The rise of uplandKangkong

EWS Climate Change – Ready Solutions

Agrilink 2015 - Supporting regional agribusiness development

KYE: Southern Blightsof Onion

January - February 2016A newsletter for employees and friends of East-West Seed Company, Inc.

A closer look atthe Onion Business

Kangkong, a household favorite among Filipinos, used to denote a negative image because of the infamous expression - pinulot sa kangkungan. which means to fail. Little did we know, upland kangkong has slowly paved its way as a known solution for vegetable shortage caused by typhoons and dry season.

Best recommended as a source of fast cash, upland kangkong can save the livelihoods of farmers after typhoons. Growing upland kangkong doesn’t need much capital; it grows fast and can be harvested at least 18-23 days after sowing and it does not require too much water as well.

Pampanga and Missamis Oriental are where the known growers of upland kangkong are located. Because of its marketability, upland kangkong has gained awareness faster than expected since it was launched in the market.

To distinguish upland from swamp kangkong, check the roots and leaf shape. Upland kangkong are sold with the roots and its leaves are more slender. Upland type also are free from unwanted particles and waterborne diseases that swamp kangkong may have.

Cagayan de Oro, the largest producing city of upland kangkong in Mindanao, has been holding the Kangkong Festival for two consecutive years to celebrate bountiful harvest and encourage more farmers to grow upland kangkong in the region. Highlights of the program include cooking contest featuring various kangkong home recipes and eating contest. Benefits of kangkong for the farmers and consumers were also discussed during the forums.

Through activations like these, EWS hopes to increase awareness on farmers and consumers’ knowledge on Kangkong. Here’s to more Kangkong Festivals in the coming year!

Onion, locally known as Sibuyas, is regarded as one of the most indispensable culinary ingredients in the world and probably everyone’s favorite seasoning. Its pungent aroma and sharp taste makes it ideal for spicing up various meat and vegetable dishes. It is also a good source of vitamins and phytonutrients; provides anti-inflammatory benefits; and remedy for several disorders. The red onion business in the Philippines has been around for over decades now. Most onions in the country are grown in Mindanao, Central and North Luzon particularly, Nueva Ecija, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and Pangasinan.

Nueva Ecija, tagged as the onion capital of the country boasts of thousands of hectares of onion farmland that extends from Gapan to as far as San Jose City. Over the years, the government has been working closely with onion growers to provide assistance in forms of trading posts, solving illegal cases of onion imports and other issues that highly affect the income of growers/traders and sabotage the onion market. Onion Farming Onions are typically grown in rice fields (after rice harvest season) and farmland near the river with sandy loam soil. The crops usually reach their peak by March to May just before the rainy season starts. When onions are harvested, they are plucked out of the soil, dirt brushed off, and then placed inside red bags. Alternatively they are hung in sheds and air-dried. They are then bundled and sent off to the market or placed in storage. In the past years, growers slowly shifted from traditional onion to high-yielding varieties. It

is proven that high-yielding onion varieties produce up to thrice the output compare of traditional strains. Trading and Dealership Aside from Onion farming, another trend in the business is trading and dealership. Most often than not, long-time onion growers eventually branch out to these businesses in search for higher income and to help the industry as well. Based on the interviews conducted, there are two ways to do this. First, traders buy the seeds and farm inputs then give it to the farmers to plant. After harvest, farmers are contractually bound to sell the produce to the trader. The other is the concept of kasama or farm help, where traders buy the seeds then farmers will shoulder farm inputs and labor. When harvest season comes, everything will be split in two between the trader and kasama. Storage Not many people know, that the drier the onion and the more mature it is when harvested, the longer its shelf life will be. Seed companies have started producing high-yielding varieties that have longer storability characteristics. East-West Seed’s Red Pinoy and Super Pinoy are local favorites that reach seven to twelve months in storage. Storage facilities have also become a trend in Nueva Ecija. Dealers, Traders and even farmers saw the opportunity in storing their harvests for months and selling it during off-season when onion prices are high, which eventually gives them higher profit. During off-season, a person can earn thrice as much for a sack of onion. Aside from that shortage of onion can also be avoided as storage makes it available all year-round.

