, sowing of seeds, land
preparation, transplanting, irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease management,
harvesting and postharvest. It also identified the problems encountered by the farmers
along with the different stages of bell pepper production. It was conducted at Central,
Kapangan, in the province of Benguet. Actual site visits and data gathering were
undertaken in December 2010. All the farmers who have been growing bell pepper for at
least five years were the respondents.
As to the profile of the respondents, majority are males and married. Results
imply that farming is dominated by males. The respondents have ages ranging from 21-
60 years old. This shows that age is not a major factor considered in farming. All the
respondents have gone to school but only few are high school and college graduates.
According to the respondents who did not finished college, they were constrained by
financial problems.

With regards to the findings of the study, the respondents produce their own seeds
and buy supplementary seeds from trusted relatives and friends. The seeds they produced

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are properly placed in bottle containers and appropriately stored in well-ventilated and
secured area of the house. They directly sow seeds on seedbeds without osmo-
conditioning. After which, the seedbed is irrigated daily. Spraying of pesticide is
undertaken when necessary. As to the preparation of seedbed, the respondentspulverize
the soil, sterilize it buy burning weeds on top, lay plastic mat on elevated seedbed, spread
sterilize soil, sow seeds, irrigate and cover the seedbed with net or poly-ethylene plastic
(locally known as tunnel type). On land preparation, the respondents clean grass/weeds,
plow and harrow the area, dig the plots, prepare hills, fertilize hills and ready for
planting. In transplanting seedlings, the respondents irrigate first the seedbed, chuck and
individually uproot the seedlings, place them on commercial or indigenous tray, and
transplant.

As to irrigation, the bell pepper farmers practice daily manual irrigation with the
use of hosepipe. On fertilization, the respondents apply complete fertilizer and chicken
dung as basal, apply complete fertilizer during side dressing, and occasionally spray
foliar fertilizer. Regarding the management of pests and diseases, the respondents plant
bell pepper inside structured greenhouse to control the environment. Moreover, they
occasionally spray pesticides.
With regards to harvesting, majority of the respondents harvest bell pepper fruits
with bare hands even though it is still green as long as matured. Harvesting is accordingly
done in the morning. The postharvest practices of the bell pepper farmers are interpreted
in three areas: packaging, transporting and marketing. As to packaging, the best practice
of the farmers is to wipe the fruits with wet cloth to remove soil particles and grade as
small, medium, and big. The sorted sizes are packed in different baskets and labeled

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properly.The harvested bell pepper fruits are transported through the public utility
transport system. On the other hand, the respondents sell their harvest at the provincial
market, either at La Trinidad Trading Post or Baguio City. Only few respondents sell
their harvest at the Municipal Market.
The respondents encountered various problems along the different stages of bell
pepper production. The problems on seed sourcing include: high cost of seeds;
difficultyin producing seeds; scarcity of seed source; and dishonesty of some suppliers to
quality of their seeds.
As to sowing of seeds, the respondents cited the presence of pests and diseases as
their common problem. There were instances wherein the seeds were eaten by ants and/or
birds. The respondents lack financial resources for payment of additional manpower
during land preparation. As to transplanting of seedlings, the respondents claimed that it
is limited only in the afternoon. This is to elude from the heat of the sun that can stress
the seedlings. Otherrespondents are burdened with the scarcity of water during summer
and high cost of fuel for water pumps.
Relative to fertilization, the respondents mentioned high cost of fertilizer as their
problem. Few respondents revealed that some chicken dung bought from outlets are
mixed with sand, sawdust and other foreign materials. Furthermore, there were few
respondents who claimed that pests are immune with pesticides, and pesticides are
somewhat of poor quality that they cannot control pest and diseases.
As to harvesting, therespondents accepted that some fruits are unintentionally
detached from the mother plant during harvest. Few respondents, probably those who
have wide farms revealed that they lack manpower. As to packaging, the respondents

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claimed that packaging materials are costly, and are sometimes not enough in the
community. On the other hand, damages on bell pepper are visible when the public utility
vehicle is jam-packed with passengers because there is no separate transport system
for vegetable and/or crops.
On the problems encountered on marketing, the respondents cited the absence of
fixed price for bell pepper for it can go as low as Php 5.00 per kilo. On the other hand,
there were respondents who complained that the buyers are stingy wherein their products
are priced at its minimum.

As to recommendations, the farmers should find ways and means to sustain their
best practices in the production of bell pepper in order to maintain the identity of Central
as bell pepper producing community in Kapangan, Benguet. Moreover, the farmers may
also share their best practices as to bell pepper production so it can be replicated to other
agricultural communities.
To evade from the high cost of seeds, the farmers should enhance their knowledge
in producing their own seeds. As to the problem on stingy/deceitful/tricky
suppliers/buyers, it may be minimized if the farmers will organize themselves into a
cooperative. As such, all farm inputs and outputs will be coursed through the cooperative.

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INTRODUCTION


Rationale

Bell pepper (Capsicum anuum L.) also known as Capsicum, kampana or lara is
most widely used condiment all over the world. It is consumed fresh, dried or processed.
There are several types: green, yellow, orange, violet and brown (PCARRD, 2007).
Together with eggplant, tomato, potato, it belongs to a group of vegetables called
solanaceous crop. It is also known as capsicum, pepper, chili, aji, or paprika. Within the
species are hot pepper, paprika, chili and cayenne. The other pepper species includes the
most pungent Capsicum Chinese Jacquin-habaňero, Capsicum frutescens-tabasco,
malaguenta (Anonymous, undated).
In the Philippines, production area covers 2,439 ha including other sweet pepper
types. Top producers are the Cordillera Administrative Region (676 ha), Region I (255
ha), Region 7 (224 ha) and region 10 (449 ha) (PCARRD, 2009).
Bell pepper or green pepper is a tender warm season vegetable. It requires
somewhat higher temperature and grows more slowly. In Central, Kapangan, Benguet,
farming has been always been a major industry. Cucumber used to be a profitable
commercial crop but production has greatly decreased in quality and quantity due to a
disease. Currently, bell pepper is one of the vegetables widely produced for commercial
purposes (Central Barangay Profile, 2009).

Central, Kapangan, Benguet, has a temperate climate. Just like any part of
Benguet, it is classified under “type A” climate having two pronounced season namely
dry and wet seasons. Dry season during the months of November to April (water shortage
problem is apparent during these months), and wet season during the months of May to
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
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December (Central Barangay Profile, 2009). Pepper is sensitive to temperature poor set
and blossom drop below 60°F (15.6) or day temperature rise above 85°F (24.4)
(Anonymous, undated).

Farmers are using the technology called “tunnel greenhouse” which uses
transparent cellophanes, bamboo and other needed materials (rubbers) to protect the
plants from distractive elements and excessive moisture. The operational cost for the
production of bell pepper is costly high but it is a high value crop especially when the
demand in public market is high and the price is consequently high (Central Barangay
Profile, 2009).

Statement of the Problem


Bell pepper is one of the commercial crops commonly produced in Central,
Kapangan. Accordingly, the cost of production is high but it is compensated when the
demand in the market is high (Central Barangay Profile, 2009). However, there is no
substantive document that can appropriately account the production of the bell pepper in
the community. This study therefore expect to source out answers to the following
questions:
1.What are the characteristics of the bell pepper farmers as to age, gender, civil
status, highest educational attainment, main source of income, and numbers of years in
growing bell pepper?;
2. What are the practices of the bell pepper farmers relative to sourcing of seeds,
sowing of seeds, land preparation, transplanting, irrigation, fertilization, pests and
diseases management, harvesting, and postharvest?; and
3. What are the problems encountered by the farmers in growing bell pepper?
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
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Objectives of the Study

Generally, the study aims to document the best practices of bell pepper farmers in
Central Kapangan, Benguet. In line with this general objective, the specific objectives are
the following:
1. Characterize the bell pepper farmers as to age, gender, civil status,
highest educational attainment, main source of income, and number of years in growing
bell pepper;
2 .Document the practices of bell pepper farmers relative to sourcing of seeds,
sowing of seeds, land preparation, transplanting, irrigation, fertilization, pests and
diseases management, harvesting, and postharvest; and
3. Identify the problems encountered by the farmers in growing bell pepper.

Importance of the Study


Results of the study may become valuable inputs that can help the Local
Government Unit of Central Kapangan in conceptualizing development programs that
will help the farmers. Furthermore, the findings can give realistic information to people
who want to venture on bell pepper production.

Scope and Limitations

The study focused on the characterization of the practices of bell pepper farmers
relative to sourcing of seeds, growing of seeds, land preparation, transplanting, irrigation,
fertilization, pests and diseases management, harvesting and postharvest. Furthermore,
the study includes the problems encountered by the farmers in growing bell pepper.
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
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On the other hand, the study was limited to farmers who have been growing bell
pepper for at least five years. It is believed that five years of experience is considerably
enough for the farmer to evolve best practices in bell pepper production.




















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REVIEW OF LITERATURE


Description of Bell Pepper

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is native to Central and South America. Portuguese
traders introduce them to India, Indonesia, and other parts of Asia around 450-500 years
ago. They quickly adapted to the wide range of Agro-ecological zones of Asia. They
were adopted by local people so quickly that in 1542, the botanist Leonhard Fuchs of
Germany recorded them as native to India (PCARRD, 2009).

