Benefit-Cost Analysis Of Org Vegetable Farming In Selected Towng Of Pampanga - Babela, Begie May E.; Abner C. Quiambao (Magalang, Pampanga : Pampanga State Agricultural University, 2022)
: BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS OF ORG TITLE VEGETABLE FARMING IN SELECTED TOWNG OF PAMPANGA AUTHOR : BEGIE MAY E. BABELA ADVISER : ABNER C. QUIAMBAO, MPS SCHOOL : PAMPANGA STATE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY DEGREE : BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS YEAR COMPLETED : JULY 2022 This study was conducted to analyze the benefits and cost of organic vegetable farming in selected towns of Pampanga such as Angeles City, Arayat, Bacolor, Mabalacat City, Magalang, Masantol, Minalin, and Porac. The researcher used purposive sampling method to gather data for the qualitative research. A total of 33 organic farmers and producers were identified as respondents, but only 11 were interviewed and 81.81% of them are organic farmers from the start. For the commodities planted, crops include high value crops like eggplant and lady finger, and lettuce for the leafy vegetables. Organic vegetable farming does not have post-harvest practices due to the short shelf lives of the organic commodities, while inorganic farming products last much longer due to the chemicals used. All organic farmers prepare their own organic fertilizers and pesticides by using composted waste, fermented fruit and vegetable juice, vermicompost, vermicast and strong odored plants like marigold, oregano, and chili pepper. The respondents have been using their organic commodities for personal consumption and for market consumption. The price for these organic produces is dictated by the farmers and it can be constant, or based on the seasonality and market price of the commodities. The farmer can earn up to P61,647.75 as net income with 150.37% ROI. The average net income is P809,725.68 with an ROI of 622.87. Organic farmers start organic vegetable farming because of the benefits they can get such as healthy foods and environment. One factor that can affect the adoption of organic farming is the lack of information and education in managing organic farms. Organic farming is very laborious. The major problems that are encountered by the organic farmers is the difficulty to control pests and diseases. Consumers' lack the awareness on organic produce that's why many organic farmers still struggle on marketing their produce. Attending available seminars and training are recommended so organic farmers will be able to properly manage their organic farming and widen their knowledge on the proper preparation of organic fertilizers and pesticides. There should also a fund set aside for organic agriculture in order to help the smaliholder organic farmers to maintain their organic farms and be able to produce on wider markets.