The rise of upland Kangkong

A closer look at theOnion Business

By Jayson Villegas

By Ayah S. Ponce and Grandeur Gaspar

East-West Seed Company, Inc. reserves all rights on, and owns, all articles and pictures in this newsletter. They may not be be produced, copied, or shared without the full knowledge and consent of East-West Seed Company, Inc.

For feedback, comments and suggestions, you may contact the Usapang Gulayan Coordinator at 09175534387 or you may visit our Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/eastwestseedph

Important note:

EAST-WEST SEED COMPANY, INC.Km. 54 Cagayan Valley Road, Sampaloc,

San Rafael, Bulacan, PhilippinesPHONE: +63 (44) 766 4952 to 57

FAX: +63 (44) 766 1005WEBSITE: www.eastwestseed.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:

Ayah S. Ponce

EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS:

Francine Sayoc-ShiraishiConrad H. Balatero

CONTRIBUTORS:

Andy Z. JumocBel C. Enriquez

Cherry Relevante-BelagantolDarwin de Guzman

Grandeur GasparJayson Villegas

Jorge BelagantolJoyce Gaviola

Krystyn OreiroLeslie L. de Leon

Megido B. BangisNikki Serquina Nino M. Lacap

LAYOUT:

Obey M. Llamas

Mr. Arnold Tabanag, Channel Management Supervisor of EWS welcomes the guests.

Kangkong Eating contest Kangkong Cooking Contest

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New Product Alert: DULCE F1

EWS Climate Change – Ready Solutions launched at the National Vegetable Congress

The newest sweet melon variety of East-West Seed, Dulce F1 was officially launched in mid-2015. The market introduction was finalized after the Dulce F1 passed all necessary selection process including yield, disease resistance and taste.

Demos and product testings were done in various locations to test the sweetness and aroma of Dulce F1. All these were done before the High Impact Product Introduction to make sure that EWS will not fall short of its promise.

The first demo was held in March 2015 at Pila, Laguna where farmers, dealers and traders were invited to try Dulce F1 and attest to its characteristics. As expected, the event was a success and all attendees were convinced that Dulce F1 is the next big thing.

Later on, Mr Paco Magsaysay, owner of the premium quality ice cream - Carmen’s Best - would like to try and make it a sherbet flavor. Sherbet has less dairy, fruits and creamy texture. It has lower fat contents, which means the flavor stands out.

In June 2015, Mr Magsaysay ordered Dulce F1 and make melon sherbet and presto. Now, Carmen’s Best sells Melon Sherbet as part of their product line.East-West Seed sees this as a good opportunity to reach a wider market. In every activation, melon ice cream testing has become a part of the strategy to create awareness on the other benefits of Dulce F1.

Climate Change and the current El Nino situation in the country were the two (2) key topics discussed during the Plenary Sessions of the 2015 National Vegetable Congress held at Lim Ket Kai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City from September 16 to 18.

Day 1 (September 16) - Adjusting Farming Practices to Combat Climate Change Challenges by Dr. Felino P. Lansigan, PhD tackled on how farmers should invest in technologies to make their production sustainable despite extreme climate changes. These changes such as El Nino or La Nina are occurring more frequently now more than ever, and have been key consideration to success or failure in the vegetable (high value crops) production sector. Massive crop failures, and eventually long-term investment losses, are imminent.

Day 3 (September 18) – El Nino Forecast by PAGASA confirming news that El Nino will persist (and worsen) until May to June 2016, with most of the

country bracing to experience very minimal to no rainfall, with drought effects that have already started as early as June 2015.

To better serve the farmers during these challenging times, East-West Seed launched three Climate Change – Ready Solutions, during the Congress, namely:

• East-West Seed Gravity-Type Drip Irrigation System, • East-West Seed Onion Tunnel System, and, • East-West Seed Grafted Bitter Gourd Seedlings.

