“Napakalaki po ng pagkakaiba ng pamamaraan namin sa [technology] na na-introduce ng [Research Division ng DA-Bicol Region]. Halos isa’t kalahating taon bago kami kumita [dati], samantalang dito three to four months mayroon na tayong maha-harvest na mani, mais, at taro. Ang kagandahan dito habang naghihintay ako sa pag-harvest ng pinya ay napapakinabangan ko na po ‘yong intercrop[s], Nakadadagdag na sa panggastos sa bahay at sa pang-araw-araw,” said farmer-cooperator Ruel A. Boribor from San Felipe, Basud, Camarines Norte during the Harvest Festival on 5 June 2023.
Sixty five farmer-cooperators from barangays Binatagan, Plaridel, and Caayunan in Basud, barangays Maisog and Dagotdotan in San Lorenzo Ruiz, and barangays Lugui and Matanlang in Labo attended the said activity. Joining them were the project team and key officials from DA-Bicol Region, as well as representatives from DA-BAR, Camarines Norte Provincial Agriculturist Office, Labo Progressive Multipurpose Cooperative (LPMPC), and Camarines Norte State College.
Boribor also shared how the quality of their pineapple fruit improved from using the technology introduced through the project, Technology Adaptation for Queen Pineapple-based Farming System in Camarines Norte. Implemented by DA-Bicol Region led by Jasmin M. Dacillo in June 2021, the project aimed to increase the production and income of pineapple growers by introducing the double row planting spacing and intercrops, along with the package of technology for Queen Pineapple production.
“Makalipas ang dalawang taon ay nakita namin, siguro naman po ay nakita niyo rin, na mayroong magandang resulta ang ating proyekto. Napakagandang balita po nito sa amin dahil ibig sabihin ‘yong pondo pong inilaan namin dito sa proyekto ay hindi po nasayang. At ‘yong pondo po na ito ay hindi ko po ito pondo o pondo ng mga kasama ko rito, public funds po ito, taxpayers’ money. So makikita po natin na hindi po siya napunta sa wala lang,” said DA-BAR High Value Crops focal Juan Nikolas A. Paller.
On behalf of DA-BAR, Paller also expressed his gratitude to the farmer-cooperators of the project whose hard work, along with the efforts of the implementing agency contributed to the success of the project. He also reminded the DA-Bicol Region to ensure that more pineapple growers will benefit from this technology.
LPMPC general manager Mario M. Espeso signified their cooperative’s support in buying the farmer-cooperators’ harvest, especially the butterballs which do not make it to the traders’ truck.
“Ang ating processing center sa Malasugui ay may capacity na 3,000kg kada araw. Ang ginagamit po natin doon ay mga butterball, ‘yong 250g to 350g na usually ay iniiwan ng ating mga trader. Kung sa pag-ani po ninyo ay may natirang pinya, bibilhin po ‘yan ng kooperatiba. Makipag-ugnayan lang po kayo sa amin,” he said.
Meanwhile, Camarines Norte provincial agriculturist Engr. Almirante A. Abad shared their efforts and experiences in linking the pineapple farmers with institutional buyers such as Dole and Dizon Farms, which, unfortunately, the farmers in Camarines Norte could not keep up with due to inconsistent quality and volume of the pineapple fruits produced.
Abad encouraged the attendees to adhere to Good Agricultural Practices on pineapple production, maximize this opportunity, and ensure that their produce is at par with the qualifications of the institutional buyers.
DA-Bicol Region-Research Division chief Corazon A. Orbon assured the farmers that the department will continue to provide research-based technology interventions and technical assistance in improving the productivity and quality of their pineapples.