A promising crop may soon take root as a new agricultural enterprise in Negros Oriental, as farmers, government, and academe begin exploring the province’s potential for ube industry development.
The Negros Oriental Integrated Farmer Association, led by its president, Ariel Dorio, together with the Negros Oriental Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center (NOAFEC), headed by Board Member Woodrow Maquiling Sr., the DA-Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Office (PATCO), led by Bernard Limbaga and Henry Cabonelas, and the Provincial Agriculture Office, recently discussed opportunities to build on the emerging ube production initiatives of farmers in selected local government units.
More than increasing production, the group emphasized the need to protect, understand, and sustainably develop the local ube production system.
One key concern raised was the protection of the ube variety currently being cultivated by local farmers from the possible introduction of planting materials that could carry pests or diseases.
Rather than immediately imposing restrictions, the group agreed that the issue should first undergo scientific and technical assessment, with appropriate biosecurity and policy measures developed in coordination with concerned agencies, the Capitol said in a press release Sept. 22.
The farmer association is also engaging a state university and the Negros Oriental Research Development Center (NORDC) for a research-based approach to the initiative—from variety identification and production practices, to pest and disease management, climate resilience, and potential value-adding opportunities.
Initial training on ube production is already being lined up, while a field visit to an identified production area will provide an opportunity to validate current practices, document farmer knowledge, and identify technology and production gaps.
Market prospects are likewise being explored.
The association reported ongoing communication with Bayer Philippines as a possible market outlet, prompting stakeholders to further validate market requirements, including volume, quality specifications, pricing, and delivery arrangements.
For the farmers, however, development must not come at the expense of the environment.
The association expressed its commitment to pursuing resilient and sustainable production by ensuring traditional farming practices with appropriate innovations, guided by one fundamental principle – that development must go hand in hand with the preservation of natural resources. ||