These solutions, combined with East-West Seed Climate Change-Ready seed varieties are the recipe for success in times of drought, rain, and the unpredictable weather changes.

EAST-WEST SEED GRAVITY-TYPE DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM

The Gravity-Type Drip Irrigation System enabled the Demo Farm Area of East-West Seed to stand out during the Congress by ensuring optimum soil conditions, with less cost, producing real-time cost savings and higher margins for the vegetable farmers.

With a one-time investment of only Php 62 per square meter (average cost computed on 1,000 sqm vegetable area), the advantages of setting-up this Gravity-Type Drip Irrigation System far outweighs the cost. In the long term, with proper installation this system is reusable, low-maintenance, and sturdy.

Eight Key Benefits with installing the East-West Seed Gravity-Type Drip Irrigation System:

• Efficient use of water (80% savings vs furrow irrigation)• Better harvesting efficiencies (farmer can irrigat while

harvesting) • Uniform ripening of harvests • Labor and energy savings (vs hand-watering)• Efficient fertilizer application by “Fertigation” :

Fertilization + Irrigation at the same time• Best for difficult terrains and difficult soils, for areas

that are far from water source • Can increase planting cycle (+1 to +2 cycles more for

the same area)• Maintain optimum soil conditions (moisture, nutrient

levels, aeration)

EAST-WEST SEED ONION TUNNEL SYSTEM

Extreme weather can also cause unpredictable rain patterns, even during periods of drought. This is important to note especially if growing onion and other high-value crops that grow best in dry conditions as sudden rain can deteriorate these crops due to waterlogging.

While conditions during the crop establishment were dry, the actual Vegetable Congress Demo experienced intermittent but strong rains, which tested the East-West Seed Onion Tunnel System throughout the week and proved it to be a successful system.

Investment-wise, the system can provide a 100% ROI based on PHP 40/KG – PHP 50/KG Farm-Gate Price during Off-Season (rainy season) onion production.

EAST-WEST SEED GRAFTED BITTER GOURD SEEDLINGS

With unpredictable weather shifts, diseases affecting the crops with continuous production such as bitter gourd (ampalaya) are also poised to have higher incidences in the field.

Another Climate Change-Ready Solution showcased during the Congress was the Grafted Seedlings of bitter gourd Mestisa F1.

There are key benefits to using Grafted Seedlings of bitter gourd:

• Better flooding and drought tolerance, good for either wet or dry seasons,• Resistant to soil-borne diseases such as bacterial wilt (BW), fusarium

wilt (FW), and root-knot nematode,• Provide tolerance to foliar diseases because of the strong plant vigour,• More efficient water and nutrient uptake because of the extensive root

system, • Additional income because of increase in yield and longer productive

life.• Enhanced fruit quality (e.g. bigger fruits and less fruit cracking), and,• Means to achieve organic vegetable production.

Currently, there is no commercial bitter gourd variety with resistance to FW, BW, and nematode. East-West Seed’s grafted seedling has been proven effective in maintaining plant vigour and providing resistance against these diseases.

With a high demand of bitter gourd for both the fresh and processing (nutraceutical) markets, farmers engaged in bitter gourd production should add this technology in the mix.

With these capabilities, grafted seedlings can make the farmers’ quest for producing bitter gourd during these challenging times possible, sustainable and manageable.

By Nikki Serquina

By Jayson Villegas

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East-West Seed recently participated in the Philippine’s biggest and most influential triple trade exhibit -- Agrilink, Foodlink and Aqualink. The three day event brought together the major players in the agriculture, food and aquaculture industry on October 15 to 17 at the World Trade Center to support its theme “Regional Agribusiness Development: Cornerstone of Inclusive Growth.”

The event showcased agricultural products and services, technologies, up-to-date knowledge, new inputs. It also promotes partnerships and interaction to enhance the potential of different agricultural markets.

In his keynote speech, Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, cited the role of each region’s agribusiness strength and diversity to address the challenges of global competitiveness and inclusive growth.

