Philippine Journal of Agricultural Economics
To advance knowledge and facilitate international exchange in the field of agricultural economics by publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed research. The journal focuses on critical issues facing the Philippine food and agriculture sector, welcoming scholarly work on farm management and production economics, agricultural marketing, policy and development, food and nutrition economics, and environmental and natural resource economics. By fostering a platform for rigorous research across these diverse yet interconnected themes, the PJA serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to improve the sustainability and prosperity of the agricultural sector.
Philippine Association of Institutions for Research, Inc.
Design, Fabrication, and Performance Evaluation of Electric Motor Driven Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Grater with Juice Extractor
Modern agriculture requires a modern approach which responds to the necessity of mankind. The study presents the fabrication and performance evaluation of a cassava grater with juice extractor. Such performance evaluation was conducted to determine its grating and juice extracting capacity and efficiency. It was made from locally available materials then tested experimentally using cassava with a grating capacity of 160 kg/hr. The study employed the Complete Randomized Experimental Design (CRD). In evaluating the experiment, the Two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the significant effect of each factor and the Tukey's test was used to determine the significant difference between the combined treatments. Two factors with different levels were treated upon the experiment. These were mainly soaking time (0 min, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min) and the way the cassava was grated and juice extracted (Machine, Manual). Among these treatment combinations, the soaking time of 15 minutes obtained the highest grating and extracting capacity as well as for the grating and extracting efficiency leaving its quality and acceptable appearance on top. The computed benefit-cost ratio of 1.86 showed that grating and extracting cassava juice using the cassava grater with juice extractor was highly profitable and economical for local cassava producers.
Copyright (c) 2017 Philippine Journal of Agricultural Economics https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Credit Needs of Rice Farmer-Households in Tayabas City, Quezon, 2015-2016
Credit has provided a way to meet the requirements for rice production and household needs especially during the period when farmers wait for their harvest. Further examination on timing of funds of rice farmers is necessary so that their demand for credit can be sufficiently met. The study aimed to evaluate the credit needs of rice farmer-households in Tayabas City located in Quezon Province, Philippines. This was done by interviewing 90 randomly selected rice farmers with an aid of pre-tested questionnaire. The households' credit needs were assessed using funds flow analysis. Households' credit needs are the amount of deficit incurred from spending all expenditures. It was found out that farmers' demand for credit was at maximum during the months of December and June since these months were the start of cropping periods. Thus, they acquired necessary inputs and paid laborers. On the other hand, no demand for credit was observed during the months of March, April, August, September, and October. This was due to significant amount of income earned from rice farming and other farms. The findings of the study provide some implications on timing of credit distribution and monitoring of clients' funds flow. Furthermore, sufficient livelihood programs must be provided by the government to offset capital insufficiency especially during period of waiting for harvest.
Growth and Survival of Ornate Spiny Lobster (Panulirus ornatus) in Nursery under Laboratory Condition
Nursery of juvenile lobsters in the coastal area was attempted but survival was very low with unknown causes of mortality. The study determined whether communal or individualized houses affect the growth and survival of small and big juvenile lobsters after 60 days nursery culture in the laboratory. Four (4) treatments with four (4) replicates were identified in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and these were small juvenile lobsters in communal tank (T1), small juvenile lobsters in individualized tank (T2), big juvenile lobsters in communal tank (T3) and big juvenile lobsters in individualized tank (T4). Results showed that communal tank for big juveniles attained significantly (P<0.05) highest weight increment of 5.31±1.66 g compared to individualized house for both sizes of lobsters (2.15±1.45 g and 0.68±0.49 g) and communal tank for small lobsters of 1.26±0.97 g. However, survival rate was very low in all treatments with communal tank obtained the highest survival of 45.75±8.50% with no significant difference among individualized tanks for both sizes of lobsters (29.00±20.93% and 20.75±15.76%) and communal tank for small lobsters (20.92±15.93%). Thus, communal tank is better than individualized tank in the nursery, particularly, for big juvenile lobsters but some aspects of the nursery may be improved to increase higher survival rate.
