BIBLIOGRAPHY MERCOLES, RIEMA L. APRIL 2011. ...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
MERCOLES, RIEMA L. APRIL 2011. Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn
Production in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet. Benguet State University. La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Jovita M. Sim, MSc.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to document green corn production practices in Wangal, La
Trinidad, Benguet, to document the production practices, yield performance, market outlets and
problems encountered.
There were 6 green corn producers in the area. The findings showed that the farmers
used green corn as a rotation crop for vegetables instead of another variety of vegetables.
However, all the farmers devote only a small portion of their farm (2 to 25%) rotated to green
corn. Farmers treat seeds with fungicides or insecticides to protect seeds from pest and disease,
this method is locally referred to as “pausukan”. The farmers apply commercial fertilizer (Triple
14) to their corn crops but do not spray pesticides, instead insect repellant crops were
intercropped in the farm.
Yield was low because of environmental factors such as pest attacking the plants, bad
weather condition such as typhoon and storms.
Problems encountered by the farmers include low yield, lack of education or training on
corn production especially on the technologies. Profit was low at P1,630 from a 500 sq. m. area
and return on expenses was 37% which is still acceptable. The return above cash cost was
P3,430.00 for a 500 sq,. m. area and return on non-cash expenses was P4,200.00.
Though green corn production provides a meager income, the benefit of planting corn is
that corn is heavy feeder crop, thus it helps in control of soil borne diseases, helping the soil to
become clean.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography……………………………………………………………………... i
Abstract …………………………………………………………………………..
i
Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………...
iii
INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………..
1
Rationale ………………………………………………………………….
1
Importance of the Study …………………………………………………..
2
Statement of the Problem …………………………………………………
2
Objective of the Study …………………………………………………….
2
Scope and Delimitation of the Study ……………………………………..
3
REVIEW OF LITERATURE ……………………………………………………
4
Historical Background of Corn ……………………………………………
4
Types and Uses of Corn …………………………………………………...
5
Crop Adaptation and Requirement ………………………………………..
6
International Scene on the
Profitability of Corn………………………………………………………..
6
Philippine Experience on Hi-Tech
Corn Seeds…………………………………………………………………
7
Impact of High Corn Prices on
Ethanol Profitability ……………………………………………………….
8
Definition of Terms ………………………………………………………..
9
METHODOLOGY ……………………………………………………………….
10
Locale and Time of the Study ……………………………………………..
10
Respondents of the Study ………………………………………………….
10
Data Gathering Procedure ………………………………………………….
10
Data Analysis ……………………………………………………………....
10
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ………………………………………………….
11
Profile of the Respondents …………………………………………………
11
Total Farm Area and Area Devoted
for Corn Production………………………………………………………...
14
Production Practices ……………………………………………………….
15
Fertilizer Application ………………………………………………………
17
Pest and Diseases …………………………………………………………..
17
Yield Produced per Unit Area ……………………………………………...
20
Marketing Practices ………………………………………………………...
20
Problems Encountered in Production ……………………………………...
22
Profitability of Corn………………………………………………………...
23
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ……………….
26
Summary ………………………………………………………………….
26
Conclusions ……………………………………………………………….
27
Recommendations………………………………………………………….
28
LITERATURE CITED …………………………………………………………..
29
APPENDIX
A. Letter to the Respondents ………… …………………………………...
30
B. Interview Questionnaire ….…………………………………………….
31
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Corn is one of the family Graminae and is thought to have originated in the
tropics of Latin America (IRRI, 1983). Corn is one of the major crops that are grown in
the country. It is considered as one of the food of millions of Filipinos residing in
southern part of the country. It contains high energy, phosphorus, potassium and
thiamine which are very important in human diet (Cayat, 2002).
As Agustin (1985) stated, corn is the second major grain in our country to rice. It
is a good source of energy aside from legume. In terms of use, corn is a major component
of animal feeds and a staple human food. The whole plant itself is a good source of
roughage for livestock.
It is important as a cash crop because it is major substitute and supplement for
rice in the period of scarcity even though its cultivation is small due to the limited sources
of good planting materials that are suitable and high yielding in the place.
Growing corn in our country is limited to lowland and warm areas. Corn
production is during dry season where water shortage is experienced resulting to low
production. In the Cordillera region, corn is grown in the warmer areas of Mt. Province,
Ifugao, Kalinga, and Apayao. In cooler areas of Cordillera such as Benguet Province,
corn is not grown commercially but as a backyard crop. Thus, the green corns sold in the
Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet were coming from the lowland areas such as
Pangasinan and La Union. In view of the said situation, farmers in Wangal particularly
Lower Wangal, La Trinidad, had started production of green corn. Thus, this study
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
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documented and looked into the viability of green corn production in La Trinidad,
Benguet.
Statement of the Problem
The study aimed to answer the following questions.
1. What are the production practices of green corn growers in Wangal?
2. What is the yield performance of green corn production in the area?
3. Where are the markets outlets of green producers?
4. How profitable is green corn production in Wangal, La Trinidad?
Objective of the Study
Generally, the study aimed to document and produce baseline information on
commercial green corn production in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Specifically, the study aimed to:
1. Document green corn production practices in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet.
2. Determine the yield performance of green corn production in Wangal, La
Trinidad, Benguet.
3. Identify market outlets of green corn producers in the area.
4. Determine the profitability of green corn production in Wangal, La Trinidad,
Benguet.
Importance of the Study
Green corn is one of the favorite snack items of most Filipinos. This is evident in
La Trinidad, boiled green corn sellers are visible in the market and areas such as schools
and office areas, especially near the Municipal Hall of La Trinidad and in the public
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
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market . However, corns sold in the area are imports from nearby lowlands areas such as
La Union and Pangasinan. Because of this demand of the crop, farmers in Wangal had
started growing corn.
The result of the study could serve as basis for farmers in decision on what crops
to produce. With the infestation of pest and diseases of vegetables in the area, corn can be
a good intercrop since it is a heavy feeder crop, thus could help in the elimination of soil
born diseases.
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
As a new commercial crop in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet the study focuses
mainly on the documentation of green corn production practices, its yield performance,
market outlets and profitability.
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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Historical Background of Corn
Corn is completely native to the Americas and was only grown by the Native
Americans, thousands of years before Christopher Columbus arrived to the New World.
The Native American name for corn was mahiz, which means "that which sustains us"
and the early settlers called maize. Cultivating corn is responsible for turning the Native
American tribes from nomadic to agrarian societies. English and German settlers named
corn after their generic term for an edible grass crop. They called it "Indian corn" to
differentiate it from other grains. The settlers were taught how to grow it by planting
kernels in small holes with small fish as their fertilizer and covering them up. The Indians
also shared their various ways of preparing corn, such as pounding it into meal to make
cornbread, corn soup, corn cakes, and corn pudding. Corn was also used by the early
settlers as money and to trade for meat and furs. The love of corn goes very deep and way
back into our history. The first governor of the Plymouth Colony, Governor William
Bradford, said once "And sure it was God's good providence that we found this corn for
we know not how else we should have done” (Puckett, 2003).
According to Gressel (2005), maize (Zea Mays L.) is derived from the annual
grass Zea Mays ssp. May L. and is a highly important crop originating in Mexico. The
closest wild relatives of maize are teosintes (Zea ssp.) and include annual and perennial
species. The distribution of teosinte includes the tropical and subtropical areas of
Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua. Although closely related to maize, there is
a considerable debate about the extent that teosinte participated in the eventual
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development of maize races in Mexico and thus contributed to prominence of maize as a
leading world grain.
Types and Uses of Corn
Corn are classified and their different types. The most notable which is traditional
favorite eaten off the cub with butter salt and found in supermarkets roadside stands
everywhere is known as the sweet corn. It is named as sweet corn because of its high
sugar content and is seldom used for purposes other than direct human consumption.
Dent corn is also known as field corn which is the corn of choice for livestock feed and
industrial products. Flint corn or ornamental Indian corn sports a range of colors and is
primarily grown in central and South America. A sub variety of flint corn is used to make
popcorn. Its soft starchy center facilitates the “pop” into the fluffy movie snacking
favorite.
Corn is also versatile and has innumerable uses. Indians wove the husks into
clothing, sleeping mats, baskets, and children’s toys. Most of the corn grown in the
United States and Canada is used as animal feeder. There are also many industrial uses of
corn including cosmetics, ink, glue, laundry starch, shoe police, medicines, fabrics, corn
cob pipes and ornaments. As human food, corn is eaten fresh or ground for meal. It is the
basic starch plant of Central and Andean South America, where it is still hand ground on
metates to be made into tamales, tortillas, and other staple dishes. In the United States it
is familiar as hominy, mush, and grits. Starch, sugar, and oil are also extracted for many
products, but the chief use of corn is as animal fodder. It is the primary feed grain of the
United States, and in Europe this is almost the only use of corn. Corn is also as a raw
material in the manufacture of ethanol for fuel (Smith, 2004).
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Crop Adaptation and Requirement
Maize varies widely in length of growing season in plant morphology.