“This year’s focus on regional agribusiness development underscores the huge role of the national and local agribusiness stakeholders in optimizing the agricultural value chain to make our products globally competitive,” he said. “True to the spirit of thinking global and acting local, regional agribusiness development achieves comparative advantages by promoting specialization and diversification of regional economies.”

East-West Seed’s booth was a favorite among the crowd. Attendees lined up not just for the complimentary fresh fruits and ice cream but also to take photos with the attractive display of vegetables and ornamentals. East-West Seed proudly displayed its best and newest products, which include melon, watermelon, pepper, eggplant, papaya, corn and the stars of the exhibit - butternut pumpkin and heart-shaped bitter gourd.

In addition to the retail booth, Farm-Ready displayed a wide array of seedlings of papaya, eggplant, bottle gourd, tomato, pepper, bitter gourd and ornamentals. The newly launched Urban Gardening Kit was also a hit to consumers and home gardeners.

As the whole industry prepares for ASEAN integration, the Philippines’ leading seed company East-West Seed remains true to its brand promise of serving farmers through quality products and services, agricultural technologies, and strong support.

The City of Golden Friendship, Cagayan de Oro, played host to the 14th National Vegetable Congress and Agro Industrial Trade Expo on September 16 - 18 of this year. Organized by NORMINVEGGIES Marketing Cooperative in partnership with DA and the Philippine Vegetable Industry Development Board (PVIDB), the three-day congress highlighted different Agro-Industrial Trade Expo at the venue proper, farm tour showcasing best practices at Manresa Farm in Xavier University and market tour at the Bulua Vegetable Landing, Cagayan de Oro City.

With the theme, “Good Practices, Better Business, for a Healthier ASEAN,” the event saw thousands of participants from the different regions. The congress aims to gather, interact and celebrate the Philippine vegetable community to discuss the emerging challenges facing the vegetable industry today.

Together with other industry players, East-West Seed participated as an exhibitor both at the mall and techno demo. The retail booth at the mall was

a crowd favorite because of the wide display of harvested vegetables and eye-catching ornamentals like vinca and marigold.

The techno demo was a huge success as well. Delegates from all over the country marveled at East-West Seed’s display of best-selling and new varieties. Put together by the Sales & Marketing and Product Development Support teams, spectators can’t help but take tons of photos with the display of vegetables at the demo, which include tomato (Marimax F1), melon (Diosa), sweet melon (Dulce F1), long green type eggplant, butternut calabaza, watermelons, onion (Primo) and the star of the demo - heart-shaped bitter gourd.

East-West Seed as an ASEAN country and champion of farmers, fully supports the government and agriculture industry’s commitment in giving opportunities to smallholder farmers and implementation of ASEAN Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) that will harmonize the quality and safety standards of agricultural products in preparation for the ASEAN integration.

Supporting regional agribusiness development

East-West Seed wowed attendees atthe National Vegetable Congressby Ayah S. Ponce

by Leslie de Leon

EWPH General Manager Dr. Mary Ann Sayoc shows the heart-shaped bitter gourd to Dutch Ambassador Marion Derckx who has shown interest in the company.

AGRILINK 2015:

Oh My Gulay! – Tanim Sa Kinabukasan Community day

Train the Parents Course: A Learning Experience

By Joyce Gaviola

By Krystyn Oreiro

Community days are usually held after the harvest season of the participating schools of Oh My Gulay! – Tanim sa Kinabukasan program led by East-West Seed Foundation. This is done to show off the bountiful harvests of the students and recognize the efforts and support given to the program.

To date, seven clusters have successfully held their community days, which were attended by 1,282 guests includings students, parents, teachers, and VIPs.

During these events, several competitions were organized like cooking festivals particpated by students, parents and teachers to showcase unique and palatable vegetable dishes. There were also poster-making contests to foster and encourage artistic capabilites and creative imagination of the OMG!-TSK children. And of course, the best vegetable display wherein each school puts up their fresh vegetabales in best presentation to wow the judges.

To end the Community Days, certificates were also given away to the partners who exert efforts to make this program a continued success.

