The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) is promoting cotton production as an additional source of income for Abra farmers.
PhilFIDA held a consultation with some farmers here explaining that cotton can be a profitable alternative crop for their agricultural lands.
PhilFIDA Cluster Regional Director Edel M. Dondonilla presented the benefits of cultivating cotton, as well as government interventions such as provision of inputs, capacity enhancement, technology transfer, and marketing assistance.
“Noong nagtanim kami ng BT cotton, umabot ng tatlong tonelada ang harvest sa isang ektarya, per hectare umaabot sa P20,000 to P27,000 ang kita, kahit papano meron kayong additional income,” Dondonilla said.
Dondonilla said while they promote cotton farming, they are not competing with rice farming which is the main livelihood of farmers through the years.
He said cotton planting can be rotated with rice to give additional income for farmers.
During the off-season of rice cultivation, farmers plant their farmlands with cotton, he said.
He added cotton does not need as much water as rice does.
“Hindi siya gaya ng rice na babad na babad sa tubig, at least i-flooding lang siya kahit once a week kaya pwede ito sa mga irrigated and also rain-dependent areas, para mapakinabangan ‘yong lupa,” he said.
During the meeting, several farmers expressed their willingness to try cotton farming.
Dondonilla said farmers can get government assistance through farm inputs worth P23,000 per hectare, which include BT cotton seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and cash assistance.
He assured the seeds to be provided are BT Cotton, a hybrid pest-resistant seed.
For farmer Jaime Benedito, cotton farming is feasible in his farm in Tayum which has adequate water source.
“May balon kasi doon sa amin at pwede na iyon ang gamitin na water source sa cotton. Susubukan ko lang naman, at least may dagdag kita na rin,” he said in an interview.
PhilFIDA will help the farmers transport and market their cotton produce.
The Abra-produced cotton will be transported to Pinili, Ilocos Norte for fiber spinning and processing, Dondonilla said. – Christian Tubadeza
