Emmanuel Luisito M. Olao Jr.

BS Agriculture 2011 63178 A Day Out in the Field

CRPT 2 G 13L February 22, 2013

A Reaction/Reflection on Field Trip of CRPT 2 class Waking up so early just to get ready for a field trip is tiresome. Having the thought that you should be there in the meeting place before the bus leave you can be troublesome too. But thats the perks of having a fieldtrip! The class of CRPT 2 section G out bound as early as 5:30 am or so. Out of four buses, our section was in bus two. It took us almost 4 hours to get in the first destination. But there are some stop-over along the roads. The first destination was a large farm/field managed by different farmers. Each class section was designated to different farmers. Our section was the last one to get in the field. We were introduced to two farmers (for which I forgot their names) and set out to the corn field. As we entered their corn field, I noticed that some corn was infected with sheath blight, some corn rust and damages on the leaves. The class paced out the field and went to a hill where we can see the whole area. The area was really astounding because it was really big, for which the farmer we interviewed said that his field was only 4 hectares and other field we saw where owned by other farmers. As we go with our interview we found out that they plant 3 crop varieties corn, root crops or kangkong, and rice. They said that on the onset of rainy season they plant rice, after which they plant kangkong or other root crops and on dry season they plant corn. The corn planted in the field was a hybrid one. According to our farmer, theyve been using hybrid corn for many years because they said that it can give higher yield than using a regular corn. These farmers were very fortunate enough because their municipal mayor along with their agriculturist never fails to help these farmers. They said that when they need seeds/seedling, their mayor invest them capital so that there will be no idle field in the area. The farm is rain fed but in their farm they have 3 or 4 water pumps that can irrigate his farm on dry season. Regarding the problems in the farm, the farmer said that one of the prevalent diseases is caused by soil-borne fungi. Other concern was on insects but the effect on crops was not that significant. Weeds were not a problem in their farm because they use herbicides. They use regular fertilizer such as 14 14 14 and other organic materials to fertilize their soil. Rodents

and birds was also not a problem in his field but they mentioned that the other fields have been infested by these rodents. They use cultural methods on tilting the land. They also make baskets, bags and other stuffs as an alternative source of money when they are waiting for the harvest season. It is such overwhelming and Im proud for them because even though there are times that calamities occur, they still help one another and for that the bonding between the families area are so close to each other. After long discussion with our farmers, we went back to our bus and realized that we were the only class left behind. Everybody scurried to their seats and ate their lunches. The next stop was on a not so abandoned government project under the administration of former president Arroyo. Like the previous area, this area was also big where different crops are planted. The area was previously run by the government but as I saw it look like where wasting such a good investment. As far I remembered, the whole area was maintained and some areas were farm by a family. I never got a chance to meet them but some class did. Calamansi, chili peppers, tomatoes, tamarinds, cassavas, squash and others were planted in the area. There are also some equipment and few functioning tractors in the farm. They also have a non-functioning green house and other buildings that used to store farm produce. For me, restoring the farm is such a great investment but restoring it to the level where we can get profit can cause a lot of money. Buildings have to be repaired; new equipments must be bought, etc. Thats why a great investment turned out to waste because of poor governance. The next stop was a Calamnsi Farm owned by a family also. The area was close to the previous area. As we get off the bus the class proceeded with the interview. We found out that they are one of the major sources of citrus in the area, and most of their buyers came from Manila. This last farm was an organized one. They have their own plant pathologist, they follow system of farming based on season, the skilled farmers they have, and organized management of their farm. Problems on crops like plant diseases caused by fungi and insect infestation was not quite troublesome to them because they have foreseen it and they are able to manage it, according to the farmer we interviewed. After some meaningful discussions, some were tired enough and got off to their buses but some still stayed and sang on the karaoke prepared by the famers. (a past time activities of farmers in the area, I think). After which we set bound to Los Baos but stop over first to a historical place and a mall. I barely got home and tired at 10pm .