More than the objective of nutrition and promoting vegetable consumption, the community days also emphasize that school garden is an excellent venue for children to learn science, recycling, care for the environment and a deep appreciation towards agriculture.

A fun-filled Train the Parents’ Training on Urban Gardening was extended by the East-West Seed Foundation (EWSF) Team through the OMG-TSK (Oh My Gulay!- Tanim sa Kinabukasan) Program last November 6, 2015 in partnership with Justice Vicente Santiago Elementary School in San Mateo, Rizal. A total of 24 parents of students from the elementary school participated in the half-day training with activities to engage them to planting vegetables. The event was also supported by the school principal, Mrs. Elvira A. Tapel; District Supervisor, Mrs. Leonisa Awarayan; and Chairman Cesar Coronia of Barangay Ampid II.

Parents were enthusiastic in learning the three modules prepared by EWSF. These include Module 1- Introduction to Urban Gardening; Module 2- Crop Requirement; and Module 3- Getting Started with our Urban Garden. Moreover, a demonstration and hands-on activity on seed sowing was integrated together with the participants. At the end of the training, the parents were awarded with certificates of participation and received giveaways (seed pouches, seedling trays, and BOSS Media) as well. EWSF and the school administration look forward to more meaningful activities like these, to help promote vegetable consumption among the youth and help build better inclusive communities.

In January 1988, KAFDECO (Kasibu Farmers and Development Cooperative) was still known by their old name “Poblacion Kasibu Fruits and Vegetable Growers Association” with five founding members and 30 farmer co-operators, headed by the late Mr. Romulo A. Hufalar, and with only Php 1,500.00 as starting capital.

Back then, the old Association was already used to growing and trading OP varieties of calabaza and other mid-elevation vegetable crops. In 1989, when East-West Seed (EWS) launched SUPREMA F1, they embraced it for the higher crop yield, longer shelf life, and better transportability it offers compared to the OP varieties. The crop management for hybrid varieties were then cascaded and maintained with constant visits to ensure success.

When KAFDECO re-organized as a cooperative in 1991, they increased capitalization to Six thousand seven hundred Pesos (Php 6,700.00) as market demand increased, particularly for SUPREMA F1.

Nineteen years later in 2010, KAFDECO re-registered under Republic Act (RA) 9520 – The New Cooperative Code of the Philippines, rendering Credit, Consumer and Savings Services to its growing member base. Better financial management, financial education, and access to low-interest loan rates were keys to improving the bottom-line profitability of the cooperative while improving the livelihood of the SUPREMA F1 farmers, which enabled them to increase their crop portfolio to other East-West Seed varieties such as the former MARIMAR tomato, and the current DMAX tomato, among others.

As of September 30, 2015, KAFDECO has now grown into a one thousand one hundred (1,110) – strong member base with assets worth upwards of Fifty eight million Pesos (Php 58,329,422.75), thanks

KAFDECO General Manager (GM) Joan M. Micua shared to East-West Seed that the cooperative always looks back in their humble beginnings to the time when East-West Seed introduced SUPREMA F1. She ascribes to this variety as one of the cooperative’s seeds of success. Driven by the vision to be a safe, sound and sustainable cooperative; KAFDECO pursues to consistently deliver competitive products and services to its members and to the communities that they serve in Nueva Vizcaya.

“In KAFDECO”, GM Micua said, “we strive to improve the Farmers’ bargaining power by teaching them and guiding them on better ways of doing things --- from choosing the right crops that guarantees higher crop yield, with better crop performance and high market preference; choosing the right company that will support the farmers’ development with better, natural and non-GMO seeds, constant care and interaction; and enabling the farmers to be their own employer by extending financial education and loan instruments that are designed towards uplifting the lives of the community.”

She plans to go further in 2016, with KAFDECO improving the Trading System for squash and other East-West Seed varieties via better route-to-market strategies, with the constant exchange of ideas and up-to-date market information with East-West Seed (EWS), being the trusted partner in KAFDECO’s continued success.