Pepper belongs to the genus Capsicum, which probably comes from the latin
capsa, meaning chest or box, because of its shape. The small medium sized hot peppers,
and the big sweet peppers, and pretty plants, 12 to 24 inches tall, which looks well in the
ornamental ped or anywhere else you have a bit space (PCARRD, 2007).

Sweet pepper or Bell Pepper is popular in temperate countries and is widely
grown in greenhouse in Northern Europe, Southern Europe, the Middle East in North
America. The large hallow fruits are generally red when ripe, but many yellow and there
varieties which are blackish purple when mature. They are fast growing annual, and grow
best in drier part of the tropics. Seed should be sown under glass in March or early April.
The young plants can be kept as warm possible unit hot weather has arrived (Phillips and
Rix, 1977).

Sweet peppers have a medley spicy flavor with overtone of sugar, and freshly
picked specimen is surprisingly juicy as well. They grow into comparatively large fruit,
varying in shape from long and conical to square and almost round: the long once can
grow to as much smaller. The plants grow quickly and carry most of their leaves near the
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top of the plant and white flowers appear in midsummer in cool temperature climate.
Fruit sets easily and prolifically often has to be thinned.

Also pepper is usually planted as a monocrop both in upland and lowland during
the last cool months of the year (December to February) often the rainy season. In the
lowlands it is planted after rice. In the highlands (Benguet Province) imported varieties
like California Wonder and Yolo Wonder are also grown. These lines are not well
adapted to low elevations planting and also highly susceptible to bacterial wilt. Many
growers are producing their own seeds and also a few use imported certified seeds for
planting. However, there is no information available on the volume of seed produced and
imported. In the Institute of Plant Breeding of the UP College of Agriculture, produced
seed of locally developed cultivars are sold directly to growers. Seed supply for imported
sweet pepper is mainly from seeds houses which import the seed (PCARRD, 2009).

Soil and Climate Requirements

Sweet pepper requires cool weather for best fruit quality. In low elevated areas.
Plantation starts on the second week of October up to the first week of November. In
mid-and high elevations, it can be grown throughout the year (PCARRD, 2009). Sweet
pepper grows best in sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. It cannot tolerate waterlogged
conditions.

Seedling Production

About 100-200g of seeds is needed for 1-hectare planting. Prepare five seedbeds
measuring 1x10 m each. Pulverize the soil and incorporate 1kg fully decomposed chicken
manure and 300g carbonized rice hull per m2. Wet the seedbeds and make shallow lines
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7-10 cm apart across the seedbeds. Soak the seeds overnight to hasten germination. Air
dry and sow thinly. Cover lightly with soil and mulch with rice hull or chopped rice
straw. For hybrid seeds, prick in nursery trays at two leaf stage. Provide partial shade.
During wet season, provide plastic roofing to protect the seedlings from heavy rain.
Harden seedlings one week before transplanting by exposing fully to sunlight and
watering only when the plants show signs of temporary wilting (PCARRD, 2009).

Irrigation/Water Management

Crop response to water will vary strongly from crop to crop depending on its
specific genetic characteristics and adaptation to ecological conditions. The specific crop
water information for the different crops is compiled in a crop-based data base. This
includes crop water parameters, yield response to water, as well as specific crop water
management practices (Anonymous, undated). Irrigate the field ones every 7-10 days.
Sufficient irrigation water is critical during the early vegetative stage and during
flowering time until the peak of the fruit setting stage.

Fertilization

During planting, apply 10g/hill 14-14-14 and side dress with 46-0-0 every two
weeks at 5-10g/hill depending on plant growth. During flowering stage, apply a 1:1
mixture of 46-0-0 and 0-0-60 at 10g/hill. Apply tea manure and fermented plant juice as
supplementary fertilizer during the vegetative stage. To prepare tea manure, soak ¾ sack
dry cow/horse manure in a plastic drum filled with 189.25 L water for seven days. To
prepare fermented plant juice, mix equal parts of chopped actively growing plant parts
and molasses or brown sugar. Prepare fermented fruit juice in the same way using
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chopped fruits. After one week of fermentation, extract the juice and apply as foliar
fertilizer at 1tbsp/3.785 L water (PCARRD, 2009).

Pests and Diseases Management

One of the most common pest common in bell pepper plant is Thrips, the nature
and damage of this pest is it attacks the upper and lower sides of the leaves by sucking
the sap. Areas near the mid-vain are brown and dried up. The major damage occurs on
the undersides of new or old leaves. Recommended management of this pest is to use
pesticides. Aphids are also present in this crop, young and adults feed on the underside of
leaves by sucking the sap. Leaves became distorted, stunted and often curled under. The
upper leaf surface is sticky and has a block moldy growth. Another pest that attacks bell
pepper is the bell pepper Broad Mite, direct feeding on leaves of pepper causes the leaves
to become distorted and curled downward. Young leaves are cupped downward and
narrow than normal. Botanical pesticides/compounds may be tried such as nem extact,
water, or Madre de Cacao can be use for this pest.
Plant pathologists take many different approaches to diagnosing plant disease
problems. The first step is to decide whether the problem is a plant disease. The broadest
definition of plant disease includes anything that adversely affects plant health. This
definition can include such factors as nutrient deficiencies, lawnmower damage, air
pollution, and pathogens. A stricter definition usually includes a persistent irritation
resulting in plant damage. This excludes mechanical damage such as lawnmower injury
to trees or natural events such as hail or lightning. A very strict definition includes only
those (living) things that replicate themselves and spread to adjacent plants. This includes
such biological organisms as nematodes, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Plants damaged by
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macroscopic organisms, such as deer, rodents, and birds usually are not considered to be
diseased (Skinner, 1995).
Just like other crop, bell pepper are also attacked with diseases, some of this are
Bacterial Wilt, Anthracnose of Pepper, and Cercospora Leaf spot. Symptoms of Bacterial
wilt are the wilting of the younger leaves or slight yellowing of the lower leaves. If such
plant is pulled out, the roots and the lower part of the stem which appears normal on the
outside will show burning on the water conducting tissue under the back of the stem and
water socked appearance of the root. To avoid this, using of compost containing bacterial
organism must be minimize.
Anthracnose of peppers occurs in the field and develops as a post-harvest decay
of pepper fruits. Typical symptoms appear on mature fruits such as small water-soaked
sunken lesion that expands rapidly. Lesion may appear in concentric rings. Another pest
is Cercospora Leaf spot; early symptoms appear as small, circular water-soaked spots on
leaves which later enlarge up to 1cm or more in diameter. Typical lesions are brown and
circular with small to large lesion are brown and circular with small to large light gray
centers and dark brown margins (PCARRD, 2009).

Harvesting


Quality of procedure at harvest cannot be improved. It can only be maintained.
Good quality is obtained when harvesting is done at the proper stage of maturity.
Immature fruits when harvested will give poor quality and erratic ripening. Vegetables
harvested to soon may stay green loner but are poorer in quality. On the other hand,
delayed harvesting of fruits and vegetables may increase the susceptibility to decay
resulting in poor quality and hence low market value. Produce should be harvested at the
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proper stage of maturity, considering the purpose and desire of the costumer (PCARRD,
2009).

Postharvest

Sort fruits according to market standards and separate deformed and damaged
fruits, fresh fruits can be stored up to five weeks at 4°C and 95% relative humidity
(PCARRD, 2009). Postharvest handling is specific term used for the movement of
commodities from harvest to time immediately prior to meal preparation. It includes the
technological aspect of marketing and distribution. Postharvest aims to help the harvested
commodity in an acceptable state and food crops always palatable (Bautista, 1990). The
practices involved in postharvest handling are harvesting, trimming, cleaning, grading,
packaging and transplanting (AVRDC, 1990).






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METHODOLOGY


Locale and Time of the Study


The study was conducted in Kapangan, Benguet (Figure 1) at Barangay Central
(Figure 2). Located at the western part of the municipality, it is 2 kilometers away from
the municipal town in Lomon, Paykek; and 30 kilometers from the Benguet provincial
Capitol. The Barangay is composed of four sitios namely: Central Proper, Burgos
Junction (former Sagubo Junction), Conig, and Salat.

Agricultural studies showed that the barangay is dominated by clay type soil.
Furthermore, it is classified under class ‘’A’’ land capacity, which indicates that the
barangay has moderately good land but very steep, severely steep to excessively eroded,
and shallow for cultivation. As such, the barangay is recommended for diversified crops
suited for pasture with very careful management and definite restrictions (Central
Barangay Profile, 2009).
On the other hand, actual site visits and data gathering were undertaken in
December 2010.

Respondents of the Study


All the farmers in the barangay who have been growing bell pepper for at least
five years were considered respondents of the study. In cases of family farms, the family
head was given the priority to accomplish the questionnaire or answer follow up
questions. In the absence of the family head, any of the children of voting age who can
give reliable information was considered respondent.


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Figure 1. Map of Kapangan, Benguet
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
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Collection of Data

The researcher personally administered the survey questionnaires to the
respondents on a house-to-house basis. The respondents with higher educational
attainment accomplished the questionnaire themselves. On the other hand, the
questionnaire served as interview guide to illiterate respondents. In other words, the
researcher guided the respondents in the accomplishment of the questionnaire. Data
gathering was made anytime depending on the respondent’s most convenient time during
the day.

