Peanut Production in Central Luzon, Philippines: An Assessment of Farmer Practices, Challenges, and Profitability
Abstract
Peanut is a crucial leguminous crop grown by farmers in Central Luzon, acknowledged for its economic and ecological significance. Peanuts function as a versatile rotation crop, thriving in warm regions with well-drained, sandy or loamy soils, and significantly contribute to sustainable farming methods by enhancing soil fertility. Central Luzon, recognized as a key peanut-producing area in the Philippines, significantly contributes to fulfilling the demand for this crop. Nonetheless, numerous challenges remain, obstructing the growth and productivity of the industry. Farmers in the region encounter challenges including restricted access to premium seeds, dependence on conventional farming techniques, and vulnerability to pests and diseases. Due to insufficient support for training, extension services, and research funding, the identified challenges result in decreased yields and variable production quality. Mechanization, especially in the context of labor-intensive harvesting, is still not fully developed, resulting in smallholder farmers relying on inefficient and time-consuming methods.
This paper presents a thorough evaluation of peanut production in Central Luzon, including an analysis of farms and farmers, an assessment of production costs and returns, identification of constraints, proposed interventions, and a review of current research and development initiatives. Notable challenges encompass restricted access to high-quality seeds, inadequate training and extension support, and a deficiency in mechanized post-harvest equipment. The demanding processes of planting, weeding, and harvesting significantly constrain the growth of peanut production areas and overall yields. To effectively address these gaps, it is essential to foster collaboration among stakeholders. This includes the development of suitable machinery for small farm holdings, the implementation of training programs, and the enhancement of investment in peanut research and extension.
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