Ethnobotany of Plants in Tagkawayan: Input for Information Communication Media on Medicinal Uses of Plants
In the Philippine countryside, where barrio folks are closely entwined with their natural environment, their close contact especially to the adjoin dipterocarp forests makes them more knowledgeable on the different uses of plants. This study focuses on the exploration of the traditional knowledge of plants more specifically on its medicinal uses. An enhanced and adapted semi structure interview guide was employed and a qualitative approach was incorporated in data gathering. The study recorded a total of 136 plant species of which 52% (81 species) were of medicinal uses, the foremost plant part used were the leaves (58%), route of administration was internal application (67%) and the most commonly method of preparation is boiling (58%). The dosage frequently given was 3x a day. Results showed a rich diversity of plant species in Tagkawayan and the barrio folks are knowledgeable on the traditional uses of plants, but this knowledge were not yet explored because these are trapped among older generation that are transferred through verbal means. Development of a reading material will be of great help for preservation and information dissemination of these beneficial uses of plants. The use of leaves is an indication that the biodiversity in the place is ensured and continued reliance on the use of herbal plant showed that plants could be a better alternative for synthetic drugs in treatment of common diseases.
Serologic Status of Newcastle Disease in Native Chickens by Hemagglutination Inhibition Test
Newcastle disease (NCD) is a poultry disease caused by avian Paramyxovirus type 1, characterized by gastrointestinal, respiratory and neurological symptoms. The study established the prevalence of NCD in native chickens and evaluated the protection levels of vaccinated chickens. Blood serum samples were subjected to hemagglutination inhibition test. A total of 75 blood samples were collected from five sites in Davao City: 60 samples from four unvaccinated native chicken farms, and 15 from a vaccinated broiler farm. Results showed seven (7) unvaccinated native chickens with positive titer levels ranging from 2 to 32, of which two(2) were considered significant, indicating protection even without an elicited immune response. This cannot be simply attributed to environmental factors considering uniform exposure of other individuals to similar conditions but exhibited no positive titers. The significant titer count of vaccinated samples ranging from 16 to 128 is attributed to their vaccination history. Differences in titer levels despite similar vaccine administration indicate a disparity in levels of protection due to different individual antibody immune responses, and efficacy of vaccines. Analysis by Chi-square goodness of fit test showed no difference in the titer levels of native chickens, which was expected as they did not have previous exposure to NCD and most had no titers.
Copyright (c) 2019 Philippine Journal of Agricultural Economics http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Seedling Vigor Testing as Affected by Two Methods of Seed Extraction of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)
This study was conducted to test and compare the seedling vigor performance of dwarf green and dwarf white varieties of tomato as affected by two methods of seed extraction such as fermentation and hydrochloric acid in terms of germination percentage, germination rate, days to seedlings emergence, days to 50% development of true leaves, root length, stem length and shoot length. It was carried using Complete Randomized Design (CRD) in a 2x2 factorial experiment with four treatment combinations with three replications. Dwarf Green variety was affected by seed method extraction with HCl treatment had ideal conditions for seed and seedling quality performance and vigor of tomato such as germination percentage and rate, number of days to seedling emergence, number of days to fifty percent development of true leaves, root, stem and shoot length. Dwarf White performed inferior than Dwarf Green in terms of the parameters investigated.
Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Visceral Organ Evaluation of Swine Raised In Confinement and Free-Ranged Systems
The study was conducted within ninety days duration from May 7-August 7, 2013. It aimed to determine whether the rearing system (either confinement or free – ranged) can affect the growth performance, meat quality and visceral organ characteristics of swine. Twelve (12) heads of swine used in the study which was randomly distributed into two treatments assigned in confinement and free-range systems, respectively adopting the T-test as the statistical tool. The initial weights of swine were homogenous at the start of the study. However, after obtaining the gain in weights, results revealed that swine raised in the free-range system had a higher average weight and heavier stomach compared to the confinement system. It further revealed that the back fat of the free ranged swine is thinner compared to the swine in confinement system with 1.3 cm and 2 cm, respectively. The total feed consumed by the twelve heads of experimental animals were 2,714 kilograms for 90 days period with 13.73 % return on capital for free - ranged while 5.5 % for confinement. The overall return on capital of the entire experiment was 9.6 %. Therefore, the free-range system had significantly affected the growth performance of swine.