Research Instrument


A questionnaire was used to gather the necessary information regarding the
production of bell pepper in Central, Kapangan, Benguet. Meanwhile, interview and
actual observation were undertaken to validate answers of respondents.

Data Analysis

Data analysis started with the review and consolidation of answers to the
questions on the questionnaire. Percentage, frequency distribution and mean were
integrated in the descriptive presentation of answers to the questions.
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This section presents the profile of respondents as to their personal and farm
information. It also reflects the best practices of farmers in growing bell pepper as to
selection of seeds, sowing of seeds, seedbed preparation, land preparation, transplanting
seedlings, irrigation, fertilization, pests and diseases management, harvesting, and
postharvest. Moreover, the problems encountered by the farmers in growing bell pepper
are also included.

Profile of Respondents

The profile of the respondents as to gender, civil status, age bracket, highest
educational attainment, household’s source of income and number of years in growing
bell pepper is shown in Table 1.

As shown in the table, majority of the respondents are males and married. Of the
34 respondents, nine are females and eight are single. Results imply that farming is
dominated by males but this does not mean, however, that females have low participation
in gardening.

The respondents have ages ranging from 21 to 60 years old. This shows that age is
not a major factor considered in farming.

All the respondents have gone to school but 50% were elementary
undergraduates. Only few respondents are high school and college graduates. According
to the respondents who did not finish college, they were constrained by financial
problems.

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Table 1. Profile of respondents
PROFILE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
(N = 34)
(%)
a. Gender


Male
25
73.50
Female
9
26.50
TOTAL
34
100.00
b. Civil Status


Single
8
23.50
Married
26
76.50
TOTAL
34
100.00
c. Age Bracket


21-25
2
2.88
26-30
5
14.70
31-35
3
8.82
36-40
3
8.82
41-45
5
14.7
46-50
7
20.6
51-55
5
14.70
56-60
4
11.80
TOTAL
34
100.00
d. Highest Educational Attainment
No schooling
3
8.82
Elementary Undergraduate
17
50.00
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Table 1 continued…
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
PROFILE
(N = 34)
(%)
High school Graduate
8
23.53
College Graduate
6
17.65
TOTAL
34
100.00
e. Household’s Main Source of Income
Wages/Salaries/ Commissions
1
2.94
Pensions/Allotments
1
2.94
Remittance from abroad
7
20.58
Crop production
30
88.23
Livestock raising
12
35.29
Sari-sari store
5
14.70
Tricycle driver
1
2.94
*Multiple responses


f. Number of Years in Growing Bell Pepper
5 years

2
5.88
6-10 years
9
26.47
11-15 years
10
29.41
16-20 years
2
5.88
21-25 years
3
8.82
26-30 years
3
2.94
31-35 years
1
2.94
36-40 years
1
2.94
41-45 years
1
2.94
TOTAL
34
100.00
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The table also shows that the main sources of income of the respondents are crop
production livestock raising. Few respondents are relying from sari-sari stores and
remittances from abroad. Each of three respondents lives through pensions/allotments,
salaries/wages/commissions, and tricycle driving, respectively.
As to farm area almost 30% of respondents has been growing bell pepper from 11
to 15 years. At least nine respondents claimed to have been producing bell pepper from 6
to 10 years. Only two respondents produced bell pepper for 5 years.
Moreover, 11 farmers, in an uneven distribution, have been growing bell pepper
from 16 to 45 years. This implies that the respondents have long experiences in growing
and/or producing bell pepper. Findings affirm that farming is a major activity in Central,
Kapangan, Benguet, and bell pepper is one of the vegetables widely produced for
commercial purposes (Central Barangay Profile, 2009).

Farm Profile of Respondents

The farm profile of the respondents as to ownership status of farm, total farm
area, and varieties of bell pepper grown is shown in Table 2.

Regarding to ownership status, majority of the respondents own the farm. There
are twelve respondents who rent the area and at least four respondents farm the area for
free.
As to farm area, almost 30 percent of the respondents grow bell pepper in a 210-
300 square meter area. In a descending order of preference, the farm areas of the other
respondents are as follows: 200m2 or less and 310-400 m2, 410-500m2, 510-700m2, and
710-800m2.


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Table 2. Farm profile of respondents
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
PROFILE
(N = 34)
(%)
a. Ownership status of farm


Owned
18
52.94
Leased
12
35.29
Just farm for free
4
11.76
TOTAL
34
100.00
b. Farm area (m2)


200 or less
8
23.53
210-300
10
29.41
310-400
8
23.59
410-500
3
8.82
510-600
2
5.88
610-700
2
5.88
710-800
1
2.94
TOTAL
34
100.00
c. Varieties of bell pepper


California
33
97.06
Plastic
5
14.70
Chinese
1
2.94
*Multiple responses

Regarding the varieties of bell pepper planted, almost all of the respondents plant
California .According to the respondents they plant California variety because it is the
most common variety planted by their neighbors and it suits the climate of the area.
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Result of the study reveals that majority of the respondents own small parcels of
land good for agricultural production. Traditionally, these areas are cultivated with rice
during the rainy season and bell pepper during the dry months. Relatively, researches of
the Philippine council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources, Researches and
Development (2009) revealed that in the highland areas of Benguet Province, imported
varieties of bell pepper like California Wonder are grown after rice.

Practices of Bell Pepper Farmers
as to sourcing of seeds


Table 3 shows that 50% of the respondents produce their own seeds and buy
supplementary seeds from trusted relatives and friends. In a descending order of
preference, the other practices are as follows: produce own seeds; buy from trusted
relatives and supplement from accredited suppliers; and buy from accredited suppliers or
produce own seeds and supplement by buying from accredited suppliers. Results signify
the vigilance of the farmers in sourcing of seeds. It may be inferred that the best practice
of the farmers as to sourcing of seeds is to produce their own and supplement it from
trusted relatives and friends.
According to the respondents, the seeds they produced are properly placed in
bottle containers and appropriately stored in well-ventilated and secured area of the house
(Figure 3). Nevertheless, they supplement it with seeds produced by trusted relatives and
friends. The findings confirms the claim of PCCARD (2009), that many bell pepper
growers are producing their own seeds and few use imported certified seeds for planting.
In the Institute of plant breeding of the UP College of Agriculture, produced seed of
locally developed cultivars are sold directly to growers.
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
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Table 3. Practices of bell pepper farmers as to sourcing of bell pepper seeds
PROFILE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
(N = 34)
(%)



Produce own seeds
9
26.74



Buy from trusted relatives and


friends
3
8.82



Buy from accredited suppliers
1
2.94



Produce own seeds and


supplement from trusted relatives


and friends
17
50.00



Produce own seeds and


supplement by buying from


accredited suppliers
1
2.94



Buy from trusted relatives and


supplement from accredited


suppliers
4
11.76
*Multiple responses



Figure 3. Locally produced bell pepper seeds are properly placed in bottle containers and
appropriately stored in well-ventilated/secured area of the house
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Practices of Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Sowing of Seeds


Table 4 shows that most of the respondents directly sow seeds on seedbeds
without osmo-conditioning. After which, the seedbed is irrigated daily. Spraying of
pesticide is undertaken when necessary. Figure 4 shows seeds sown on seedbed. On the
other hand, nine farmers practice osmo-conditioning prior to sowing. According to the
respondents, they wrap the seeds in cloth and subject them to intermittent osmo-
conditioning as shown in Figure 5. Eventually they sow the seeds on the seedbeds when
primary stage of germination (cracking) occurs. The seedbed is irrigated daily and
pesticide is sprayed when necessary. Findings revealed that the common practice of
farmers is to sow the seeds and spray with pesticides when necessary. Nevertheless,
there were some who practice intermittent osmo-conditioning. Accordingly to PCARRD
(2009), one practice in sowing the bell pepper seeds is to soak the seeds overnight to
hasten germination.

Table 4. Practices of bell pepper farmers as to sowing of seeds
NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
PRACTICES
(N = 34)
(%)



Wrap seeds with clean cloth and


subject to intermittent osmo-


conditioning in water for 10 days


and sow on seedbed when primary


stage of germination (cracking)


occurs, irrigate daily, spray with


pesticides when necessary
9
26.47



Directly sow seeds without osmo-


conditioning, irrigate daily, spray


with pesticides when necessary
25
73.53



TOTAL
34
100.00
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Figure 4. Bell pepper seeds are thinly sown on elevated seedbed










Figure 5. Intermittent osmo-conditioning of seeds

Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Practices of Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Seedbed Preparation


As to the preparation of seedbeds, Table 5 shows that the greatest number of
respondents pulverize the soil, sterilize it buy burning weeds on top, lay plastic mat on
elevated seedbed, spread sterilize soil, sow seeds, irrigate and cover the seedbed with net
or poly-ethylene plastic (tunnel type). Moreover, many respondents prepare plots as flat
seedbed, pulverize the soil, irrigate, sow seeds, and cover the seed bed with net or poly-
ethylene plastic (tunnel type).