Characteristic such as plant height; leaf number, size and angle, tiller number, tassel size;
ear number; root morphology; grain shape; color and texture vary tremendously. Survival
of this morphological variability has depended on selection by man without husbandry
maize cannot survive. Because of its viability, maize as a specie show extremely wide
adaptation. It is grown as a commercial grain crop from about latitude of 55° N to 40° S
and from sea level to 4000m-altitude. However, maize cultivars are generally much more
restricted in their range of adaptation. The environment factors can be overcome by the
plasticity within the species but which to limit the range of adaptation of individual
cultivars is temperature, day length, diseases and to a lesser extent insect (IRRI, 1983).
In a study conducted by Agustin in 1985 at Benguet State University
Environmental Farm from November to March revealed that the normal watering
throughout the growth and development stage of corn would lead to higher yield, but
during water shortage suspension of irrigation at maturity could be done without
significant reduction of yield.
International Scene on the Profitability of Corn
Food ingredients and syrups manufacturer Corn Products International said that
fourth-quarter profit fell 41 percent as a result of restructuring in Mexico and South
America. Quarterly earnings decreased to $14.4 million, or 19 cents per share, from $24.5
million, or 34 cents per share, a year ago. The results included a restructuring charge of
$15 million, or 20 cents per share, related to projects to improve manufacturing
efficiency in Mexico and South America. Revenue, on the other hand, rose 6 percent to
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$619.9 million from $584.8 million. North American sales saw the slowest rise, up 8
percent to $1.4 billion, while South America led the way with an increase in revenue of
12 percent to $556 million. Asia and Africa was only a notch behind, seeing sales growth
of 11 percent to $308 million. Profit levels looked rosier for the year as a whole, rising 23
percent to $93.6 million, or $1.25 per share, from $76.4 million, or $1.06 per share, in
2003, while sales increased 8 percent to $2.46 billion from $2.27 billion. Corn Products
desire for success has included a push to attain greater efficiency resulting in the closure
of two of its corn refining facilities, namely one of its starch plants in Guadalajara,
Mexico (Cisne), the smallest of its four plants in Mexico, and one of its facilities in the
Andean region in South America.
The company took the decision to try and defend its market position by taking
root in China and linking up with Shandong Juneng Electric Power Group Golden Corn
Development Company to manufacture modified corn starch (Anonymous, 2005).
Philippine Experience on Hi-Tech Corn Seeds
Two years ago in the Philippines, majority of the 6,000 corn farmers in this
southern Philippine agricultural town found their fields ravaged by a disease called 'stalk
rot'. Much of the yellow corn they harvested was damaged. The cobs had only a few
kernels and the yield fell far below expectations. The product of modern agricultural
technology hybrid seeds developed by the U.S. multinational Cargill and given free to
them by the agriculture department, which promised farmers could double their yield.
The yellow corn seeds were part of a five-year, 75 billion peso (2.8 billion dollar)
program designed to make the Philippines self-sufficient in grain. Farmers thought they
would benefit because the seeds were given to them free. Most farmers planted the
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seeds, but the government program a failure. The seeds were of a hybrid variety requiring
large amounts of costly fertilizers and pesticides.
The seeds were bought under the Philippines' Grains Production Enhancement
Program- a package of infrastructure, credit and agricultural subsidies given to farmers as
an incentive to raise productivity by using high-yield, hybrid seed varieties but Cargill's
seeds produced plants that could not thrive in the region's wet climate, and were
susceptible to diseases. Activists say that what happened in South Cotabato, the
Country’s biggest corn-producing province exposes how substantial government
subsidies for agriculture can benefit big agribusiness firms to the detriment of farmers
and consumers.
Agricultural experts add the high-yielding hybrid seeds that were produced in
laboratories overseas are good for only one planting. ''You cannot replant them and you
eventually have to go back to the original source,'' said Oscar Zamora, agronomy
professor at the University of the Philippines in Los Banos, Laguna province. The new
technology alters traditional farming practices among Filipinos who culturally like to
share seeds when they have something good they tell their friends and they share the
seeds. With moves toward the protection of plant breeders' rights in industrialized
nations, Zamora says farmers will become more dependent on multinational firms whose
business is to breed seeds, and who thus reap the biggest profits (Rimban, 1997).
Impact of High Corn Prices on Ethanol Profitability
Ethanol production has been blamed for a wide variety of things; some true; some
not true, such as the sharp increase in the price of breakfast cereals and the high price of
bread. Bread and cereal makers readily admit the price increases are more due to rising
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energy costs than the cost of grain (wheat and corn). The extreme highs in wheat prices
earlier this year were due primarily to U.S. and foreign weather problems rather than to
ethanol. It is true that ethanol production adds substantially to the demand for corn,
although livestock feed is still the largest demand factor; and probably will be for at least
a few more years. The USDA is projecting that through 2017, ethanol production will not
surpass livestock feed as the largest source of demand for corn. However, some private
analysts see ethanol becoming the largest source of corn demand within the next three or
four years as the industry expands to meet the government mandated level of corn-based
ethanol production. U.S. ethanol production capacity has been projected to increase from
about 8.4 billion gallons at the end of 2007 to about 11.4 billion gallons in calendar year
2009, based on the mandates from last year’s energy legislation. That would increase
corn demand by one billion bushels; from 3 billion bushels in the 2007-08 marketing year
ending this August 31 to about 4 billion in 2008-09. Both the capacity expansion and the
increase in corn usage are slightly in jeopardy due to lags in capacity of distribution and
marketing facilities (O’Brien et al., 2008).
Definition of Terms
Teosinte- it is a grass that looks like corn
Volunteerism- a tradition in daily practice in agriculture
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METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted in barangay Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet where some
of the vegetable farmers had shifted to green corn production or had used the corn as
intercrop instead of vegetables. The study was conducted on December, 2010.
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of the study were the green corn farmers producing green corn in
barangay, Wangal. Total enumeration was employed in the selection of respondents and
where there were 6 farmers who have started growing corn. These farmers served as
source of information/data.
Data Gathering Procedure
Personal interview was employed with the aid of interview guide and field
observation was also done to validate data gathered from interview.
Data Gathered
The data gathered included the green corn production practices, yield of
production, market outlets, production cost incurred and profit.
Data Analysis
The data gathered were consolidated, tabulated and analyzed using
frequency/descriptive analysis.
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Profile of the Respondents
The socio-demographic profile of the respondents include their age, gender, civil
status, educational attainment/background, other sources of income, number of years in
farming, type of farmer, status of farming and land tenure. These are presented in Table
1.
Age. One half of the respondents belonged to the age bracket of 40-50 years old.
The mean age of the respondents was 47.33 years old. The youngest respondent was 32
years old while the oldest was 56 years old.
Civil
status. There were 83.33% of the respondents who were married and only
16.66% were single. This implies that many of the respondents have families to take good
care of.
Educational
attainment. One half of the respondents have gone to high school and
elementary were 33% and only 16.67% have gone to college. This emphasized that
farmers in Wangal have attended formal education but have limited knowledge.
Sources of income. The major source of income the respondents are farming.
Other sources of income include sari-sari store business (16.67%) and carpentry works
(16.67%).
Number of years in corn production. The table further revealed that there were
three (66.67%) of the respondents who have been producing corn for almost 5 years,
there was one (16.67%) respondent who were producing corn for almost 6-10 years and
another one (16.67%) respondent experienced corn production for 11 years.
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Table 1. Profile of the respondents
PARTICULAR FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Age (years)
30 – 40
1
16.67
41 – 50
3
50.00
51 – 60
2
33.33
TOTAL 6
100.00
Mean age – 47.33
Gender
Male
3
50.00
Female
3
50.00
TOTAL 6
100.00
Civil status
Married
5
83.33
Single
1
16.67
TOTAL 6
100.00
Status in farming. All of the respondents were self-financed. This implies that
farmers provide things needed but stated that they still lack some of the materials needed
in the production.
Land tenure. Furthermore, the table revealed that all the respondents owned the
land they utilize for corn production. There was one (16.66%) respondent who owned his
land and at the same time renting other farm.
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Table 1. Continued.
PARTICULAR FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Educational attainment
College
1
16.67
High school
2
33.33
Elementary
3
50.00
TOTAL 6
100.00
Sources of income
Farming
6
100.00
Sari-sari store
1
16.67
Carpentry
1
16.67
Number of years in corn production (years)
1 – 5
3
50.00
6 - 10
2
33.33
11 - 15
1
16.67
TOTAL 6
100.00
Status in farming
Contract grower
0
0
Self-finance
6
100.00
TOTAL 6
100.00
Land tenure
Owner
6
100.00
Lessee
1
16.67
*Multiple response
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Total Farm Area and Area Devoted for
Corn Production
Table 2 shows the total farm area and area devoted for corn production by the
respondents. Five of the farmers have a total farm area of 10,000 sq,.m (1 ha). One of
the farmer have only 2,000 sq.m. Only one of the farmer devoted 2,000 sq. from his 1 ha
area (20% of the total area) for green corn production. One farmer with 2,000 sq m, area
devoted 500 sq. meter for green corn production (25%). The findings showed that
majority of the respondents were utilizing a very limited area for corn production ranging
from 200 to 2,000 sq.m. which is only 2 to 25% of the total farm area of the 6 farmers.
Table 2. Farm area of production
FARMER
TOTAL AREA
DEVOTED FOR CORN AREA
PERCENTAGE
NO.
(SQ.M.)