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KAFDECOand East-West SeedSUPREMA F1: Serving the farmersthrough the yearsBy Nikki Serquina

Onion is one of the most inevitable blends in majority of our cuisines. It is rich in thiosulfinates that is rich with antimicrobial properties that are effective against many harmful bacteria including Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella and E. coli. The World Health Organization even supports its use as treatment of poor appetite and atherosclerosis (narrowing & hardening of arteries) prevention. Their extract was also found effective as relief for coughs, asthma and bronchitis.

It is primarily grown in the country from October to February mainly in the areas of Ilocos, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija and some parts of Mindanao. The red and white onion is being grown but more percentage for the red onion. It is adapted to a wide range of soils with proper preparation, good drainage, fertilization and irrigation with soil pH of 6-7. It can be planted directly or transplanted in beds or small paddies 4-6 weeks after sowing. It generally requires 8.5-11.4 bags of ammonium sulfate (21-0-0), 6.6-26.7 bags super phosphate (0-18-0) and 2-4 bags muriate of potash (0-0-60) in a hectare. 0-18-0 and half of 21-0-0 and 0-0-60 are applied as basal fertilizer and the remaining amount is applied as side-dress at 30, 45 and 60 days from planting. High nitrogen rates tend to shorten storage life of onion hence should be avoided.

Irrigation frequency depends on the soil type but should be stopped when 20-30% of the tops fall over. Weeds should be well managed to prevent them from competing with nutrients and their roots from damaging the bulbs.

Harvesting can be done when at least 90% top down is observed. Bulbs are uprooted and the tops are removed with knife at about 2 cm above the onion shoulder to prevent decay organisms in direct contact to the onion bulb. Onions with signs of decay or damage should be discarded. Harvested bulbs maybe stored in ambient condition for 1-2 months. But will last for up to 7 months in cold storage.

Southern blight is a common disease of onions when the weather becomes hot (usually during summer months). Aside from onion, the disease also affects many vegetable crops including solanaceous (tomato, eggplant, pepper, etc.), cucurbits (bittergourd, squash, etc.) and legumes (beans). Southern blight is caused by Sclerotium rolfsii, a soil-borne fungus that survives in the soil as small and hard sclerotial bodies resembling that of a radish seed. Under warm and moist conditions, these sclerotia will germinate in the presence of a host plant.

The disease is easy to identify as the fungus attacks the base of the onion bulb at the soil line, producing a web of white mycelia or fungal growth and mass of tiny sclerotia which are initially white in color but become brown as they mature. Affected bulb rots and the whole plant eventually wilts and

dies. The disease is severe when temperature exceeds 25°C under moist condition and in the presence of high organic matter on soil surface.

Southern blight is difficult to control once sclerotia are abundant in the soil. To minimize infection and prevent spread of the disease in the onion field, the following measures are recommended:

• Turn the soil (deep plow) 4-6 inches deep before planting to bury the sclerotia and avoid contact of the fungus with the plant.

• Expose the soil in the sun (soil solarization) to kill sclerotia and prevent infection.

• Drench seedlings with protective fungicide such as mancozeb (e.g. Dithane M-45) before transplanting to prevent spread of the disease in the field.

• Remove infected plants as early as symptoms are observed to avoid or minimize spread of the disease.

• Crop rotation with non-host crops such as corn and other cereals will help reduce sclerotia levels in the soil.

In 2010, Usapang Gulayan has tagged Onion to be one of the world’s healthiest foods because it provides numerous health benefits including heart health support, promotes bone and connective tissue health, anti-inflammatory benefits, potentially blood sugar regulator, and an anti-cancer food.

So what’s new about Onion? According to research, onions are Polyphenols superstars. What are Polyphenols? They are one of the largest categories of phytonutrients. These are plant compounds recognized for their disease prevention, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties. Onions polyphenol’s content is higher than its fellow allium vegetables, garlic and leeks, but much higher than in tomatoes, carrots, and red bell pepper. Onion is the richest source in polyphenols flavonoids called quercitin, a potent antioxidant flavonoid, which, also founds in shallots, yellow and red onions but not in white onions. Quercitin has been shown to thin the blood, lower cholesterol, raise good-type HDL cholesterol, ward off blood clots, fight asthma, chronic

bronchitis, hay fever, diabetes, atherosclerosis and infections and is specifically linked to inhibiting human stomach cancer. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, thought to have diverse anti-cancer powers. So far, there is no better food source of quercitin than onion skins.