Table 5. Practices of bell pepper farmers as to seedbed preparation

NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
PRACTICES
(N = 34)
(%)



Pulverize soil and sterilize through


cooking in improvised containers


(drums), spread on elevated seedbed,


fertilize, sow seeds, mulch with grass to


avoid exposure of seeds, irrigate,


construct canal surrounding seedbed


with continuous water flow to prevent


access of ants and other crawling insects
10
29.41


Pulverize soil and sterilize by burning


weeds on top, lay plastic mat on


elevated seedbed, spread sterilized soil,


sow seeds, irrigate, cover with net or


polyethylene (tunnel type)
16
47.06


Pulverize soil and lay plastic mat on


elevated seedbed, spread unsterilized


soil, sow seeds, irrigate, cover with net


or polyethylene (tunnel type)
5
14.71


Prepare plot as seedbed, pulverize soil,


sow seeds, irrigate, cover with net or


polyethylene (tunnel type)
13
38.24
*Multiple responses
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

There were 10 respondents who pulverize the soil, sterilize it through improvised
containers (drums), spread it on elevated seedbed, fertilize, sow the seeds and mulch the
soil with grass to avoid exposure, construct canal surrounding the seedbed with
continuous water flow to avoid access of ants and other crawling insects.

Few respondents pulverize the soil, lay plastic mat on elevated seedbed, spread
unsterilized soil, sow seeds, irrigate, and cover the seedbed with net or poly-ethylene
plastic (tunnel type). According to the respondents, adoption of practices as to seedbed
preparation is influenced by the availability of materials like plastic mats, net or poly-
ethylene plastics.
Likewise, the option of elevating the seedbed comes along with the presence of
livestock and other threats in the area. Figure 6 and 7 shows a sample of elevated and flat
seedbed, respectively.



Figure 6. Sample of an elevated seedbed


Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Figure 7. Sample of flat seedbed

Practices of Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Land Preparation
As to land preparation, Table 6 shows that 40% of the respondents clean
grass/weeds, plow and harrow the area, dig plots, prepare hills, fertilize hills and ready
for planting. It may be inferred that this is the best practice of farmers vis-à-vis land
preparation. In a descending order of preference, the following are the practices of other
respondents: plow area, harrow after sometime (when grass/weeds are dried), dig plots,
prepare hills, fertilize and ready for planting; clean grass/weeds, plow area, harrow after
sometime, dig plots, prepare hills, fertilize and ready for planting; spray herbicide, plow
area, harrow after sometime, dig plots, prepare hills, fertilize and ready for planting; Plow
area, dig plots, fertilize and ready for planting; and clean grass/weeds, dig plots, fertilize
and ready for planting; dig plots, fertilize and ready for planting.
Few of the respondents clean grass/weeds; dig plots; fertilized them and ready
them for planting. According to the respondents, traditional practices are still prevailing
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

as to land preparation. Adoption of other practices depends on whether it resulted to
greater benefits or not. Figure 8 shows a farm ready for cultivation.

Table 6. Practices of bell pepper farmers as to land preparation

NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
PRACTICES
(N = 34)
(%)



Plow area, harrow after sometime (when


grass/weeds, are dried), dig plots, prepare


hills, fertilize & ready for planting
8
23.52



Clean grass/weeds, plow area, harrow after


sometime, dig plots, prepare hills, fertilize


and ready for planting
14
40.00



Spray herbicides, plow area, harrow after


sometime, dig plots, prepare hills, fertilize


and ready for planting
7
20.58



Plow area, dig plots, fertilize and ready for


planting
2
5.71



Clean grass/weeds, dig plots fertilize and


ready for planting
4
11.76
*Multiple responses



Figure 8. A farm ready for cultivation
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Practices of Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Transplanting of Seedlings

Table 7 shows that 50 percent of the respondents irrigate the seedbed, chuck and
individually uproot the seedlings, place them on commercial or indigenous tray, and
transplant. The other practices of the respondents, in a descending order of preference,
are the following: irrigate seedbed, chuck and uproot seedlings by cluster, place on
commercial or indigenous tray and transplant; uproot seedlings individually and
transplant; chuck seedlings and uproot individually and transplant; chuck seedlings and
uproot by cluster and transplant. Figure 9 shows a bell pepper seedling being
transplanted.

Table 7. Practices of bell pepper farmers as to transplanting seedlings

NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
PRACTICES
(N = 34)
(%)



Irrigate seedbed, chuck individually,


uproot seedlings, place on commercial


or indigenous tray and transplant
17
50.00

Irrigate seedbed, chuck and uproot


seedlings by cluster, place on


commercial or indigenous tray and


transplant
10
29.41

Chuck seedlings and uproot


individually and transplant
2
5.88



Chuck seedlings and uproot by cluster


and transplant
2
5.88



Uproot seedlings individually and


transplant
5
14.71
*Multiple responses

Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Figure 9. Transplanting of bell pepper seedling


Practices of Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Irrigation


As shown in Table 8, a great majority of the bell pepper farmers practice daily
manual irrigation with the use of hosepipe. Seven respondents manually irrigate their
plants and five respondents alternately use watering cans and hosepipe. One of the
respondents claimed to have tried 30 minutes flooding but due to lack of water he
stopped this type of irrigation.
According to the 24 respondents who manually irrigate daily with the use of
hosepipe, it is the most effective way of irrigating their plants inside the tunnel because
the bamboo frames hinder the entry of watering cans along the tunnels.
Furthermore the bell pepper plants are being destroyed when caught by the sides
of watering can. Figure 10 shows the best practice of the farmers in irrigating their bell
pepper plants.

Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Table 8. Practices of bell pepper farmers as to irrigation

NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
PRACTICES
(N = 34)
(%)



Manually irrigate daily with


the use of watering can
7
20.59



Manually irrigate daily with


the use of hosepipe
24
70.58

Manually irrigate daily with


watering can and hosepipe
5
14.71



Irrigate through 30-minute


flooding from vegetative to


maturity stage
1
2.94
*Multiple responses



Figure 10. Manual irrigation through the use of hosepipe


Practices of Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Fertilizer Application
Table 9 shows that 35 percent apply complete fertilizer and chicken dung as basal,
apply complete fertilizer during side dressing, and occasionally spray foliar fertilizer.
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Table 9. Practices of bell pepper farmers as to fertilization

NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
PRACTICES
(N = 34)
(%)



Apply complete fertilizer and


chicken dung as basal, apply


complete fertilizer during side


dressing, occasionally fertigate with


the urea from vegetative to maturity


stage
11
32.35



Apply chicken dung and ashes as


basal, apply complete fertilizer


during side dressing occasionally


fertigate with urea
9
26.47



Apply complete fertilizer and


compost as basal, apply chicken


dung during side dressing,


occasionally fertigate with urea
1
2.94



Apply chicken dung as basal, apply


compost during side dressing
1
2.94



Apply complete fertilizer as basal


and chicken dung as basal, apply


complete fertilizer during side


dressing, occasionally spray foliar


fertilizer
12
35.29
*Multiple responses

There were 11 respondents who apply complete fertilizer as basal, apply complete
fertilizer as side dressing and occasionally fertigate with urea from vegetative to maturity
stage. Nine respondents apply chicken dung and ashes as basal, apply complete fertilizer
during side dressing and occasionally fertigate with urea. Each of two respondents apply
complete fertilizer and compost as basal, apply chicken dung during side dressing, and
occasionally fertigate with urea; and chicken dung as basal and applies compost during
side dressing, respectively. Figure 11 shows a plot inside a tunnel applied with ashes.
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Figure 11. Ashes applied as basal fertilizer on hills of a plot inside a tunnel

Practices of Bell Pepper Farmers as to
Pests and Diseases Management


Regarding the management of pests and diseases, Table 10 shows that nearly 60%
of the respondents plant bell pepper inside structured greenhouse to control the
environment. Moreover, they occasionally spray pesticides. According to the
respondents, this is their best practice. There were 50% among the respondents who
control weeds by spraying herbicides. Few respondents claimed to have controlled
rodents with “saltok”, an indigenous and environment-friendly mechanism to catch
rodents. Only one respondent accepted to have controlled weeds manually and/or through
the use of hand tools. According to the respondents, they also wish to adopt the tunnel-
technology but they are hindered by the absence of funds. Figure 12 and 13 shows a
sample of bell pepper farm integrated with easy tunnel poly-ethylene greenhouse and a
farmer spraying pesticide during the early stage of the bell pepper plants, respectively.
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Table 10. Practices of bell pepper farmers as to pests and diseases management

NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
PRACTICES
(N = 34)
(%)
Occasionally (when necessary) spray


pesticides
8
23.53



Plant bell pepper inside structured


greenhouse to control environment of


bell pepper, occasionally spray of


pesticides
20
58.82

Secure bell pepper plants from excessive


rainfall and harmful insect with easy


tunnel polyethylene greenhouse,


occasional spray of pesticides
5
14.71



Control rodents with indigenous


technologies (“saltok”)
8
23.00



Weeds are removed manually or through


the use of hand tools
1
2.94

Weeds are sprayed with herbicides
17
50.00
* Multiple responses




Figure 12. Sample of bell pepper farm integrated with easy tunnel poly-ethylene
greenhouse
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Figure 13. A farmer spraying pesticides during the early stage of the bell pepper plants