(SQ.M.)
OF AREA
1 10,
000
2,000
20
2
10, 000
300
3
3
10, 000
200
2
4
2,000
500
25
5
10, 000
300
3
6
10, 000
300
3
Production Practices
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
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Area of production. Table 3 shows that 66.67% of the respondents utilized a
sloping area for corn production. Two (33.33%) of the respondents cultivated a terraced
area and 16.67% of the respondents cultivated a flat but unirrigated area for corn
production. Corn is planted after vegetable. This result shows that farmers were utilizing
marginal farms/areas for green corn production.
Cropping system practices. All the respondent stated that they were practicing
crop rotation. According to respondents, this method is helpful in maintaining the nutrient
of the soil and for the control of soil borne diseases.
Variety
grown. All the respondents were planting native malagkit corn because
this is the available seeds in the area.
Source of seed. There were 83.33% of the respondents who used seed from their
own harvest and only 16.67% of the respondents were given seed by other farmers for
their production.
Seed
treatment. There were 66.67% of the respondents who do not treat their seed
while 33.33% of the respondents treat their seeds with fungicide and pesticides before
planting. Treating of seeds is locally called “pausukan”. This method is practiced by the
respondents to protect seeds from pest that may eat the seeds. According to the some
respondents, this method is used to prolong shelf-life of the seeds. Seed treatment is not
only practiced in corn but also in other crops.
Table 3. Production practices
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PRODUCTION PRACTICES
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Type of area for production*
Flat Irrigated
1
16.67
Terraced
2
33.33
Sloping Area
4
66.67
Cropping system practices
Crop rotation
6
100
Mono-cropping
0
0
TOTAL 6
100
Variety grown
Japanese corn
0
0
Native malagkit
6
100
TOTAL 6
100
Source of seed
From own harvest
5
83.33
Given by other farmer
1
16.67
TOTAL
6
100.00
Seed treatment
No seed treatment
4
66.67
Practice seed treatment
2
33.33
TOTAL
6
100.00
Fertilizer Application
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Kinds of fertilizer used. The table shows that there were 66.67% of the
respondents who used Triple 14 for fertilizing their corn plants and other 50% used urea
as fertilizer.
Methods
of
application. The result shows the methods in applying fertilizer used.
Half of the respondents used broadcasting method in applying fertilizer and half of the
respondent side dressed their fertilizer.
Amount of fertilizer used. Table 4 shows that there half of the respondents who
used at least 5-15 kilograms of fertilizer per area (200-300sq.m) per cropping, 33.33% of
the respondents used 16-25 kilograms of fertilizer per area (300sq.m & 2000sq.m) per
cropping and only 16.66% of the respondents used 100 kilograms of fertilizer in an area
(500sq.m) per cropping. This indicates that an amount of fertilizer applied by farmers
depend on the total area of production.
Time of fertilizer application. The table shows that all the respondents apply
fertilizer on their corn at least two times for the whole cropping. Fertilizer is applied after
planting upon emergence and during its vegetative stage.
Pest and Diseases
Pest attacking the corn crops. Table 5 revealed that 53.33% of the respondents
stated that one of the pests that destroyed their corn was army worm. Another 83.33% of
the respondents said that stem borers also attacks and destroys their corn crops. This
indicates that due to those pests, quality of corn harvested is affected and it also reduces
yield.
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Table 4. Fertilizer application
PARTICULAR FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Fertilizers used*
Urea
3
50.00
T14
4
66.67
Method of application used
Broadcasting
3
50.00
Cultivation
3
50.00
TOTAL 6
100.00
Amount of fertilizer used
5-15 kls per area/cropping
3
50.00
16-25 kls per area/cropping
2
33.33
100 kls per area/cropping
1
16.67
TOTAL
100.00
Time of fertilizer application
After planting
6
100.00
Vegetative stage
6
100.00
*Multiple response
Pest control practices. Table 5 revealed that all the respondents practiced
intercropping. Insect-repellant crops were intercropped with corn to deter pests from
devouring their target crops and intercrop companion crops to control the population of
the pest.
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Table 5. Pest control practices
PARTICULARS FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Pests of corn crops
Stem borer
5
83.33
Army worms
5
83.33
Pest control practices
Intercropping
6
100.00
*Multiple response
Utilization of pesticides. Table 6 revealed that all the respondents do not use
pesticides. According to the respondents pesticides are harmful and expensive. Instead
intercropping is employed to control population of pest and pest will not devour to the
main crops.
Farm implements. All the respondents used bolo and trowel for corn production
and one farmer also used water pump for irrigation. These are the three implements used
in corn production (Table 7).
Table 6. Utilization of pesticides
PESTICIDES UTILIZATION FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
Use pesticides
0
0.00
Do not use pesticides
6
100.00
TOTAL 6
100.00
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Table7. Farm implements used
IMPLEMENT FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Bolo
6
100.00
Trowel
3
50.00
Water pump
1
16.67
*Multiple response
Yield Produced per Unit Area
Half of the respondents were able to harvest 1-5 sacks of corn from 200 – 300 sq.
m. area. Another half of the respondents were able to harvest 6 to 10 sacks from a 500
and 2,000 sq.m. area (Table 8). The yield derived depends on the area and incidence of
pest and diseases. Result implies that yield produced was low.
Marketing Practices
Table 9 shows the marketing practices of the farmer respondents. The table
presents the market outlets, method of selling and payment, price determination, method
of promoting and means of transporting their produce.
Market outlet of the respondents. The table shows that half of the respondents
were peddling their produce to their neighbors, while only one (16.67%) of the
respondents market their products outside La Trinidad. This farmer send his produce to
Itogon, Benguet where his buyer is located. Another half of the respondents do not
market their produce because it is used for home consumption due to poor quality and
damaged products caused by environmental factors that destroyed the production.
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Table 8. Yield produced by the farmer respondents
YIELD FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
1-5 sacks
3
50.00
6-10 sacks
3
50.00
TOTAL 6
100.00
Table 9. Marketing practices of the respondents
PARTICULAR FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Market outlet*
Peddler in Itogon, Benguet
1
16.67
Peddling to neighbor
3
50.00
Do not market their produce
3
50.00
Method of payment
Consignment
1
16.67
Cash on delivery
2
33.33
Price determination
Set by farmer
2
33.33
Set by peddler
1
16.67
Method of promoting their produce
Words of mouth
3
50.00
Do not promote their products
3
50.00
TOTAL
6
100.00
Delivery of products
Brought to market by farmer
2
33.33
Transported to consumers
1
16.67
*no response from other respondent
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Method of selling and payment. There were only 33.33% of the respondents who
mentioned that the buyer pay in cash upon delivery, while the farmer who is sending his
produce to Itogon was on consignment basis.
Price
determination. Two of the respondents mentioned that they set the price of
their produce and the one (16.67%) farmer who is supplying the peddler in Itogon said
that the peddler of the product was the one who set the price.
Method of promoting their products. Table furthered revealed half of the
respondents promoted their product through words of mouth and other half of the
respondents do not promote their products because they don’t market it, instead they used
it for their consumption. The reason for not selling their produce was because of the poor
quality due to typhoon and pest.
Means of transporting their products. There were 33.33% of the respondents
stated that they brought their products to the market and 16.67% of the respondents just
send his produce through the jeepney drivers of Itogon.
Problems Encountered in Production
Problems in production. Table 10 presents the problems encountered by the
farmers in corn production. The major problem encountered in corn production was
environmental factors such as pests, storms and typhoon. These problems causes
damaged in the corn production producing non-marketable yield.
Lack of finance/capital for production is another problem encountered by the
respondents. Although, the farmers financed their farming, the total input required by the
crop was sustained. Thus, the nutrient requirement of the crop including pesticides was
not sustained.
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Table 10. Problems encountered by the farmers
PROBLEM FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Lack of educational training
2
33.33
Lack of financial needs
6
100.00
Pests 6
100.00
Storms/typhoons 6
100.00
Lack of information for standard pricing
2
33.33
Buyers control price
2
33.33
*Multiple response
Lack of education/training on the production method/technology was also one of
the problems mentioned by the 33.33% of the respondents. As shown in the profile, most
of the respondents have not reached college and have not attended any training or
seminars on corn production since this crop is not common in the area. The respondents
lack information about green corn production.
There were 33.33% of the respondents who mentioned that they lack information
about standard pricing. This is one reason why farmers who brought their products to
market said that their profit is not enough to sustain their family needs. In this case, they
instead used some of their products for their consumption.
Profitability of Corn
Corn production is a new enterprise in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet. Only 6 of
the farmers in the area are into corn production and as a rotation crop to vegetables. In
terms of production method or technology, the farmers have limited knowledge and have
not attended any training on corn production. The limited knowledge on production
practices/technology, resulted to the low yield derived by the farmers.
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Table 11 shows that cash cost is minimal because of the limited inputs especially
on fertilizers and pesticides. Most of the cost incurred in their production is non cash
cost which comprises the family labor from land preparation to harvesting, seeds (since
most of the farmers used their own seeds from previous crop or some get seeds from
neighbor free), thus, the value used was opportunity cost for labor and seeds. Other non
cash cost is the depreciation cost
On the cost and return analysis, result shows that the net income from a 500 sq m
area was P1,630.00. The return on cash expenses (ROEs) was 37%. Return above cash
cost was P4,200.00 and return on non cash cost was P3,430.00. Result shows that corn
production is profitable but profit is not so high but considering that most of the cost
comprises non-cash cost then it is acceptable.