Onions also contain a variety of sulfur compounds that provide health benefits; amino acids called methionine and cystine are good at detoxifying the body from heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium and lead. Vitamin C, also contained in onions, is excellent at detoxifying the body and is effective in removing lead, arsenic and cadmium. So increasing consumption of onions can help the body to get rid of these harmful metals.

So try to enjoy the health benefits of onions as much as you can! Always remember to include onion when you cook in every possible way.

COOKING PROCEDURE:

• Heat the pan and put the cooking oil.• When oil is hot enough, sauté garlic, ginger, onion, and tomato.• Add the pork and cook until color turns light brown (about 5 to 8

minutes)• Put in shrimp paste and cook for 2 minutes.• Add water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until

pork is tender.• Put in squash and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until texture becomes

soft.• Add the remaining vegetables and mix with the other ingredients.• Simmer for 5 minutes or until all the vegetables are cooked. (do not

overcook the vegetables)

KalabasabagoongOnionSalt/PepperSugarBittermelon

EggplantFlourShrimpTomatoesString beansGreen and red chili

GarlicVinegarOkraSquash flowerCorn starchPork belly (liempo)

This is an original recipe of Marco Polo Bernardo and Mari Krisna Cruz, students of Bataan Peninsula State University, who won as 2nd Runner-up in EWS’ Pinakbet Festival - Luzon School Edition

By Jorge Belagantol

By Cherry Relevante-Belagantol

Onion Production

Southern Blight of Onions

What’s new about Onion?

PAKBET WITH CHOPPED CHILIS & SEASONEDPORK BELLY

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Figure 1. Characteristic symptoms of southern blight infection in onions. Affected bulbs become soft and mushy as the infection progresses (a-b) and the whole plant eventually wilts and dies (c).

Reference: Schwartz, Howard F. and S. Krishna Mohan., eds. Compendium of Onion and Garlic Diseases and Pests (2nd edition 2008). The American Phytopathological Society. Minnesota, USA. 127pp.

INGREDIENTS:By Andy Z. Jumoc

Tagumpay mulasa Choy

By: Nino M. Lacap

Si Silver B. Conde , 49, ay isang pakchoi grower, may asawa at apat anak, sila ay nakatira sa Brgy., Palola, Lucban, Quezon.

Ayon sa kanya, malaki ang naitutulong ng CHOY F1 pakchoi variety sa kanyang buhay, na ginawa ng EAST-WEST SEED PHILIPPINES (EWPH). Mula ng magtanim siya ng Choy F1, hanggang ngayon ay patuloy pa rin ang kanyang pagtatanim nito. Dahil sa magandang kita nakamtan niya dito, siya ay nakapagpaaral ng kanyang mga anak at nakapagpagraduate ng Nurse at Maritime Engineer, nakabili ng mga sasakyan at nakapagpatayo ng apartment.

Kung ikukumpara sa ibang variety na itinatanim niya noon, naniniwala siya na mas malaki ang advantages ng CHOY F1, katulad ng mga sumusunod, madaling alagaan, matibay sa sakit/pest, malaki at siksik kaya naman mabigat ang timbang, kaya sulit sa harvest.Sa kasalakuyan siya ay nakakapagpatanim ng may lawak na 2-3 ektarya per cropping, siya ay umaani ng 7-10 tons kada ektarya .

Kaya naman ang CHOY F1 ay ang number one pachoi na itinatanim ng mga magsasaka ng Lucban, Quezon.