Practices of Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Harvesting

Table 11 shows that majority of the respondents harvest bell pepper fruits with
bare hands even though it is still green as long as matured. Harvesting is accordingly
done in the morning. This is inferred to as the best practice.
Eight respondents harvest assorted bell pepper fruits by using bare hands in the
morning, and two harvests with bare hands in the afternoon when fruit is matured but still
green. Each of four respondents claimed to have done the following practices: harvest by
using knife/scissors when fruit mature still green in the afternoon; harvest with bare hands in the
morning when fruit is ripe, harvest fruits assorted by using knife/scissor in the morning; if price is
high, harvest the fruits even green but matured.
According to the respondents, the first harvest is at an average of 3 months after
transplanting date. Figure 14 shows a farmer presenting her fleshly harvested bell pepper
fruits.
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Table 11. Practices of bell pepper farmers as to harvesting

NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
PRACTICES
(N = 34)
(%)
Harvesting with bare hands when fruit is


matured but still green, harvest in the


morning
20
58.82



Harvest with bare hands when fruit is


matured but still green, harvest in the


afternoon
2
5.88



Harvest by using knife/scissors when fruit is


mature but still green in the afternoon
1
2.94



Harvest with bare hands in the morning


when fruit is ripe
1
2.94



Harvest fruits assorted (green, half ripe) by


using bare hands in the morning
8
23.53



Harvest fruits assorted (green, half ripe,


fully ripe) by using knife/scissor in the


morning
1
2.94



If price is high, harvest the fruits even green


but matured
1
2.94
TOTAL
34
100.00





Figure 14. A farmer proudly presenting her freshly harvested bell pepper fruits
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

The PCCARD (2009) claimed that good quality is obtained when harvesting is
done at the proper stage of maturity, immature fruits when harvested will give poor
quality and erratic ripening.

Practices of Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Postharvest
As shown in Table 12, the postharvest practices of the bell pepper farmers are
interpreted in three areas: packaging, transporting and marketing. As to packaging, the
best practice of the farmers is to wipe the fruits with wet cloth to remove soil particles
and grade as small, medium, and big. The sorted sizes are packed in different baskets
and labeled properly.
The other packaging practices, in a descending order of preference, are as follows:
bell pepper fruits are graded each assorted sizes are packed in different sacks and
properly labeled; bell pepper fruits are wiped with wet cloth to remove soil particles and
packed assorted in sacks and properly labeled; bell pepper fruits are wiped with wet
cloth to remove soil particles and packed assorted in baskets. Figure 15 shows a group of
farmers, sorting, grading, and packing newly harvested bell pepper fruits.

As to transporting, results show that almost 60% of the respondents transport
harvested bell pepper fruits through the public utility transport system. Few respondents
claimed that their harvests are either transported through own vehicle or farmer
financers. This implies that most farmers depend more on public utilities because only
few own vehicles. On the other hand, more than 90% of the respondents sell their
harvest at the provincial market, either at La Trinidad Trading Post or Baguio City. Only
few respondents sell their harvest at the Municipal Market.
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Table 12. Practices of bell pepper farmers as to postharvest


NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
PRACTICES
(N = 34)
(%)



a. Packaging



Bell pepper fruits are wiped with wet


clothes to remove soil particles and graded


(small, medium, big) each sorted size are


packed in different baskets and properly


labeled
28
82.35



Bell pepper fruits are wiped with cloth to


remove soil particles and graded (small,


medium, big) each assorted sizes are packed


in different sacks and properly labeled
2
5.88



Bell pepper fruits are graded (small,


medium, big) each assorted sizes are packed


in different baskets and properly labeled
5
14.71



Bell pepper fruits are wiped with wet cloth


to removes soil particles and packed


assorted in basket
1
2.94



b. Transporting



Transport harvested bell pepper fruits


through own vehicle
8
23.52

Transport harvested bell pepper through the


public utility transport system
20
58.82



Harvested bell pepper fruits are picked by


farmer financiers(suppliers)
13
38.23



c. Marketing



Bell pepper fruits are sold at the municipal


market (Lomon, Kapangan)
7
20.58



Bell pepper fruits are sold at the provincial


market (either at the La Trinidad vegetable


trading post or Baguio City)
31
91.17



Bell pepper fruits are sold on retail basis
5
14.70



Bell pepper fruits are sold on wholesale


basis
31
91.17
*Multiple responses
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Figure 15. A group of farmers, sorting, grading, and packing newly harvested bell pepper
fruits

Results imply that farmers are willing to transport and sell their bell pepper fruits
at the provincial market because of possibility to attain higher profit. Besides, 91% of
the respondents sell their bell pepper fruits on a wholesale basis. Only few respondents
sell their harvest on a retail basis.

Problems Encountered by Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Sourcing of Seeds

As shown in Table 13, the problems encountered by the respondents in a
descending order of gravity, are the following: high cost of seeds; difficult to produce
own seeds; hard to find suppliers; and suppliers are not honest as to quality of seeds.
According to the respondents, the cost of bell pepper seed in a 4x4 (ginebra san miguel)
bottle is Php3,000.00. Such amount adds to the other production costs, which burden the
farmers.

Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Table 13. Problems encountered by bell pepper farmers as to sourcing of seeds

NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
PROBLEMS
(N = 34)
(%)



Difficult to produce own seeds
13
38.24



Hard to find suppliers
3
8.82



Suppliers are not honest as to quality of


seeds
2
5.88



High cost of seeds
16
47.06



TOTAL
34
100.00


On the other hand, they further claimed that seed production is quite difficult
because it needs a controlled environment and/or healthy plants to come up with quality
seeds.

Problems Encountered by Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Sowing of Seeds


Table 14 shows that almost all of the respondents cited the presence of pests and
diseases as their common problem as to sowing of seeds. According to the respondents,
there were instances wherein the seeds were eaten by ants and/or birds. Moreover, seeds
and/or seedlings are attacked with diseases.

Problems Encountered by Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Seedbed Preparation

Table 15 shows that most of the respondents cited destruction of the seedbeds by
pests and /or wild fouls as common problem. Eight respondents mentioned construction
of elevated seedbed as laborious. Some respondents related that there were instances
when newly sown seeds are scattered by chickens of neighbors.
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Table 14. Problems encountered by bell pepper farmers as to sowing of seeds

NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
PROBLEMS
(N = 34)
(%)



Low germination rate
3
8.82



Seedlings are infested by pests and/or


diseases
31
91.18



TOTAL
34
100.00





Table 15. Problems encountered by bell pepper farmers as to seedbed preparation

NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
PROBLEMS
(N=34)
(%)



Making elevated seedbed is laborious
8
23.52



Seedbed is destroyed by rodents, pets


and/or wild fouls
26
76.47



TOTAL
34
100.00


Problems Encountered by the Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Land Preparation

Table 16 shows that almost 60% of the respondents lack financial resources for
payment of additional manpower during land preparation. There were 13 respondents
who considered plowing/harrowing and /or digging plot as laborious which needs
additional manpower. One respondent wanted to buy a tractor but it can’t be used in his
farm due to the terrain.

Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Table 16. Problems encountered by bell pepper farmers as to land preparation


NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
PROBLEMS
(N = 34)
(%)



Plowing / harrowing and digging plots


are laborious, additional man power is


needed
13
38.24



Lack of financial resources to pay


additional manpower
20
58.82



Want to buy mechanical implement


(tractor) but can’t be used with the


terrain of my farm
1
2.94



TOTAL
34
100.00


Problems Encountered by Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Transplanting

Table 17 shows that 70% of the respondents claimed that transplanting are limited
only in the afternoon. This is to elude from the heat of the sun that can stress the
seedlings. According to some respondents, they use thinly-barked banana trunks to cover
the transported seedlings in the morning but it does not guarantee 100% survival rate. On
the other hand, ten respondents claimed that some seedlings are destroyed while being
uprooted.

Problems Encountered by Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Irrigation

As shown in Table 18, 85% of the respondents are burdened with the scarcity of
water during summer. Few respondents cited high cost of fuel for water pumps, and
hosepipe as problems.

Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Table 17. Problems encountered by bell pepper farmers as to transplanting

NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
PROBLEMS
(N = 34)
(%)



Some seedling are destroyed while being


uprooted
10
29.41

Transplanting is limited in the afternoon


to elude from the heat of the sun
24
70.59




TOTAL
34
100.00


Table 18. Problems encountered by bell pepper farmers as to irrigation

NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
PROBLEMS
(N = 34)
(%)



Scarcity of water during summer
29
85.29



High cost of hosepipe
2
5.88



High cost of fuel for water pump
3
8.82




TOTAL
34
100.00



Problems Encountered by Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Fertilization

Table 19 shows the problems encountered by the bell pepper farmers as to
fertilization. Relatively, 73% of the respondents mentioned high cost of fertilizer as their
problem. Moreover, few respondents revealed that some chicken dung bought from
outlets are mixed with sand, sawdust and other foreign materials.

Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Table 19. Problems encountered by bell pepper farmers as to fertilization


NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
PROBLEMS
(N = 34)
(%)



High cost of fertilizers
25
73.53



Some chicken dung are mixed with


sand, sawdust, and others
9
26.47




TOTAL
34
100.00



Problems Encountered by Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Pests and Diseases Management

Table 20 shows that 25 respondents are burdened with high cost of fertilizers. The
cost of 14-14-14 and 46-0-0 is Php1, 150.00, and Php1, 095.00 (per sack), respectively.
Furthermore, there were few respondents who claimed that pests are immune with
pesticides, and pesticides are somewhat of poor quality that they cannot control pest and
diseases. According to the PCCARD (2009), bell pepper are also attacked with diseases,
some of these are bacterial wilt, anthracnose pepper, and cercospora leaf spot.

Problems Encountered by Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Harvesting

Table 21 shows the problems encountered by the farmers as to harvesting. There
were 29 respondents who accepted that some fruits are unintentionally detached from the
mother plant during harvest. Few respondents, probably those who have wide farms
revealed that they lack manpower.



Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Table 20. Problems encountered by bell pepper farmers as to pest and diseases

PROBLEMS
NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
(N = 34)
(%)



High cost of pesticides
25
73.53

Pests are immune with pesticides
5
14.71

Pesticides are somewhat of poor of


quality that they cannot control pests


and diseases.
4
11.76




TOTAL
34
100.00


Table 21. Problems encountered by bell pepper farmers as to harvesting

NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
PROBLEMS
(N = 34)
(%)



Some fruits are unintentionally


detached during harvest
29
85.29

Lack of manpower
5
14.71




TOTAL
34
100.00


Problems Encountered by Bell Pepper Farmers
as to Postharvest

Table 22 shows the problems encountered by the farmers as to postharvest. As to
packaging, 30 respondents claimed that packaging materials are costly. Likewise, 29
respondents said that packaging materials are sometimes not enough in the community.
As to the problems encountered in transporting, the table further shows that
damages on bell pepper are visible when the public utility vehicle is jam-packed with
passengers because there is no separate transport system for vegetable and/or crops.
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

Table 22. Problems encountered by bell pepper farmers as to postharvest
PROBLEMS
NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE
(N = 34)
(%)



a. Packaging



Packaging materials (be it basket and


cellophane) are sometimes costly
30
88.23



Packing materials (basket) is


sometimes lacking
29
85.39

*Multiple responses





b. Transporting



Damages on bell pepper fruit are


visible when public utility vehicle


(PUV) is jam-packed with passengers


because there is no separate transport


system for vegetables
32
94.12



There is isolated case of lost


packages
1
2.94



Low quality of pepper fruits
1
2.94




TOTAL
34
100.00



c. Marketing




No fixed cost of bell pepper, it can go


down as low as five pesos per kilo
24
70.59

Buyers are stingy, they always price


our product at its minimum
10
29.41




TOTAL
34
100.00

Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

On the other hand, each of two respondents cited lost packages, and low quality of pepper
fruits as problems.
On the problems encountered on marketing, 70% of the respondents cited the
absence of fixed cost for bell pepper. According to the respondents, it can go as low as
Php 5.00 per kilo. On the other hand, there were ten respondents who complained that the
buyers are stingy. According to the respondents, their products are priced at its minimum.
















Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

---

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary
The study documented the best practices of bell pepper farmers relative to
sourcing of seed, sowing of seeds, land preparation, transplanting, irrigation, fertilization,
pest and disease management, harvesting and postharvest. It also identified the problems
encountered by the farmers along with the different stages of bell pepper production. It
was conducted at Central, Kapangan, in the province of Benguet. Actual site visits and
data gathering were undertaken in December 2010. All the farmers who have been
growing bell pepper for at least five years were the respondents.
A questionnaire was used to gather the necessary information regarding the
production of bell pepper. The questionnaires were personally administered by the
researcher. The family head was given the priority to accomplish the questionnaire or
answer follow-up questions. Meanwhile, actual observation was undertaken to validate
answers of respondents. Data analysis started with the review and consolidation of
answers to the questions. Percentage, frequency distribution and mean were integrated in
the descriptive presentation of answer to the questions.
As to the profile of the respondents, majority are males and married. Results
imply that farming is dominated by males. The respondents have ages ranging from 21-
60 years old. This shows that age is not a major factor considered in farming. All the
respondents have gone to school but only few are high school and college graduates.
According to the respondents who did not finished college, they were constrained by
financial problems.
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

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With regards to the findings of the study, fifty percent of the respondents produce
their own seeds and buy supplementary seeds from trusted relatives and friends. In a
descending order of preference, the other practices are as follows; produce own seeds,
buy from trusted relatives and supplement from accredited suppliers, buy from trusted
relatives and friends, and buy from accredited suppliers or produce own seeds and
supplement by buying from accredited suppliers. The seeds they produced are properly
placed in bottle containers and appropriately stored in well-ventilated and secured area of
the house.
Most of the respondents directly sow seeds on seedbeds without osmo-
conditioning. After which, the seedbed is irrigated daily. Spraying of pesticide is
undertaken when necessary. On the other hand, few respondents practice intermittent
osmo-conditioning prior to sowing.

As to the preparation of seedbed, the greatest number of respondents pulverize the
soil, sterilize it buy burning weeds on top, lay plastic mat on elevated seedbed, spread
sterilize soil, sow seeds, irrigate and cover the seedbed with net or poly-ethylene plastic
(tunnel type). Moreover, many respondents prepare plots as flat seedbed, pulverize the
soil, irrigate, sow seeds, and cover the seed bed with net or poly-ethylene plastic. There
were 10 respondents who pulverize the soil, sterilize it through improvised containers
(drums), spread it on elevated seedbed, fertilize, sow the seeds and mulch the soil with
grass to avoid exposure, construct canal surrounding the seedbed with continuous water
flow to avoid access of ants and other crawling insects. Few respondents pulverize the
soil, lay plastic mat on elevated seedbed, spread unsterilized soil, sow seeds, irrigate, and
cover the seedbed with net or poly-ethylene plastic.
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

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On land preparation, 40% of the respondents clean grass/weeds, plow and harrow
the area, dig the plots, prepare hills, fertilize hills and ready for planting. In a descending
order of preference, the following are the practices of other respondents: plow area,
harrow after sometime (when grass/weeds are dried), dig plots, prepare hills, fertilize and
ready for planting; clean grass/weeds, plow area, harrow after sometime, dig plots,
prepare hills, fertilize and ready for planting; spray herbicide, plow area, harrow after
sometime, dig plots, prepare hills, fertilize and ready for planting; plow area, dig plots,
fertilize and ready for planting; clean grass/weeds, dig plots, fertilize and ready for
planting; dig plots, fertilize and ready for planting.
In transplanting seedlings, 50% of the respondents irrigate first the seedbed,
chuck and individually uproot the seedlings, place them on commercial or indigenous
tray, and transplant. The other practices of the respondents, in a descending order of
preference, are the following: irrigate seedbed, chuck and uproot seedlings by cluster,
place on commercial or indigenous tray and transplant; uproot seedlings individually and
transplant; chuck seedlings and uproot individually and transplant; chuck seedlings and
uproot by cluster and transplant.

As to irrigation, a great majority of the bell pepper farmers practice daily manual
irrigation with the use of hosepipe. Seven respondents manually irrigate their plants and
five respondents alternately use watering cans and hosepipe. One of the respondents
claimed to have tried 30 minutes flooding but due to lack of water he stopped this type of
irrigation.
As to fertilization, 35% of the respondents apply complete fertilizer and chicken
dung as basal, apply complete fertilizer during side dressing, and occasionally spray
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

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foliar fertilizer. There were 11 respondents who apply complete fertilizer as basal, apply
complete fertilizer as side dressing and occasionally fertigate with urea from vegetative to
maturity stage. Nine respondents apply chicken dung and ashes as basal, apply complete
fertilizer during side dressing and occasionally fertigate with urea. Each of two
respondents apply complete fertilizer and compost as basal, apply chicken dung during
side dressing, and occasionally fertigate with urea; and chicken dung as basal and applies
compost during side dressing, respectively.

Regarding the management of pests and diseases, nearly 60% of the respondents
plant bell pepper inside structured greenhouse to control the environment. Moreover, they
occasionally spray pesticides. According to the respondents, this is their best practice.
With regards to harvesting, majority of the respondents harvest bell pepper fruits
with bare hands even though it is still green as long as matured. Harvesting is accordingly
done in the morning. This is inferred to as the best practice. According to the
respondents, the first harvest is at an average of 3 months after transplanting date.