Table 11. Cost and return analysis (500 sq. m.)
PARTICULAR AMOUNT
(PESOS)
Total sales
6,000.00
Cost of production
Cash cost
Fertilizer
1,200.00
Packaging
100.00
Marketing and transport cost
500.00
Total Cash Cost
1,800.00
Non cash cost
Seeds
20.00
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
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Table 11. Continued.
PARTICULAR SAMOUNT
(PESOS)
Family labor
2,500.00
Depreciation cost
50.00
Total Non Cash Cost
2,570.00
Total Cost
4,370.00
Net Income
1,630.00
Return on Cash Expenses (ROEs)
37%
Return above cash cost
4,200.00
Return Above non cash cost
3,430.00
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
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SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
This study was conducted in barangay Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet. This study
aimed to determine the practices of green corn growers and to find out their marketing
and production practices. The study was conducted on December, 2010. Data gathering
was done with the aid of interview questionnaire and field observation method.
Majority of the respondents were in their middle age, male, married and no other
source of income except farming. With regards to their educational attainment, all of
them have attended formal education but still knowledge on proper corn production
practices is limited. Majority of the respondents practice conventional farming and they
all financed their production.
Regarding production practices, majority of the respondents utilized a sloping
farm landscape or microniche for corn production. All of the respondents practiced crop
rotation to maintain nutrient of the soil and control soil borne diseases. Famers also
practiced seed treatment with the use of fungicide and pesticide before planting and they
called it “pausukan”. This practice protects the seeds from pests and to prolong its shelf-
life. As to their fertilizer application, majority of the respondents used complete fertilizer
– Triple 14 and applied through broadcasting and side dressing method. The amount of
fertilizer used depend on the area of corn production and if how much they can afford.
Respondents mentioned that the corn crops were fertilized for at least 2 times per
cropping. When it comes to pests control practices, all of the respondents do not use
pesticides due to its harmful effect and is expensive, instead they use insect- repellant
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
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crops to intercrop with corn to deter pests from devouring their target crops and intercrop
companion crops to control the population of the pest. All of the respondents used bolo
and trowel as their farm implements.
On the marketing practices, half of the respondents have gathered 6-10 sacks of
their corn crops and other respondents gathered 1-5 sacks of their corn crops. Among the
six respondents, only three of them market their produces. Farmers sell their produce by
peddling to their neighbors and market it outside La Trinidad. Majority mentioned that
the products were brought to the market. Other respondents do not market their product
because it is used for home consumption due to its poor quality and damaged products
caused by environmental factor that destroyed the plants. Two of the respondents
mentioned that they set the price of their produce and being paid on cash basis and
promoted their products through words of mouth.
The problem encountered by the respondents varied but one major problem they
encountered was environmental factors such as pests, typhoons and storms. These were
the reasons why most of the respondents did not market their produce this year that
caused loss of income to their families. Another major problem was the lack of financial
needs. The farmers cannot buy all the materials needed in corn production.
Conclusions
Based on the findings, the following conclusions were made.
1. All the farmers in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet depend on farming for their
income.
2. Yield of green corn in Wangal is low because farmers lack educational
training on proper production practices or technology for green corn production.
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3. Market outlet for corn produced in Wangal is limited because corn sold in the
locality especially in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet is dominated by corn coming
from La Union and Pangasinan.
4. Farmers do not use pesticides due to its harmful effect and expensive.
5. Income from corn production is low, however, cost of production incurred is
more on non-cash cost. The net income is not only the consideration but also the
benefits that could be derived from corn production such as a good rotation crop to
reduce incidence of soil borne diseases and other pest.
Recommendations
In line with the findings of the study, the following recommendations were
derived. Since corn production is a new enterprise then it is recommended that training
on green corn production technology should be conducted by concerned agencies like
Department of Agriculture and Benguet State University.
Corn is a good intercrop to reduce soil borne diseases like nematodes and
bacterial wilt.
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LITERATURE CITED
ANONYMOUS, 2005. Corn Products Profit falls in Q4. Retrieved September 28, 2010
from www.foodnavigator-USA.com
AGUSTIN, T. A. 1985. The effect of water stress in the growth and yield of corn.
BS Thesis. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet. Pp. 1, 2 and 39.
CAYAT, E. 2002. Growth and yield of corn for green production under La Trinidad
condition. BS Thesis. B.S.U., La Trinidad, Benguet. P. 7.
GRESSEL, J. 2005, Crop Fereality and Volunteerism. P. 150.
INTERNATIONAL RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE 1983. Potential Productivity of
Field Crops under Different Environments. P. 156.
O’BRIEN, D., M. WOOLVERTON, and R. WISNER. 2008. Impact of High Corn
Prices on
Ethanol Profitability . Retrieved September 28, 2010
fromwww.agmanager.info/energy/Ethanol_07-16-08.pd
PUCKETT, K. 2003. History of Corn. Retrieved August 24, 2010 from
www.rlrouse.com/history-of-corn.html
RIMBAN, L. 1997. Hi-Tech Seeds Yield Mainly High Costs. Retrieved September 28,
2010 from www.ibiblio.org/london/agriculture/.../msg00100.html
SMITH, W.C., J. BETRAN, E.C.A. RUNGE, J. WILEY and SONS. 2004. Corn: Origin,
History, Technology and Production. Retrieved September 28, 2010 from
www.questia.com › ... › Life Sciences and Agriculture › Agriculture.
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
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APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
Letter to the Respondents
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management
Benguet State University
La Trinidad, Benguet
November 27, 2010
Mr. Valentine Walang
Barangay Captain
Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet
Sir:
I am a student of Benguet State University presently conducting a study on
production of commercial green corn.
In this connection, may I ask permission to interview the farmers of barangay
Wangal who are presently producing green corn and for those farmers who have tried
producing it.
Your favorable endorsement for this request will be much appreciated.
Thank you and more power.
Very truly yours,
RIEMA L. MERCOLES
Noted by:
JOVITA M. SIM
Adviser
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31
APPENDIX B
Interview Questionnaire
I. Socio-demographic Profile
Name: ________________________
Age: ______
Gender:
_________
Civil
Status:
_______
Address: ______________________________________
Educational attainment:
_____
Elementary
_____
High
School
_____
College
_____ Others: (pls. specify)
Major source of income: ____________________________________
Other Source of income (pls. specify): _____________
Membership in farmers in marketing association (pls. specify): ____________
Years in Farming: ________ Conventional: _____ Organic
_____new
practitioner
_____
certified
Status
in
farming:
Landownership:
_____
Contact
grower
_____
owned
_____
Self
finance
_____
rental
Total Farm area (in square meter): _______________________________
Farm area for corn production: __________________________________
II. Production Practices
1. Type of area for production
_____ Flat irrigated
_____ Flat unirrigated
_____ terraced
_____ Sloping area
_____ others, specify
2. Cropping System Practices
____ Crop rotation
____ Mono cropping
____ Diversified
____ Relay cropping
____ Others, specify
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
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3. Variety Grown
____ Japanese corn
____ Native Malagkit
____ others, specify
4. Source of Seeds
____
From
own
harvest
____
Buy
from
market
____ buy from farm supply store
____ buy from other farmer
____
others,
specify
5. Do you practice seed treatment?
____
Yes
____
No
If yes, how?
______________________________________________________________
6. Planting season: _______________________________
Harvest season: ________________________________
Fertilizer application
QTY. PER
KIND OF
METHOD OF
PURCHASE
AREA/
COST
FERTILIZER
APPLICATION
VALUE
CROPPING
Urea
T14
T16
Others, specify
7. Pest and Disease
a. What are the pest attacking your corn crops?
____
Stem
borer
____
Army
Worms
____
Others,
specify
b. What corn diseases have you encountered?
_______________________________________________________________
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c. Ways of controlling pest and diseases
____ Spray with chemical
____
Intercropping
____
Others,
specify
Utilization of Pesticides
METHOD OF
FREQUENCY OF
PESTICIDES
APPLICATION
APPLICATION
QUANTITY
COST
Farm implements used
IMPLEMENTS QUANTITY COST LIFESPAN
DEPRECIATION
III. Marketing Practices
a. Volume/ yield produce per unit area: __________________________
b. Where is your market outlet?
____ La Trinidad Trading Post
____Baguio Hunger Market
____Outside La Trinidad
Peddling to:
____Neighbors
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____Direct Consumers
____Others (pls. specify)
____Others (pls. specify)
c. Input selling price____________________
d. Labor cost______________________
e. Method of Payment
____Consignment
____Cash on delivery
____Others (pls. Specify)
f. Price determination
____ Set by farmer
____ Set by buy
____Others (pls. Specify)
g .How do you promote your products?
____Participate in local trade fairs/festivals
____Word of mouth
____Endorsement
____ Others (pls. Specify)
h. How do you transport your produce?