Population Growth rate of African Night (Eudrilus eugeniae) Crawler Fed with Different Leguminous Leaves as Supplement
Earthworms are not just converting garbage into valuable manure but also keep our environment healthy. The study was conducted to determine the growth rate of African Night Crawler (ANC) fed with different leguminous leaves as a supplement. A total of 15 worm bins were used for the 5 treatments replicated 3 times adopting the Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The worms were fed with different leguminous leaves as a supplement in a 25% volume to other substrates. The treatments of the study were the following: Treatment 0 (control), fed with rice straw and manure, Treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 fed with ipil-ipil, kudzu, madre de cacao, and peanut, respectively, with the ration of 1 part cattle manure, 2 parts rice straw and 1 part legume or 1:2:1. The result showed significant differences in the final weight and in the final population of the worms. Earthworms fed with madre de cacao as supplement obtain the heaviest weight and highest population. It is noteworthy that peanut and Ipil-Ipil had more than doubled the population growth rate of African Night Crawler (ANC) while Madre de cacao had tripled the increase. The study showed that vermiculture utilizing a 1:2:1 ratio by weight of cattle manure, Rice straw added with different legumes had affected the population growth rate of African Night Crawler.
Sweet Brine: Innovative Procedure to Convert Hard-Rinded Fruit Wastes to Bonbon Desserts
In 2015, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in its October Waste Manual revealed that over 40% of the wastes in local communities are biodegradable leftovers from vegetables and fruits. The study aimed to produce a viable concoction upon which vegetable peelings and other biodegradable leftovers could be recycled and be made edible. Using the trial and error method system, the study employed three mixture solutions: vinegar and salt, wine and beer, and water and baking soda which were tested with rinds of papaya, watermelon, and lemon. The research yielded two-pronged outputs: 1) a scientifically sound solution to recycle hard-rinded fruit wastes, and 2) an innovative procedure on how to use the solution in converting fruit rinds to sweet bonbon desserts. The procedure involved peeling the rinds until the hardcore remains, immersing the core to the solution for 10 days and then drying the rinds, cooking them under low heat with caramelized sugar and serving as tarts or bonbon. The study was carried out following the main postulates of science when it comes to boiling, drying, dehydrating, preserving, powdering and processing of fruit rinds into candied versions. Chemicals used for the study were as follows: water and baking soda with the ratio of 4:2; wine and beer in equal part and vinegar and salt solution in equal parts in 50ml of water. Upon evaluation, it was found out that the drying time significantly affected the moisture content of the dehydrated watermelon rind candies.
Fabrication of Improvised Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells from Mangosteen Pericarp Extract
Recent researches are geared towards finding alternative sources of renewable energy and solar power seems to be an attractive avenue and currently, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) have gained worldwide attention. This study aimed to fabricate DSSC that makes use of an improvised conductive glass, with zinc oxide in nappy cream as photoanode and mangosteen pericarp extract as a sensitizer. It sought to find the effect of DSSC processing on the conductivity and performance in terms of current, voltage, and power density generated, and evaluate its stability. Ordinary 1/8" mirror was made conductive glass by stripping the gray coat with very fine sandpaper then heating to remove the orange coat. Conductivity was good (2.1 ohms) and etching with povidone-iodine provided transparency for the photoanode. The DSSCs were capable of producing a mean current of 0.0007 mA and mean voltage of 2.8670 mV that last for ninety minutes. The present study showed DSSCs could be constructed using indigenous materials. Further research is needed for finding ways to improve its efficiency and lifespan. By knowing the principles of the DSSCs, and enhancing the innovativeness and creativity of the current DSSC, researchers can overcome the lack of expensive materials and equipment for future studies.
Value Chain and Policy Studies in Support of Native Pig Production in Eastern Visayas, Philippines
There are ongoing efforts to improve the native pig industry in Asia and the Philippines. This study investigated the flow of native pigs from the raisers to the final consumers and examined public legislation that impacts on the functioning of the chain. This descriptive study utilized a cross-sectional design of data collection obtained from a total of 80 respondents from Eastern Samar and Leyte using a survey questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percent, mean, and range. Results showed that a farmer earns a margin of Php 500 (9.59 USD) per head for 6-7 months raising at a selling price of Php 100 (1.92 USD) per kg live. Slaughtering pigs and selling the meat by kilos give a margin of Php 1,400 (26.86 USD) per head. Processors earn a margin of Php 1,700 (32.61 USD) per head from selling lechon. Traders buy native pigs from raisers at Php 100/kilogram, live weight and earn a profit of Php 94.32 (1.81 USD) per kilogram. There are no known policies of LGUs which are focused solely on native pigs raising and their products. The lack of awareness of LGUs on native pigs' potential seems to be the reason why there are no ordinances that are supportive solely of native pig production and marketing.