The postharvest practices of the bell pepper farmers are interpreted in three areas:
packaging, transporting and marketing. As to packaging, the best practice of the farmers
is to wipe the fruits with wet cloth to remove soil particles and grade as small, medium,
and big. The sorted sizes are packed in different baskets and labeled properly. The other
packaging practices, in a descending order of preference, are as follows: bell pepper
fruits are graded each assorted sizes are packed in different sacks and properly labeled;
bell pepper fruits are wiped with wet cloth to remove soil particles and packed assorted
in sacks and properly labeled; bell pepper fruits are wiped with wet cloth to remove soil
particles and packed assorted in baskets.
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

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As to transporting, almost 60% of the respondents transport harvested bell pepper
fruits through the public utility transport system. Few respondents claimed that their
harvests are either transported through own vehicle or farmer financers. On the other
hand, more than 90% of the respondents sell their harvest at the provincial market, either
at La Trinidad Trading Post or Baguio City. Only few respondents sell their harvest at
the Municipal Market.
The respondents encountered various problems along the different stages of bell
pepper production. The problems encountered as to sourcing of seeds, in a descending
order of gravity, are the following: high cost of seeds; difficult to produce own seeds;
hard to find suppliers; and suppliers are not honest as to quality of seeds. As to sowing of
seeds, almost all of the respondents cited the presence of pests and diseases as their
common problem. On the other hand, there were instances wherein the seeds were eaten
by ants and/or birds. Most of the respondents cited destruction of the seedbeds by pests
and/or wild fouls as common problem. Eight respondents mentioned construction of
elevated seedbed as laborious. Some respondents revealed that there were instances when
newly sown seeds are scattered by chickens of neighbors.
Almost 60% of the respondents lack financial resources for payment of additional
manpower during land preparation. There were 13 respondents who considered
plowing/harrowing and /or digging plot as laborious which needs additional manpower.
One respondent wanted to buy a tractor but it can’t be used in his farm due to the terrain.
As to transplanting of seedlings, the respondents claimed that it is limited only in
the afternoon. This is to elude from the heat of the sun that can stress the seedlings. On
the other hand, ten respondents claimed that some seedlings are destroyed while being
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

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uprooted. Regarding irrigation, 85% of the respondents are burdened with the scarcity of
water during summer. Few respondents cited high cost of fuel for water pumps, and
hosepipe as problems.
Relative to fertilization, 73% of the respondents mentioned high cost of fertilizer
as their problem. Few respondents revealed that some chicken dung bought from outlets
are mixed with sand, sawdust and other foreign materials. Furthermore, there were few
respondents who claimed that pests are immune with pesticides, and pesticides are
somewhat of poor quality that they cannot control pest and diseases. As to harvesting,
there were 29 respondents who accepted that some fruits are unintentionally detached
from the mother plant during harvest. Few respondents, probably those who have wide
farms revealed that they lack manpower. As to packaging, 30 respondents claimed that
packaging materials are costly. Likewise, 29 respondents said that packaging materials
are sometimes not enough in the community. On the other hand, damages on bell pepper
are visible when the public utility vehicle is jam-packed with passengers because there
is no separate transport system for vegetable and/or crops.
On the problems encountered on marketing, 70% of the respondents cited the
absence of fixed price for bell pepper. According to the respondents, it can go as low as
Php 5.00 per kilo. On the other hand, there were ten respondents who complained that the
buyers are stingy wherein their products are priced at its minimum.

Conclusions

Based on the findings, the following conclusions are made:
1. The production of bell pepper is not exclusive for males, but for females as
well;
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

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2. All the bell pepper farmers are literate since they have undergone formal
education;
3. The respondents adopt a best practice for every stage of bell pepper
production. Some of the factors influencing the adoption of every practice may include
time, terrain of the locality, technical know-how and financial resource;
4. The farmers encountered various problems along the stages of bell pepper
production. The major problems include: high cost of seeds, destruction of seedbeds by
pests and/or wild fowls, scarcity of water during summer, high cost of fertilizers and
pesticides, damages incurred on bell pepper fruits during transport, unstable price of bell
pepper in the market, and stingy/deceitful/tricky buyers.

Recommendations
The following recommendations are made:
1. The farmers should find ways and means to sustain their best practices in the
production bell pepper in order to maintain the identity of Central as bell pepper
producing community in Kapangan, Benguet;
2. The farmers may share their best practices as to bell pepper production so it
can be replicated to other agricultural communities;
3. To evade from the high cost of seeds, the farmers should enhance their
knowledge in producing their own seeds;
4. As to the problem on stingy/deceitful/tricky suppliers/buyers, it may be
minimized if the farmers will organize themselves into a cooperative. As such, all farm
inputs and outputs will be coursed through the cooperative.
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

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LITERATURE CITED


ANONYMOUS, Undated. Bell Pepper. Retrieved December 10, 2010 from

http://eu.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell Pepper.

ANONYMOUS, Undated. Bell Pepper. Retrived December 10, 2010 from

http://www.answers.com/topic/bell Pepper.

ANONYMOUS, Undated. Best Practice on Bell Pepper.Retrived November 15, 2010

from http://www.ipnet.org/plant-desease/articles.cfm?article_id3

AVRDC. 1990. Vegetable Production Training Manual Asian Vegetable Research and
Development Center Shanhua, Tainan.
BAUTISTA, O.K. 1990. Postharvest Technology for Southeast Asian Perishable

Crops. UPLB, Laguna, College of Agriculture.

BAUTISTA O.K. H.V VALMAYOR P.C. TABORA R.R. ESPINO. 1983. Introduction
to tropical Horticulture, UPLB, College of Agriculture.

CENTRAL BARANGAY PROFILE. 2009. Major Crops/Agricultural Products in
Central, Kapangan, Benguet.

PHILIPPINE COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND NATURAL
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (PCARRD) INFORMATION BULLETIN.
2007. Los Baños, Laguna.

PHILIPPINE COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND NATURAL
RESEARCH
AND
DEVELOPMENT
(PCARRD),
INFORMATION
BULLETIN. 2009. Los Baños, Laguna.

PHILLIPS, R. and R. RIX. 1993. Vegetable Gardening, Lane Publishing Corporation.
SKINNER M.1995. Insect Pest of Selected Vegetables in Tropical and Sub-tropical

Asia. Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center, Shanhua, Tainan,

Taiwan. R.O.C. Publication no.94-427





Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

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APPENDICES


APPENDIX A

Letter to Respondents


Republic of the Philippines
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
La Trinidad, Benguet


Dear Respondent:


Greetings!

I am a fourth year Bachelor Science in Agriculture – Extension Education student
of the Benguet State University presently conducting a study entitled “Best Practices of
Bell Pepper Farmers in Central, Kapangan, Benguet”. The study aims at documenting the
best practices of the farmers, and the problems encountered in producing bell pepper.
In this connection, I am seeking your assistance by supplying the necessary
information asked in the attached questionnaire. Thank you and rest assured that all
information will be treated confidential and used for research purposes only.


Respectfully yours,



MYRA P. ROMAN
Researcher





Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

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APPENDIX B

Survey Questionnaire


I. Profile of Respondents

A. Personal information of respondents
Name: __________________________________Gender:_____ Civil Status:______

Age bracket
__ 15 & below
__ 16 20
__ 21-25
__ 26-30
__ 31-35
__ 36-40
__ 41-45
__ 46-50
__ 51-55
__ 56-60
__ More than 60 years old, specify___

What is your highest educational attainment?
__ No schooling
__ Elementary undergraduate
__ Elementary graduate
__ High school undergraduate
__ High school graduate
__ College undergraduate
__ College graduate
__ Post graduate
__ Others, specify ______________________

Household’s main source of income [check one]
__ Wages/salaries/commissions
__ Pensions/allotments
__ Remittances from abroad
__ Crop production
__ Livestock raising
__ Sari-sari store
__ Others, specify________________________

Number of years in growing bell pepper
__ 5 years
__ 26-30 years
__ 6-10 years
__ 31-35 years
__ 11-15 years
__ 36-40 years
__ 16-20 years
__ 41-45 years
__ 21-25 years
__ 46-50 years


__ Others, please specify ______
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

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B. Farm profile
B.1. Ownership status of farm
__ Owned
__ Leased
__ Just farmed for free
__ Others, specify ______________________

B.2. Farm area (hectare)
__ 200 square meters or less (one plot is estimated at 10 square meters)
__ 210 – 300 square meters
__ 310 – 400 square meters
__ 410 – 500 square meters
__ 510 – 600 square meters
__ 610 – 700 square meters
__ 710 – 800 square meters
__ 810 – 900 square meters
__ 910 – 1000 square meters
__ Others, specify ______________________

B.3. Varieties of bell pepper planted
__ California
__ Plastic
__ Chinese
__ Others, specify ______________________

II. Practices of farmers in growing bell pepper
A. Sourcing of seeds
__ Produce own seeds;
__ Buy from trusted relatives and friends;
__ Buy from accredited suppliers;
__ Produce own seeds and supplement from trusted relatives and friends;
__ Produce own seeds and supplement by buying from accredited suppliers;
__ Buy from trusted relatives and supplement from accredited suppliers;
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________
B. Sowing of seed
__ Wrap seeds with clean cloth and subject to intermittent osmo-conditioning
in water for 10 days and sow on seedbed when primary stage of germination
(cracking) occurs, irrigate daily, spray with pesticide when necessary;
__ Directly sow seeds without osmo-conditioning, irrigate daily, spray with
pesticide when necessary;
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________

Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

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C. Seedbed preparation
__ Pulverize soil and sterilize through cooking in improvised containers
(drums), spread on elevated seedbed, fertilize, sow seeds, mulchv with grass
to avoid exposure of seeds, irrigate, construct canal surrounding seedbed
with continuous water flow to prevent access of ants and other crawling
insects;
__ Pulverize soil and sterilize by burning weeds on top, lay plastic mat on
elevated seedbed, spread sterilized soil, sow seeds, irrigate, cover with net
or polyethylene (tunnel type);
__ Pulverize soil, lay plastic mat on elevated seedbed, spread unsterilized soil,
sow seeds, irrigate, cover with net or polyethylene (tunnel type);
__ Prepare plot as seedbed, pulverize soil, sow seeds, irrigate, cover with net or
polyethylene (tunnel type);
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________