____ Brought to the market by farmer?
____transported by entities affiliated from (pls. specify) ___________
____ Others (pls. Specify)
IV. Problems encountered in production
___ Lack of educational training to strictly implement proper production method
___ Lack of financial needs
___ Environmental factors
___ Pest and diseases
___
Storms/
typhoons
___ Others (pls. Specify)
___ Absence of marketing channel
___ Lack of information for standard pricing
___ Buyers control prices
___ others, specify
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
La Trinidad, Benguet / Riema L. Mercoles 2011
MERCOLES, RIEMA L. APRIL 2011. Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn
Production in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet. Benguet State University. La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Jovita M. Sim, MSc.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to document green corn production practices in Wangal, La
Trinidad, Benguet, to document the production practices, yield performance, market outlets and
problems encountered.
There were 6 green corn producers in the area. The findings showed that the farmers
used green corn as a rotation crop for vegetables instead of another variety of vegetables.
However, all the farmers devote only a small portion of their farm (2 to 25%) rotated to green
corn. Farmers treat seeds with fungicides or insecticides to protect seeds from pest and disease,
this method is locally referred to as “pausukan”. The farmers apply commercial fertilizer (Triple
14) to their corn crops but do not spray pesticides, instead insect repellant crops were
intercropped in the farm.
Yield was low because of environmental factors such as pest attacking the plants, bad
weather condition such as typhoon and storms.
Problems encountered by the farmers include low yield, lack of education or training on
corn production especially on the technologies. Profit was low at P1,630 from a 500 sq. m. area
and return on expenses was 37% which is still acceptable. The return above cash cost was
P3,430.00 for a 500 sq,. m. area and return on non-cash expenses was P4,200.00.
Though green corn production provides a meager income, the benefit of planting corn is
that corn is heavy feeder crop, thus it helps in control of soil borne diseases, helping the soil to
become clean.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography……………………………………………………………………... i
Abstract …………………………………………………………………………..
i
Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………...
iii
INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………..
1
Rationale ………………………………………………………………….
1
Importance of the Study …………………………………………………..
2
Statement of the Problem …………………………………………………
2
Objective of the Study …………………………………………………….
2
Scope and Delimitation of the Study ……………………………………..
3
REVIEW OF LITERATURE ……………………………………………………
4
Historical Background of Corn ……………………………………………
4
Types and Uses of Corn …………………………………………………...
5
Crop Adaptation and Requirement ………………………………………..
6
International Scene on the
Profitability of Corn………………………………………………………..
6
Philippine Experience on Hi-Tech
Corn Seeds…………………………………………………………………
7
Impact of High Corn Prices on
Ethanol Profitability ……………………………………………………….
8
Definition of Terms ………………………………………………………..
9
METHODOLOGY ……………………………………………………………….
10
Locale and Time of the Study ……………………………………………..
10
Respondents of the Study ………………………………………………….
10
Data Gathering Procedure ………………………………………………….
10
Data Analysis ……………………………………………………………....
10
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ………………………………………………….
11
Profile of the Respondents …………………………………………………
11
Total Farm Area and Area Devoted
for Corn Production………………………………………………………...
14
Production Practices ……………………………………………………….
15
Fertilizer Application ………………………………………………………
17
Pest and Diseases …………………………………………………………..
17
Yield Produced per Unit Area ……………………………………………...
20
Marketing Practices ………………………………………………………...
20
Problems Encountered in Production ……………………………………...
22
Profitability of Corn………………………………………………………...
23
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ……………….
26
Summary ………………………………………………………………….
26
Conclusions ……………………………………………………………….
27
Recommendations………………………………………………………….
28
LITERATURE CITED …………………………………………………………..
29
APPENDIX
A. Letter to the Respondents ………… …………………………………...
30
B. Interview Questionnaire ….…………………………………………….
31
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Corn is one of the family Graminae and is thought to have originated in the
tropics of Latin America (IRRI, 1983). Corn is one of the major crops that are grown in
the country. It is considered as one of the food of millions of Filipinos residing in
southern part of the country. It contains high energy, phosphorus, potassium and
thiamine which are very important in human diet (Cayat, 2002).
As Agustin (1985) stated, corn is the second major grain in our country to rice. It
is a good source of energy aside from legume. In terms of use, corn is a major component
of animal feeds and a staple human food. The whole plant itself is a good source of
roughage for livestock.
It is important as a cash crop because it is major substitute and supplement for
rice in the period of scarcity even though its cultivation is small due to the limited sources
of good planting materials that are suitable and high yielding in the place.
Growing corn in our country is limited to lowland and warm areas. Corn
production is during dry season where water shortage is experienced resulting to low
production. In the Cordillera region, corn is grown in the warmer areas of Mt. Province,
Ifugao, Kalinga, and Apayao. In cooler areas of Cordillera such as Benguet Province,
corn is not grown commercially but as a backyard crop. Thus, the green corns sold in the
Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet were coming from the lowland areas such as
Pangasinan and La Union. In view of the said situation, farmers in Wangal particularly
Lower Wangal, La Trinidad, had started production of green corn. Thus, this study
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
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2
documented and looked into the viability of green corn production in La Trinidad,
Benguet.
Statement of the Problem
The study aimed to answer the following questions.
1. What are the production practices of green corn growers in Wangal?
2. What is the yield performance of green corn production in the area?
3. Where are the markets outlets of green producers?
4. How profitable is green corn production in Wangal, La Trinidad?
Objective of the Study
Generally, the study aimed to document and produce baseline information on
commercial green corn production in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Specifically, the study aimed to:
1. Document green corn production practices in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet.
2. Determine the yield performance of green corn production in Wangal, La
Trinidad, Benguet.
3. Identify market outlets of green corn producers in the area.
4. Determine the profitability of green corn production in Wangal, La Trinidad,
Benguet.
Importance of the Study
Green corn is one of the favorite snack items of most Filipinos. This is evident in
La Trinidad, boiled green corn sellers are visible in the market and areas such as schools
and office areas, especially near the Municipal Hall of La Trinidad and in the public
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
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market . However, corns sold in the area are imports from nearby lowlands areas such as
La Union and Pangasinan. Because of this demand of the crop, farmers in Wangal had
started growing corn.
The result of the study could serve as basis for farmers in decision on what crops
to produce. With the infestation of pest and diseases of vegetables in the area, corn can be
a good intercrop since it is a heavy feeder crop, thus could help in the elimination of soil
born diseases.
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
As a new commercial crop in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet the study focuses
mainly on the documentation of green corn production practices, its yield performance,
market outlets and profitability.
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Historical Background of Corn
Corn is completely native to the Americas and was only grown by the Native
Americans, thousands of years before Christopher Columbus arrived to the New World.
The Native American name for corn was mahiz, which means "that which sustains us"
and the early settlers called maize. Cultivating corn is responsible for turning the Native
American tribes from nomadic to agrarian societies. English and German settlers named
corn after their generic term for an edible grass crop. They called it "Indian corn" to
differentiate it from other grains. The settlers were taught how to grow it by planting
kernels in small holes with small fish as their fertilizer and covering them up. The Indians
also shared their various ways of preparing corn, such as pounding it into meal to make
cornbread, corn soup, corn cakes, and corn pudding. Corn was also used by the early
settlers as money and to trade for meat and furs. The love of corn goes very deep and way
back into our history. The first governor of the Plymouth Colony, Governor William
Bradford, said once "And sure it was God's good providence that we found this corn for
we know not how else we should have done” (Puckett, 2003).
According to Gressel (2005), maize (Zea Mays L.) is derived from the annual
grass Zea Mays ssp. May L. and is a highly important crop originating in Mexico. The
closest wild relatives of maize are teosintes (Zea ssp.) and include annual and perennial
species. The distribution of teosinte includes the tropical and subtropical areas of
Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua. Although closely related to maize, there is
a considerable debate about the extent that teosinte participated in the eventual
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development of maize races in Mexico and thus contributed to prominence of maize as a
leading world grain.
Types and Uses of Corn
Corn are classified and their different types. The most notable which is traditional
favorite eaten off the cub with butter salt and found in supermarkets roadside stands
everywhere is known as the sweet corn. It is named as sweet corn because of its high
sugar content and is seldom used for purposes other than direct human consumption.
Dent corn is also known as field corn which is the corn of choice for livestock feed and
industrial products. Flint corn or ornamental Indian corn sports a range of colors and is
primarily grown in central and South America. A sub variety of flint corn is used to make
popcorn. Its soft starchy center facilitates the “pop” into the fluffy movie snacking
favorite.
Corn is also versatile and has innumerable uses. Indians wove the husks into
clothing, sleeping mats, baskets, and children’s toys. Most of the corn grown in the
United States and Canada is used as animal feeder. There are also many industrial uses of
corn including cosmetics, ink, glue, laundry starch, shoe police, medicines, fabrics, corn
cob pipes and ornaments. As human food, corn is eaten fresh or ground for meal. It is the
basic starch plant of Central and Andean South America, where it is still hand ground on
metates to be made into tamales, tortillas, and other staple dishes. In the United States it
is familiar as hominy, mush, and grits. Starch, sugar, and oil are also extracted for many
products, but the chief use of corn is as animal fodder. It is the primary feed grain of the
United States, and in Europe this is almost the only use of corn. Corn is also as a raw
material in the manufacture of ethanol for fuel (Smith, 2004).
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Crop Adaptation and Requirement
Maize varies widely in length of growing season in plant morphology.