Nutritional Value of Pseudodiaptomus annandalie (Copepoda: Calanoida) and its Suitability as Feed to Milkfish Larvae
The nutritional value of Pseudodiaptomus annandalie and its suitability as feed to milkfish larvae were determined. Pure isolates of P. annandalie was subjected to feeding in four different microalgal species (Chlorella sp., Chaetoceros calcitrans, Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis chuii) for 15 days of culture. Lipid extraction was done using Bligh and Dyer method and analyzed in a gas chromatograph for fatty acid profile. Results were analyzed using univariate ANOVA (p.0.05) and subsequent Tukey tests. Results of the first experiment showed that the number of fatty acids in P. annandalie varied significantly at different microalgal diets. DHA/EPA ratio was highest in Chaetoceros calcitrans (4.91%). This suggest that Chaetoceros calcitrans is the best microalgal food for P. annandalie because it promotes high DHA/EPA ratio in its fatty acid profile which is an important requirement for fish larvae. When live P. annandalie together with other natural foods were tested, results showed that treatment fed live copepods had significantly (p<0.05) higher average length after day 24 (14.86+0.78 mm) over other treatments. Survival rate was significantly highest in treatment fed live P. annandalie (65.58+0.65%) compared with other treatments. Live copepod therefore is a suitable feed for milkfish larvae because it contains a high fatty acid profile.
Copyright (c) 2018 Philippine Journal of Agricultural Economics https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Use on the Energetics and Economics of Sugarcane Production in Negros, Philippines
Sound management of soil nutrients is necessary in improving the productivity of sugarcane monoculture. Different fertilizers have advantages and limitations, thus, it is imperative to frame out a strategy for the judicious combination of these nutrient sources. This study determined the effect of using organic amendments and microbial inoculant on the energetics and economics of sugarcane production under acid upland soil. Field experiment involving twelve treatments using 'Phil 2004-1011' sugarcane variety was carried in acid Typic Hapludand soil. The recommended N rate (RRN) was reduced to 75, 50 and 25% with subsequent application of mudpress to satisfy the full N recommendation. Bagasse ash and microbial inoculant were used to supplement the nutrient sources. Reducing the recommended N rate with subsequent application of mudpress, bagasse ash and microbial inoculant produced the highest cane and sugar yield. Application of 25% RRN from inorganic fertilizer + 75% RRN from mudpress + bagasse ash + microbial inoculant had the highest energy efficiency and cane yield per joule. Utilization of 50% RRN IF: 50% RRN MP + BA + MI produced the most sugar yield per joule. Better return on investment and benefit-cost ratio were obtained from the application of 50% RRN from inorganic fertilizer: 50% RRN from mudpress. In conclusion, the combined use of inorganic, organic, and biofertilizers can improve cane yield and energy efficiency. Integrated use of inorganic and organic fertilizers can increase economic efficiency.
Mapping Suitable Areas of Central Luzon, Philippines for Aerobic Rice Production Using GIS-Based Land Suitability Analysis
Aerobic rice technology is a production system which involved drought-tolerant rice varieties grown in non-flooded and non-puddled soil in water-scarce areas with appropriate cultural management practices aiming at yield level up to 6.0 tons ha. The study presented suitability maps and spatial data to aerobic rice under different production environments of the Central Luzon Region, Philippines. Simple limitation approach (SLA) was used to derive the overall suitability of aerobic rice production in these areas. Spatial datasets gathered from official sources were likewise used. Of the seven provinces, Nueva Ecija had the biggest potential area of 547,735.80 hectares with 11.49% marked as highly suitable to aerobic rice technology, followed by Bulacan which had a potential area of 255,022.52 hectares with 6.15% marked as highly suitable. Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Aurora and Bataan followed with 6.15 %, 5.88 %, 2.65 %, 1.59 %t and 1.56%, respectively, of their corresponding potential areas suitable for aerobic rice production. The total land area in Central Luzon which was found to be highly suitable for aerobic rice production was 126,959.91 hectares. On the assumption that ART could give an average yield of 4.5 tons per hectare, Central Luzon can supply an additional 571,319.59 metric tons of aerobic rice annually.
