A visit to the citrus plantation in Malabing Valley in Nueva Vizcaya last September 13 and 14 has provided some valuable information.
The visit was part of the activities on the conduct of the Cagayan Valley Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development’s (CVAARRD) Farms and Industry Encounters through the S&T Agenda (FIESTA) on Citrus.
The Citrus FIESTA, which was held at the Convention Center, Capitol, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, aimed to demonstrate the application of best practices in citrus farming as well as the produce and products from citrus.
One of the citrus orchards visited was that of farmer-cooperator David H. Dulnuan. The 4-hectare farm was planted with 21,600 trees, which consisted of Satsuma, Ponkan, and Tan can varieties. The trees, aged 14 and 15 years old, produce 30 to 35 tons/hectare with an average production of 70 to 80 kg/tree. The fruits sell at a farm gate price of P30 to 35/kg.
Another farm visited was that of farmer-cooperator Rommel N. Lunag. The 1.2-hectare farm was planted with 200 trees of Ponkan and Satsuma varieties. It also has a production volume of 30 to 35 tons/hectare. Farm gate price (fruits) ranged from P30 to 40/kg.
According to Lunag, the technology intervention he received for his farm included best practices on fertilizer application and irrigation.
DOST Secretary Fortunato T. dela Peña, CVAARRD officials and staff members, local government units (LGUs), local and national media, PCAARRD, and Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) officials and students, among others, joined the farm visits. (DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Services).