Characteristic such as plant height; leaf number, size and angle, tiller number, tassel size;
ear number; root morphology; grain shape; color and texture vary tremendously. Survival
of this morphological variability has depended on selection by man without husbandry
maize cannot survive. Because of its viability, maize as a specie show extremely wide
adaptation. It is grown as a commercial grain crop from about latitude of 55° N to 40° S
and from sea level to 4000m-altitude. However, maize cultivars are generally much more
restricted in their range of adaptation. The environment factors can be overcome by the
plasticity within the species but which to limit the range of adaptation of individual
cultivars is temperature, day length, diseases and to a lesser extent insect (IRRI, 1983).
In a study conducted by Agustin in 1985 at Benguet State University
Environmental Farm from November to March revealed that the normal watering
throughout the growth and development stage of corn would lead to higher yield, but
during water shortage suspension of irrigation at maturity could be done without
significant reduction of yield.
International Scene on the Profitability of Corn
Food ingredients and syrups manufacturer Corn Products International said that
fourth-quarter profit fell 41 percent as a result of restructuring in Mexico and South
America. Quarterly earnings decreased to $14.4 million, or 19 cents per share, from $24.5
million, or 34 cents per share, a year ago. The results included a restructuring charge of
$15 million, or 20 cents per share, related to projects to improve manufacturing
efficiency in Mexico and South America. Revenue, on the other hand, rose 6 percent to
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$619.9 million from $584.8 million. North American sales saw the slowest rise, up 8
percent to $1.4 billion, while South America led the way with an increase in revenue of
12 percent to $556 million. Asia and Africa was only a notch behind, seeing sales growth
of 11 percent to $308 million. Profit levels looked rosier for the year as a whole, rising 23
percent to $93.6 million, or $1.25 per share, from $76.4 million, or $1.06 per share, in
2003, while sales increased 8 percent to $2.46 billion from $2.27 billion. Corn Products
desire for success has included a push to attain greater efficiency resulting in the closure
of two of its corn refining facilities, namely one of its starch plants in Guadalajara,
Mexico (Cisne), the smallest of its four plants in Mexico, and one of its facilities in the
Andean region in South America.
The company took the decision to try and defend its market position by taking
root in China and linking up with Shandong Juneng Electric Power Group Golden Corn
Development Company to manufacture modified corn starch (Anonymous, 2005).
Philippine Experience on Hi-Tech Corn Seeds
Two years ago in the Philippines, majority of the 6,000 corn farmers in this
southern Philippine agricultural town found their fields ravaged by a disease called 'stalk
rot'. Much of the yellow corn they harvested was damaged. The cobs had only a few
kernels and the yield fell far below expectations. The product of modern agricultural
technology hybrid seeds developed by the U.S. multinational Cargill and given free to
them by the agriculture department, which promised farmers could double their yield.
The yellow corn seeds were part of a five-year, 75 billion peso (2.8 billion dollar)
program designed to make the Philippines self-sufficient in grain. Farmers thought they
would benefit because the seeds were given to them free. Most farmers planted the
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seeds, but the government program a failure. The seeds were of a hybrid variety requiring
large amounts of costly fertilizers and pesticides.
The seeds were bought under the Philippines' Grains Production Enhancement
Program- a package of infrastructure, credit and agricultural subsidies given to farmers as
an incentive to raise productivity by using high-yield, hybrid seed varieties but Cargill's
seeds produced plants that could not thrive in the region's wet climate, and were
susceptible to diseases. Activists say that what happened in South Cotabato, the
Country’s biggest corn-producing province exposes how substantial government
subsidies for agriculture can benefit big agribusiness firms to the detriment of farmers
and consumers.
Agricultural experts add the high-yielding hybrid seeds that were produced in
laboratories overseas are good for only one planting. ''You cannot replant them and you
eventually have to go back to the original source,'' said Oscar Zamora, agronomy
professor at the University of the Philippines in Los Banos, Laguna province. The new
technology alters traditional farming practices among Filipinos who culturally like to
share seeds when they have something good they tell their friends and they share the
seeds. With moves toward the protection of plant breeders' rights in industrialized
nations, Zamora says farmers will become more dependent on multinational firms whose
business is to breed seeds, and who thus reap the biggest profits (Rimban, 1997).
Impact of High Corn Prices on Ethanol Profitability
Ethanol production has been blamed for a wide variety of things; some true; some
not true, such as the sharp increase in the price of breakfast cereals and the high price of
bread. Bread and cereal makers readily admit the price increases are more due to rising
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energy costs than the cost of grain (wheat and corn). The extreme highs in wheat prices
earlier this year were due primarily to U.S. and foreign weather problems rather than to
ethanol. It is true that ethanol production adds substantially to the demand for corn,
although livestock feed is still the largest demand factor; and probably will be for at least
a few more years. The USDA is projecting that through 2017, ethanol production will not
surpass livestock feed as the largest source of demand for corn. However, some private
analysts see ethanol becoming the largest source of corn demand within the next three or
four years as the industry expands to meet the government mandated level of corn-based
ethanol production. U.S. ethanol production capacity has been projected to increase from
about 8.4 billion gallons at the end of 2007 to about 11.4 billion gallons in calendar year
2009, based on the mandates from last year’s energy legislation. That would increase
corn demand by one billion bushels; from 3 billion bushels in the 2007-08 marketing year
ending this August 31 to about 4 billion in 2008-09. Both the capacity expansion and the
increase in corn usage are slightly in jeopardy due to lags in capacity of distribution and
marketing facilities (O’Brien et al., 2008).
Definition of Terms
Teosinte- it is a grass that looks like corn
Volunteerism- a tradition in daily practice in agriculture
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METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted in barangay Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet where some
of the vegetable farmers had shifted to green corn production or had used the corn as
intercrop instead of vegetables. The study was conducted on December, 2010.
Respondents of the Study
The respondents of the study were the green corn farmers producing green corn in
barangay, Wangal. Total enumeration was employed in the selection of respondents and
where there were 6 farmers who have started growing corn. These farmers served as
source of information/data.
Data Gathering Procedure
Personal interview was employed with the aid of interview guide and field
observation was also done to validate data gathered from interview.
Data Gathered
The data gathered included the green corn production practices, yield of
production, market outlets, production cost incurred and profit.
Data Analysis
The data gathered were consolidated, tabulated and analyzed using
frequency/descriptive analysis.
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Profile of the Respondents
The socio-demographic profile of the respondents include their age, gender, civil
status, educational attainment/background, other sources of income, number of years in
farming, type of farmer, status of farming and land tenure. These are presented in Table
1.
Age. One half of the respondents belonged to the age bracket of 40-50 years old.
The mean age of the respondents was 47.33 years old. The youngest respondent was 32
years old while the oldest was 56 years old.
Civil
status. There were 83.33% of the respondents who were married and only
16.66% were single. This implies that many of the respondents have families to take good
care of.
Educational
attainment. One half of the respondents have gone to high school and
elementary were 33% and only 16.67% have gone to college. This emphasized that
farmers in Wangal have attended formal education but have limited knowledge.
Sources of income. The major source of income the respondents are farming.
Other sources of income include sari-sari store business (16.67%) and carpentry works
(16.67%).
Number of years in corn production. The table further revealed that there were
three (66.67%) of the respondents who have been producing corn for almost 5 years,
there was one (16.67%) respondent who were producing corn for almost 6-10 years and
another one (16.67%) respondent experienced corn production for 11 years.
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Table 1. Profile of the respondents
PARTICULAR FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Age (years)
30 – 40
1
16.67
41 – 50
3
50.00
51 – 60
2
33.33
TOTAL 6
100.00
Mean age – 47.33
Gender
Male
3
50.00
Female
3
50.00
TOTAL 6
100.00
Civil status
Married
5
83.33
Single
1
16.67
TOTAL 6
100.00
Status in farming. All of the respondents were self-financed. This implies that
farmers provide things needed but stated that they still lack some of the materials needed
in the production.
Land tenure. Furthermore, the table revealed that all the respondents owned the
land they utilize for corn production. There was one (16.66%) respondent who owned his
land and at the same time renting other farm.
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Table 1. Continued.
PARTICULAR FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Educational attainment
College
1
16.67
High school
2
33.33
Elementary
3
50.00
TOTAL 6
100.00
Sources of income
Farming
6
100.00
Sari-sari store
1
16.67
Carpentry
1
16.67
Number of years in corn production (years)
1 – 5
3
50.00
6 - 10
2
33.33
11 - 15
1
16.67
TOTAL 6
100.00
Status in farming
Contract grower
0
0
Self-finance
6
100.00
TOTAL 6
100.00
Land tenure
Owner
6
100.00
Lessee
1
16.67
*Multiple response
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Total Farm Area and Area Devoted for
Corn Production
Table 2 shows the total farm area and area devoted for corn production by the
respondents. Five of the farmers have a total farm area of 10,000 sq,.m (1 ha). One of
the farmer have only 2,000 sq.m. Only one of the farmer devoted 2,000 sq. from his 1 ha
area (20% of the total area) for green corn production. One farmer with 2,000 sq m, area
devoted 500 sq. meter for green corn production (25%). The findings showed that
majority of the respondents were utilizing a very limited area for corn production ranging
from 200 to 2,000 sq.m. which is only 2 to 25% of the total farm area of the 6 farmers.