Dating drayber nahanap ang swerte sa

Calabaza

By: Megido B. Bangis

Si Lyndon Presillas, 48, ay residente ng Purok 7, Jasaan, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon. Siya ay nagtatanim ng Calabaza mula noong 2006. Siya ay kasal kay Evangeline, 40 at may dalawang anak – si Lyneline, 20 at Merry Rose, 5. Si Lyndon ay dating nagmamaneho sa isang pribadong ahensiya sa loob ng limang taon. Sa kagustuhang mabigyan ng mas magandang buhay ang pamilya, sinubukan niya ang pagtatanim ng gulay at ngayon ay kumikita na ng Php10,000 sa loob ng isang buwan sa pagtatanim ng Suprema F1.

Sa loob lamang ng konting panahon, guminhawa ang buhay ng pamilya ni Lyndon. Nakabili siya ng bahay at lupa, traktora at dalawang motorsiklo. Ang kanyang traktora ay ginagamit niya upang makapagdala ng mga inaani niyang Suprema F1 sa Cabanglasan Bukidnon, Valencia City Bukidnon, Cabanglasan Bukidnon at Bulua, Cagayan de oro City, Misamis Oriental upang ibenta.

Ipinagmamalaki ni Lyndon na isa siyang magsasaka na gumagamit ng mga produkto ng East-West Seed. Pinili niyang magtanim ng Suprema F1 dahil madami itong magbunga kahit sa tag-init at tumatagal ang buhay matapos anihin. Dagdag niya pa, ang apat na lata ng 250 grams na buto ng Suprema F1 ay makakapagbigay sa kanya ng 22,000 kilo na ani tulad noong unang beses siyang nagtanim.

Spice Boys ng IsabelaBy: Darwin de Guzman

Si Ricardo Fiesta o kilala sa tawag na Mang Carding ay kasalukuyang nakatira sa Purok 4, Barangay San Pedro, Roxas, Isabela. Noong umpisa, siya ay nagtanim ng tatlong lata ng sibuyas na Super Pinoy at matapos mamunla, ang kanyang nataniman ay umabot sa luwang na 3,300 metro kuwadrado. Makaraan lamang ng halos apat na buwan na pag-aalaga sa kanyang tanim na sibuyas, siya ay nakaani ng higit pa sa walong tonelada mula. Ang kanyang inani ay ibinenta nya sa Lungsod ng Tuguegarao, Cagayan. Si Vicente Pabrua na kilala sa tawag na Mang Enteng ay kasalukuyang nakatira at nanunungkulan bilang Kagawad sa Barangay San Pedro, Roxas, Isabela. Siya ay nagtanim ng anim na lata ng sibuyas na Red Pinoy, at ang kanyang natamnan ay umabot sa luwang na 6,500 metro kuwadrado. Dahil siya ay baguhan pa lamang sa pagsisibuyas, tinutukan niya talaga ang pag-aalaga dito. Makaraan ang halos apat na buwan, siya ay umani ng higit sa siyang na tonelada na sibuyas. Lahat ng kanyang ani ay nabili sa Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (APTC), ang bagong bagsakan sa Roxas, Isabela.

Si Nelson Rarama ay kasalukuyang nakatira sa Purok 3, Barangay San Pedro, Roxas, Isabela. Siya naman ay nagtanim ng tatlong lata na sibuyas na Red Pinoy, sa tatlong lata matapos siya mamunla, ang kanyang natamnan ay umabot lamang sa 2,000 metro kuwadrado. Gayunpaman, kahit maliit ang kanyang natamnan sa kanyang tatlong lata, siya ay umani pa rin ng mahigit sa tatlong tonelada. Ang lahat ng kanyang ani ay ibinenta rin ng Agri-Pinoy Trading Center sa Roxas, Isabela.

Sina Mang Carding, Mang Enteng at Nelson ay tatlo lamang sa mga magsasakang nagtagumpay sa pagtatanim ng sibuyas. Ayon sa kanila, mahirap lalo na sa simula. Pero dahil sa sipag, tyaga at hindi pagsuko, nagbunga lahat ng pagod at pamumuhunan na kanilang ginawa. Katuwang ang East-West Seed at Kagawaran ng Agrikultura, sigurado ang pag-unlad ng mga magsisibuyas ng Isabela.