D. Land preparation
__ Plow area, harrow after sometime (when grasses/weeds are dried), dig plots,
prepare hills, fertilize and ready for planting;
__ Clean grasses/weeds, plow area, harrow after sometime, dig plots, prepare
hills, fertilize and ready for planting;
__ Spray herbicide, plow area, harrow after sometime, dig plots, prepare hills,
fertilize and ready for planting;
__ Plow area, dig plots, fertilize and ready for planting;
__ Clean grasses/weeds, dig plots, fertilize and ready for planting;
__ Dig plots, fertilize and ready for planting;
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________
E. Transplanting
__ Irrigate seedbed, chuck and individually uproot seedlings, place on
commercial or indigenous tray;
__ Irrigate seedbed, chuck and uproot seedlings by cluster, place on
commercial or indigenous tray;
__ Chuck seedlings and uproot individually;
__ Chuck seedlings and uproot by cluster;
__ Uproot seedlings individually;
__ Uproot seedlings by cluster
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________

F. Irrigation
__ Manually irrigate daily with the use of watering can;
__ Manually irrigate daily with the use hosepipe;
__ Manually irrigate daily with watering can and hosepipe;
__ Irrigate through 30-minute flooding from vegetative to maturity stage;
__ Manually irrigate daily with either watering can or hosepipe during the
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
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vegetative stage and occasional flooding in the fruiting stage;
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________
G. Fertilization
__ Apply complete fertilizer and chicken dung as basal, apply complete
fertilizer during side dressing, occasionally fertigate with urea from
vegetative to maturity stage;
__ Apply chicken dung and ashes as basal, apply complete fertilizer during
side dressing, occasionally fertigate with urea from vegetative to maturity
stage;
__ Apply complete fertilizer and ashes as basal, apply chicken dung during
side dressing, occasionally fertigate with urea;
__ Apply complete fertilizer and compost as basal, apply complete fertilizer
during side dressing, occasionally fertigate with urea;
__ Apply ashes as basal, apply compost during side dressing, occasionally
fertigate with urea;
__ Apply chicken dung as basal, apply compost during side dressing;
__ Apply complete fertilizer as basal and chicken dung as basal, apply
complete fertilizer during side dressing, occasionally spray foliar fertilizer;
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________
H. Pest and disease management
__ Occasional (when necessary) spray of pesticides;
__ Plant bell pepper inside structured greenhouse to control environment of
bell pepper, occasional spray of pesticides;
__ Secure bell pepper plants from excessive rainfall and harmful insects with
easy-tunnel polyethylene greenhouse, occasional spray of pesticides;
__ Plant bell pepper inside structured greenhouse, no spraying of pesticides;
__ Secure bell pepper plants with easy-tunnel polyethylene greenhouse, no
spraying of pesticides;
__ Control rodents with pesticides;
__ Control rodents with indigenous technologies (saltok, etc.)
__ Weeds are removed manually or through the use of hand tools;
__ Weeds are sprayed with herbicide;
__ Mulch is applied to control weeds and prevent contact of fruits with the soil;
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________
I. Harvesting
__ Harvest with bare hands when fruit is matured but still green, harvest in the
morning;
__ Harvest with bare hands when fruit is matured but still green, harvest in the
afternoon;
__ Harvest by using knife/scissor when fruit is matured but still green, harvest
in the morning;
__ Harvest by using knife/scissor when fruit is matured but still green, harvest
in the afternoon;
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

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__ Harvest with bare hands when fruit is half ripe, harvest in the morning;
__ Harvest with bare hands when fruit is half ripe, harvest in the afternoon;

__ Harvest by using knife/scissor when fruit is half ripe, harvest in the
morning;
__ Harvest by using knife/scissor when fruit is half ripe, harvest in the
afternoon;
__ Harvest with bare hands when fruit is fully ripe, harvest in the morning;
__ Harvest with bare hands when fruit is fully ripe, harvest in the afternoon;
__ Harvest by using knife/scissor when fruit is fully ripe, harvest in the
morning;
__ Harvest by using knife/scissor when fruit is fully ripe, harvest in the
afternoon;
__ Harvest fruits assorted (green, half ripe, fully ripe) with bare hands in the
morning;
__ Harvest fruits assorted (green, half ripe, fully ripe) with bare hands in the
afternoon;
__ Harvest fruits assorted (green, half ripe, fully ripe) by using knife/scissor in
the morning;
__ Harvest fruits assorted (green, half ripe, fully ripe) by using knife/scissor in
the afternoon;
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________
J. Postharvest
J.1. Packaging
__ Bell pepper fruits are wiped with wet cloth to remove soil particles and
graded (small, medium, big), each sorted sizes are packed in different
baskets and properly labeled;
__ Bell pepper fruits are wiped with wet cloth to remove soil particles and
graded (small, medium, big), each sorted sizes are packed in different
cellophane bags and properly labeled;
__ Bell pepper fruits are wiped with wet cloth to remove soil particles and
graded (small, medium, big), each sorted sizes are packed in different sacks
and properly labeled;
__ Bell pepper fruits are graded (small, medium, big), each sorted sizes are
packed in different baskets and properly labeled;
__ Bell pepper fruits are graded (small, medium, big), each sorted sizes are
packed in different cellophane bags and properly labeled;
__ Bell pepper fruits are graded (small, medium, big), each sorted sizes are
packed in different sacks and properly labeled;
__ Bell pepper fruits are wiped with wet cloth to remove soil particles and
packed assorted in baskets;
__ Bell pepper fruits are wiped with wet cloth to remove soil particles and
packed assorted in cellophane bags;
__ Bell pepper fruits are wiped with wet cloth to remove soil particles and
packed assorted in sacks;
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

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J.2. Transporting
__ Transport harvested bell pepper fruits through own vehicle;
__ Transport harvested bell pepper fruits through the public utility transport
system;
__ Harvested bell pepper fruits are picked by farmer financiers (suppliers);
__ Others, please specify__________________________________________



J.3. Marketing
__ Bell pepper fruits are sold on-farm;
__ Bell pepper fruits are sold at the municipal market (Lomon, Paykek,
Kapangan, Benguet);
__ Bell pepper fruits are sold at the provincial market (either at the La Trinidad
vegetable trading post or Baguio City);
__ Bell pepper fruits are sold at the national market (manila);
__ Bell pepper fruits are sold on retail basis;
__ Bell pepper fruits are sold on wholesale basis;
__ Others, please specify__________________________________________

III. Problems encountered by the farmers in growing bell pepper

A. Sourcing of seeds
__ Difficult to produce own seeds;
__ Hard to find suppliers;
__ Suppliers are not honest as to quality of seeds;
__ High cost of seeds;
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________
B. Sowing of seeds
__ Low germination rate
__ Seedlings are attacked by pests and diseases;
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________
C. Seedbed preparation
__ Making of elevated seedbed is laborious;
__ Seedbed is destroyed by rodents, pets, and/or wild fouls;
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________

D. Land preparation
__ Plowing/harrowing and digging of plots are laborious, needs additional
manpower;
__ Lack of financial resources to pay additional manpower;
__ Want to buy mechanical implement (tractor) but can’t be used with the
terrain of my farm;
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
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__ Others, please specify _________________________________________
E. Transplanting
__ Some seedlings are destroyed while being uprooted;
__ Transplanting is limited in the afternoon to elude from the heat of the sun;
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________

F. Irrigation
__ Scarcity of water during summer;
__ High cost of hosepipe;
__ High cost of fuel for water pump;
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________
G. Fertilization
__ High cost of fertilizer;
__ Presence of flies when applying chicken dung much more with those farms
near the residence;
__ Some chicken dung are mixed with sand, sawdust, and others;
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________
H. Pest and disease management
__ High cost of pesticides;
__ Pests are immune with pesticides
__ Pesticides are somewhat of poor quality that it cannot control the pests;
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________
I. Harvesting
__ Some fruits are unintentionally detached during harvest;
__ Waist pain due to excessive bending during harvest;
__ Others, please specify _________________________________________
J. Postharvest
J.1. Packaging
__ Packaging materials (be it basket or cellophane) are sometimes costly;
__ Others, please specify ______________________________________



J.2. Transporting
__ Damages on bell pepper fruits are noted when public utility vehicle (PUV)
is jam-packed with passengers because there is no separate transport system
for vegetables;
__ There are isolated cases of lost packages;
__ Others, please specify__________________________________________


J.3. Marketing
__ No fixed cost for bell pepper, it can go down as low as five pesos per kilo;
__ Buyers are stingy, they always price our produce at its minimum;
__ Others, please specify__________________________________________
Best Practices Of Bell Pepper Farmers In
Central, Kapangan, Benguet/Myra P. Roman

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Document Outline

• Best Practices of Bell Pepper Farmers inCentral, Kapangan, Benguet. Benguet State University La Trinidad Benguet
  • BIBLIOGRAPHY
  • ABSTRACT
  • INTRODUCTION
  • REVIEW OF LITERATURE
  • METHODOLOGY
  • RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
  • SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
  • LITERATURE CITED
  • APPENDICES

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