Table 2. Farm area of production
FARMER
TOTAL AREA
DEVOTED FOR CORN AREA
PERCENTAGE
NO.
(SQ.M.)
(SQ.M.)
OF AREA
1 10,
000
2,000
20
2
10, 000
300
3
3
10, 000
200
2
4
2,000
500
25
5
10, 000
300
3
6
10, 000
300
3
Production Practices
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Area of production. Table 3 shows that 66.67% of the respondents utilized a
sloping area for corn production. Two (33.33%) of the respondents cultivated a terraced
area and 16.67% of the respondents cultivated a flat but unirrigated area for corn
production. Corn is planted after vegetable. This result shows that farmers were utilizing
marginal farms/areas for green corn production.
Cropping system practices. All the respondent stated that they were practicing
crop rotation. According to respondents, this method is helpful in maintaining the nutrient
of the soil and for the control of soil borne diseases.
Variety
grown. All the respondents were planting native malagkit corn because
this is the available seeds in the area.
Source of seed. There were 83.33% of the respondents who used seed from their
own harvest and only 16.67% of the respondents were given seed by other farmers for
their production.
Seed
treatment. There were 66.67% of the respondents who do not treat their seed
while 33.33% of the respondents treat their seeds with fungicide and pesticides before
planting. Treating of seeds is locally called “pausukan”. This method is practiced by the
respondents to protect seeds from pest that may eat the seeds. According to the some
respondents, this method is used to prolong shelf-life of the seeds. Seed treatment is not
only practiced in corn but also in other crops.
Table 3. Production practices
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PRODUCTION PRACTICES
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Type of area for production*
Flat Irrigated
1
16.67
Terraced
2
33.33
Sloping Area
4
66.67
Cropping system practices
Crop rotation
6
100
Mono-cropping
0
0
TOTAL 6
100
Variety grown
Japanese corn
0
0
Native malagkit
6
100
TOTAL 6
100
Source of seed
From own harvest
5
83.33
Given by other farmer
1
16.67
TOTAL
6
100.00
Seed treatment
No seed treatment
4
66.67
Practice seed treatment
2
33.33
TOTAL
6
100.00
Fertilizer Application
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Kinds of fertilizer used. The table shows that there were 66.67% of the
respondents who used Triple 14 for fertilizing their corn plants and other 50% used urea
as fertilizer.
Methods
of
application. The result shows the methods in applying fertilizer used.
Half of the respondents used broadcasting method in applying fertilizer and half of the
respondent side dressed their fertilizer.
Amount of fertilizer used. Table 4 shows that there half of the respondents who
used at least 5-15 kilograms of fertilizer per area (200-300sq.m) per cropping, 33.33% of
the respondents used 16-25 kilograms of fertilizer per area (300sq.m & 2000sq.m) per
cropping and only 16.66% of the respondents used 100 kilograms of fertilizer in an area
(500sq.m) per cropping. This indicates that an amount of fertilizer applied by farmers
depend on the total area of production.
Time of fertilizer application. The table shows that all the respondents apply
fertilizer on their corn at least two times for the whole cropping. Fertilizer is applied after
planting upon emergence and during its vegetative stage.
Pest and Diseases
Pest attacking the corn crops. Table 5 revealed that 53.33% of the respondents
stated that one of the pests that destroyed their corn was army worm. Another 83.33% of
the respondents said that stem borers also attacks and destroys their corn crops. This
indicates that due to those pests, quality of corn harvested is affected and it also reduces
yield.
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Table 4. Fertilizer application
PARTICULAR FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Fertilizers used*
Urea
3
50.00
T14
4
66.67
Method of application used
Broadcasting
3
50.00
Cultivation
3
50.00
TOTAL 6
100.00
Amount of fertilizer used
5-15 kls per area/cropping
3
50.00
16-25 kls per area/cropping
2
33.33
100 kls per area/cropping
1
16.67
TOTAL
100.00
Time of fertilizer application
After planting
6
100.00
Vegetative stage
6
100.00
*Multiple response
Pest control practices. Table 5 revealed that all the respondents practiced
intercropping. Insect-repellant crops were intercropped with corn to deter pests from
devouring their target crops and intercrop companion crops to control the population of
the pest.
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Table 5. Pest control practices
PARTICULARS FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Pests of corn crops
Stem borer
5
83.33
Army worms
5
83.33
Pest control practices
Intercropping
6
100.00
*Multiple response
Utilization of pesticides. Table 6 revealed that all the respondents do not use
pesticides. According to the respondents pesticides are harmful and expensive. Instead
intercropping is employed to control population of pest and pest will not devour to the
main crops.
Farm implements. All the respondents used bolo and trowel for corn production
and one farmer also used water pump for irrigation. These are the three implements used
in corn production (Table 7).
Table 6. Utilization of pesticides
PESTICIDES UTILIZATION FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
Use pesticides
0
0.00
Do not use pesticides
6
100.00
TOTAL 6
100.00
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Table7. Farm implements used
IMPLEMENT FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Bolo
6
100.00
Trowel
3
50.00
Water pump
1
16.67
*Multiple response
Yield Produced per Unit Area
Half of the respondents were able to harvest 1-5 sacks of corn from 200 – 300 sq.
m. area. Another half of the respondents were able to harvest 6 to 10 sacks from a 500
and 2,000 sq.m. area (Table 8). The yield derived depends on the area and incidence of
pest and diseases. Result implies that yield produced was low.
Marketing Practices
Table 9 shows the marketing practices of the farmer respondents. The table
presents the market outlets, method of selling and payment, price determination, method
of promoting and means of transporting their produce.
Market outlet of the respondents. The table shows that half of the respondents
were peddling their produce to their neighbors, while only one (16.67%) of the
respondents market their products outside La Trinidad. This farmer send his produce to
Itogon, Benguet where his buyer is located. Another half of the respondents do not
market their produce because it is used for home consumption due to poor quality and
damaged products caused by environmental factors that destroyed the production.
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Table 8. Yield produced by the farmer respondents
YIELD FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
1-5 sacks
3
50.00
6-10 sacks
3
50.00
TOTAL 6
100.00
Table 9. Marketing practices of the respondents
PARTICULAR FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Market outlet*
Peddler in Itogon, Benguet
1
16.67
Peddling to neighbor
3
50.00
Do not market their produce
3
50.00
Method of payment
Consignment
1
16.67
Cash on delivery
2
33.33
Price determination
Set by farmer
2
33.33
Set by peddler
1
16.67
Method of promoting their produce
Words of mouth
3
50.00
Do not promote their products
3
50.00
TOTAL
6
100.00
Delivery of products
Brought to market by farmer
2
33.33
Transported to consumers
1
16.67
*no response from other respondent
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Method of selling and payment. There were only 33.33% of the respondents who
mentioned that the buyer pay in cash upon delivery, while the farmer who is sending his
produce to Itogon was on consignment basis.
Price
determination. Two of the respondents mentioned that they set the price of
their produce and the one (16.67%) farmer who is supplying the peddler in Itogon said
that the peddler of the product was the one who set the price.
Method of promoting their products. Table furthered revealed half of the
respondents promoted their product through words of mouth and other half of the
respondents do not promote their products because they don’t market it, instead they used
it for their consumption. The reason for not selling their produce was because of the poor
quality due to typhoon and pest.
Means of transporting their products. There were 33.33% of the respondents
stated that they brought their products to the market and 16.67% of the respondents just
send his produce through the jeepney drivers of Itogon.
Problems Encountered in Production
Problems in production. Table 10 presents the problems encountered by the
farmers in corn production. The major problem encountered in corn production was
environmental factors such as pests, storms and typhoon. These problems causes
damaged in the corn production producing non-marketable yield.
Lack of finance/capital for production is another problem encountered by the
respondents. Although, the farmers financed their farming, the total input required by the
crop was sustained. Thus, the nutrient requirement of the crop including pesticides was
not sustained.
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Table 10. Problems encountered by the farmers
PROBLEM FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
Lack of educational training
2
33.33
Lack of financial needs
6
100.00
Pests 6
100.00
Storms/typhoons 6
100.00
Lack of information for standard pricing
2
33.33
Buyers control price
2
33.33
*Multiple response
Lack of education/training on the production method/technology was also one of
the problems mentioned by the 33.33% of the respondents. As shown in the profile, most
of the respondents have not reached college and have not attended any training or
seminars on corn production since this crop is not common in the area. The respondents
lack information about green corn production.
There were 33.33% of the respondents who mentioned that they lack information
about standard pricing. This is one reason why farmers who brought their products to
market said that their profit is not enough to sustain their family needs. In this case, they
instead used some of their products for their consumption.
Profitability of Corn
Corn production is a new enterprise in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet. Only 6 of
the farmers in the area are into corn production and as a rotation crop to vegetables. In
terms of production method or technology, the farmers have limited knowledge and have
not attended any training on corn production. The limited knowledge on production
practices/technology, resulted to the low yield derived by the farmers.
