Traditionally associated with colder climates, potatoes have established a steady demand in the Philippines. They thrive in the highlands of Benguet, Bukidnon, and other regions with cool temperatures and well-drained soil. The rising demand for potatoes is reflected in Filipinos' changing consumer preferences, as well as the increasing popularity of Western cuisine. Beyond serving as a versatile ingredient in traditional Filipino dishes, potatoes provide nutritional benefits by being rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Increased demand for potatoes extends to the municipality of Los Baños, Laguna with an expanding local market. This presents an opportunity for local smallholder farmers to fulfill this unmet market need.
In response to this, the Agri-Aqua Business Hub (AABH) under the Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD) of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) initiated a capacity-building training for farmer-members of the Association of Safe Fruit and Vegetable Growers in Los Baños (ASFVG-LB). Perceiving the need for a market-responsive production approach, the AABH hopes to shift the focus of farm production towards the present needs of the market, aiming to revolutionize the way farmers grow their crops.
The AABH, with the support of the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist of Los Baños, organized a three-day training on potato production from August 30, 2023 to September 1, 2023. Held at Benguet State University (BSU), La Trinidad and Atok, Benguet, the activity was facilitated by members of the Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center (NPRCRTC) of BSU, led by Ms. Teresita Masangcay.
The training covered the following topics: potato varieties, quality seed potato production, major insect pest and disease management, postharvest handling and processing, and seed production management, among others.
A follow-up activity took place on September 22, 2023, in Brgy. Bagong Silang, Los Baños, where the chosen potato planting site underwent evaluation. Soil sampling and land preparation and planting of potato tubers were demonstrated to the farmers of ASFVG-LB. This was done to ensure that the planting practices were initiated properly and in accordance with NPRCRTC-BSU’s guidelines.
A total of 6,000 pieces of potato tubers composed of 5 potato varieties - Mexican, Cosima, Igorota, Granola, and Raniag - were distributed to the association. These potato varieties were planted and observed to validate whether these varieties will thrive under Los Baños growing conditions.
A field monitoring conducted on January 12, 2024, confirmed that the Raniag variety is adaptable to the climate and soil conditions in Los Baños and demonstrates the potential of the variety in establishing large-scale potato production for the association. During the visit, the BSU team once again distributed another batch of potato tubers for trial planting to the ASFVG-LB. The new tubers were sowed in the last week of January and had displayed promising growth, with a harvest being expected in the last week of April.
With this, a new hope for the farmers of ASFVG-LB has begun to sprout. Successful production of potatoes guarantees a sure market and steadier income for the farmers.
Participants of the Potato Production Training held in Benguet State University last August 30, 2023 to September 1, 2023 (Members of ASFVG-LB, MAO-LB, DOST-PCAARRD, and NPRCRTC-BSU). (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Members of ASFVG-LB, DOST-PCAARRD, and NPRCRTC-BSU at the field monitoring activity of the potato planting site in Brgy. Timugan, Los Baños held last January 12, 2024. (Image credit: SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)