Major Soil Series of Capiz, Philippines and their Suitable Crops
Evaluation and assessment of soil variabilities to determine crop suitability, constraints and best management practices to enhance crop productivity of the major soil series in Capiz were conducted from March to July 2016. A random collection of composite soil samples were taken from three depths (0-20, 20-40, and 40-60 cm) on the shoulder, back slope, and foot slope. Composite soil samples were air dried, pulverized, and were passed through a 2 mm mesh sieve and were analyzed in the laboratory. Results of laboratory analysis were used in matching land qualities and crop requirements following the 1975 FAO framework. Crop suitability ratings obtained from the results of matching were used to map crop suitability using geographical information system (GIS) and in determining limitations of these major soils to crop production. Results show that Alimodian, Bantog, Faraon, Luisiana, San Manuel, and Sapian soil series were currently not suitable (N1) for corn due to soil acidity problem (pH<5). However, Alimodian, Bantog, Faraon and Sapian series were marginally suitable (S3) to banana, sugarcane, sweet potato and upland rice. Luisiana and San Manuel series were only marginally suitable to cassava but currently not suitable to other crops and permanently not suitable (N2) to irrigated and lowland rice. Other soil constraints identified to limit production of crops include drainage, coarse fragments, soil depth, topography, and rainfall. Regular conduct of soil survey and analysis is recommended to monitor fertility status and degree of variabilities in the field for proper land use. Farmers should also be oriented with new technologies to improve soil productivity and crop yield.
pataBanana: A Web-Based Decision Support Application for Calculating the Fertilizer Amount Based on Soil Test Result
In the Philippines, the banana industry is one of best agricultural products and become a source of income for local Filipino farmers and foreign exchange earners for the country. In the Regional Research Agenda 2011-2016 issued by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), suitability of specific fertilizers on land/soil classes for varieties of bananas is one of the priorities. Researchers found out that agriculturists from Bureau of Soils and Water Management agency manually compute the fertilizer recommendation for a certain crop. The study aims to develop a web - based decision support application to assist agriculturists in calculating the exact amount of fertilizer by automating the computation process for fertilizer recommendation. The general formula given by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) serves as the algorithm for calculation. Decision Support System is used for predicting the number of banana herbs to be planted and the number of hands and fingers to be harvested. Descriptive development method using Iterative process model was utilized in the study. The application was developed using PHP Laravel 5.3, semaphore API for the SMS feature and black box for testing procedure.
Socio-Economic Assessment of Sugarcane-Based Cropping System in Negros Occidental, Philippines
The sugar industry is the life-giving force of the economy of Negros Occidental which contributes to more than half of the country's total sugar production. The study aims to know the socio-economic status of sugarcane farmers in the province; evaluate their management practices on sugarcane production profitability based on the suitability and constraints exhibited by the major soil series grown to sugarcane, and to determine the effect of these farmers' practices on the properties of the soils. A survey on twenty-five (25) farmers was conducted. FAO soil constraints and suitability analysis tool were used to identify the constraints and suitability of Guimbalaon, Isabela, Luisiana, San Manuel, and Silay soil series. Existing management practices of farmers like monocropping, burning of trashes, and intensive and inappropriate use of inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides may either affect soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. Topography and wetness were the severe constraints in all soil series. Sugarcane farmers with farms belonging to Silay series have the highest profitability based on net income, return on investment, and benefit-cost ratio while those belonging to Isabela series have the lowest profitability which could be attributed to varying constraints for sugarcane production thus, appropriate soil management interventions are necessary for this series.
An Assessment of Agroforestry Systems in Selected Community-Based Forest Management Areas in Laguna, Philippines
Agroforestry has been widely accepted as one of the effective approaches in ensuring sustainability in the uplands. In the Philippines, agroforestry, as a forest management strategy, has been promoted by Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) in response to watershed and forest degradation and climate change. The study assessed the agroforestry systems of CBFM sites in Liliw and Sta. Maria, Laguna focusing on the characterization of agroforestry systems; determination of socio-economic and demographic characteristics of farmers, agrobiodiversity and soil physical and chemical properties for formulation of policy recommendations. The agroforestry systems were characterized based on structure. Soil properties and erodibility were determined through soil sampling, direct on-site measurements and laboratory analysis. Results revealed that farmers practiced shelterbelts/windbreaks-cum live trellis system in Liliw and multilayer tree gardens in Sta. Maria. The agrobiodiversity of agroforestry systems in both sites were moderately diverse for members while low diverse for non-members. Agrobiodiversity indices of agroforestry systems for CBFM members and non-members in Liliw are 2.58 and 1.98, respectively while CBFM members and non-members in Sta. Maria are 2.72 and 0.78, respectively. Farms in both sites had low soil bulk density and erosion rates with high organic matter, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium contents. Regardless of the kind of agroforestry system practiced in the CBFM sites, it has been observed that agroforestry is indeed beneficial for both study sites.