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Table 11 shows that cash cost is minimal because of the limited inputs especially
on fertilizers and pesticides. Most of the cost incurred in their production is non cash
cost which comprises the family labor from land preparation to harvesting, seeds (since
most of the farmers used their own seeds from previous crop or some get seeds from
neighbor free), thus, the value used was opportunity cost for labor and seeds. Other non
cash cost is the depreciation cost
On the cost and return analysis, result shows that the net income from a 500 sq m
area was P1,630.00. The return on cash expenses (ROEs) was 37%. Return above cash
cost was P4,200.00 and return on non cash cost was P3,430.00. Result shows that corn
production is profitable but profit is not so high but considering that most of the cost
comprises non-cash cost then it is acceptable.
Table 11. Cost and return analysis (500 sq. m.)
PARTICULAR AMOUNT
(PESOS)
Total sales
6,000.00
Cost of production
Cash cost
Fertilizer
1,200.00
Packaging
100.00
Marketing and transport cost
500.00
Total Cash Cost
1,800.00
Non cash cost
Seeds
20.00
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Table 11. Continued.
PARTICULAR SAMOUNT
(PESOS)
Family labor
2,500.00
Depreciation cost
50.00
Total Non Cash Cost
2,570.00
Total Cost
4,370.00
Net Income
1,630.00
Return on Cash Expenses (ROEs)
37%
Return above cash cost
4,200.00
Return Above non cash cost
3,430.00
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SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
This study was conducted in barangay Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet. This study
aimed to determine the practices of green corn growers and to find out their marketing
and production practices. The study was conducted on December, 2010. Data gathering
was done with the aid of interview questionnaire and field observation method.
Majority of the respondents were in their middle age, male, married and no other
source of income except farming. With regards to their educational attainment, all of
them have attended formal education but still knowledge on proper corn production
practices is limited. Majority of the respondents practice conventional farming and they
all financed their production.
Regarding production practices, majority of the respondents utilized a sloping
farm landscape or microniche for corn production. All of the respondents practiced crop
rotation to maintain nutrient of the soil and control soil borne diseases. Famers also
practiced seed treatment with the use of fungicide and pesticide before planting and they
called it “pausukan”. This practice protects the seeds from pests and to prolong its shelf-
life. As to their fertilizer application, majority of the respondents used complete fertilizer
– Triple 14 and applied through broadcasting and side dressing method. The amount of
fertilizer used depend on the area of corn production and if how much they can afford.
Respondents mentioned that the corn crops were fertilized for at least 2 times per
cropping. When it comes to pests control practices, all of the respondents do not use
pesticides due to its harmful effect and is expensive, instead they use insect- repellant
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crops to intercrop with corn to deter pests from devouring their target crops and intercrop
companion crops to control the population of the pest. All of the respondents used bolo
and trowel as their farm implements.
On the marketing practices, half of the respondents have gathered 6-10 sacks of
their corn crops and other respondents gathered 1-5 sacks of their corn crops. Among the
six respondents, only three of them market their produces. Farmers sell their produce by
peddling to their neighbors and market it outside La Trinidad. Majority mentioned that
the products were brought to the market. Other respondents do not market their product
because it is used for home consumption due to its poor quality and damaged products
caused by environmental factor that destroyed the plants. Two of the respondents
mentioned that they set the price of their produce and being paid on cash basis and
promoted their products through words of mouth.
The problem encountered by the respondents varied but one major problem they
encountered was environmental factors such as pests, typhoons and storms. These were
the reasons why most of the respondents did not market their produce this year that
caused loss of income to their families. Another major problem was the lack of financial
needs. The farmers cannot buy all the materials needed in corn production.
Conclusions
Based on the findings, the following conclusions were made.
1. All the farmers in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet depend on farming for their
income.
2. Yield of green corn in Wangal is low because farmers lack educational
training on proper production practices or technology for green corn production.
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
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3. Market outlet for corn produced in Wangal is limited because corn sold in the
locality especially in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet is dominated by corn coming
from La Union and Pangasinan.
4. Farmers do not use pesticides due to its harmful effect and expensive.
5. Income from corn production is low, however, cost of production incurred is
more on non-cash cost. The net income is not only the consideration but also the
benefits that could be derived from corn production such as a good rotation crop to
reduce incidence of soil borne diseases and other pest.
Recommendations
In line with the findings of the study, the following recommendations were
derived. Since corn production is a new enterprise then it is recommended that training
on green corn production technology should be conducted by concerned agencies like
Department of Agriculture and Benguet State University.
Corn is a good intercrop to reduce soil borne diseases like nematodes and
bacterial wilt.
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
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SMITH, W.C., J. BETRAN, E.C.A. RUNGE, J. WILEY and SONS. 2004. Corn: Origin,
History, Technology and Production. Retrieved September 28, 2010 from
www.questia.com › ... › Life Sciences and Agriculture › Agriculture.
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
La Trinidad, Benguet / Riema L. Mercoles 2011
30
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
Letter to the Respondents
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management
Benguet State University
La Trinidad, Benguet
November 27, 2010
Mr. Valentine Walang
Barangay Captain
Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet
Sir:
I am a student of Benguet State University presently conducting a study on
production of commercial green corn.
In this connection, may I ask permission to interview the farmers of barangay
Wangal who are presently producing green corn and for those farmers who have tried
producing it.
Your favorable endorsement for this request will be much appreciated.
Thank you and more power.
Very truly yours,
RIEMA L. MERCOLES
Noted by:
JOVITA M. SIM
Adviser
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
La Trinidad, Benguet / Riema L. Mercoles 2011
31
APPENDIX B
Interview Questionnaire
I. Socio-demographic Profile
Name: ________________________
Age: ______
Gender:
_________
Civil
Status:
_______
Address: ______________________________________
Educational attainment:
_____
Elementary
_____
High
School
_____
College
_____ Others: (pls. specify)
Major source of income: ____________________________________
Other Source of income (pls. specify): _____________
Membership in farmers in marketing association (pls. specify): ____________
Years in Farming: ________ Conventional: _____ Organic
_____new
practitioner
_____
certified
Status
in
farming:
Landownership:
_____
Contact
grower
_____
owned
_____
Self
finance
_____
rental
Total Farm area (in square meter): _______________________________
Farm area for corn production: __________________________________
II. Production Practices
1. Type of area for production
_____ Flat irrigated
_____ Flat unirrigated
_____ terraced
_____ Sloping area
_____ others, specify
2. Cropping System Practices
____ Crop rotation
____ Mono cropping
____ Diversified
____ Relay cropping
____ Others, specify
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
La Trinidad, Benguet / Riema L. Mercoles 2011
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3. Variety Grown
____ Japanese corn
____ Native Malagkit
____ others, specify
4. Source of Seeds
____
From
own
harvest
____
Buy
from
market
____ buy from farm supply store
____ buy from other farmer
____
others,
specify
5. Do you practice seed treatment?
____
Yes
____
No
If yes, how?
______________________________________________________________
6. Planting season: _______________________________
Harvest season: ________________________________
Fertilizer application
QTY. PER
KIND OF
METHOD OF
PURCHASE
AREA/
COST
FERTILIZER
APPLICATION
VALUE
CROPPING
Urea
T14
T16
Others, specify
7. Pest and Disease
a. What are the pest attacking your corn crops?
____
Stem
borer
____
Army
Worms
____
Others,
specify
b. What corn diseases have you encountered?
_______________________________________________________________
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
La Trinidad, Benguet / Riema L. Mercoles 2011
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c. Ways of controlling pest and diseases
____ Spray with chemical
____
Intercropping
____
Others,
specify
Utilization of Pesticides
METHOD OF
FREQUENCY OF
PESTICIDES
APPLICATION
APPLICATION
QUANTITY
COST
Farm implements used
IMPLEMENTS QUANTITY COST LIFESPAN
DEPRECIATION
III. Marketing Practices
a. Volume/ yield produce per unit area: __________________________
b. Where is your market outlet?
____ La Trinidad Trading Post
____Baguio Hunger Market
____Outside La Trinidad
Peddling to:
____Neighbors
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
La Trinidad, Benguet / Riema L. Mercoles 2011
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____Direct Consumers
____Others (pls. specify)
____Others (pls. specify)
c. Input selling price____________________
d. Labor cost______________________
e. Method of Payment
____Consignment
____Cash on delivery
____Others (pls. Specify)
f. Price determination
____ Set by farmer
____ Set by buy
____Others (pls. Specify)
g .How do you promote your products?
____Participate in local trade fairs/festivals
____Word of mouth
____Endorsement
____ Others (pls. Specify)
h. How do you transport your produce?
____ Brought to the market by farmer?
____transported by entities affiliated from (pls. specify) ___________
____ Others (pls. Specify)
IV. Problems encountered in production
___ Lack of educational training to strictly implement proper production method
___ Lack of financial needs
___ Environmental factors
___ Pest and diseases
___
Storms/
typhoons
___ Others (pls. Specify)
___ Absence of marketing channel
___ Lack of information for standard pricing
___ Buyers control prices
___ others, specify
Benchmark Study on Commercial Green Corn Production in Wangal,
La Trinidad, Benguet / Riema L. Mercoles 2011
Document Outline
- Benchmark Study on Commercial Green CornProduction in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- ABSTRACT
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- REVIEW OF LITERATURE
- METHODOLOGY
- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
- SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- LITERATURE CITED
- APPENDICES