Problems and Needs of Sugarcane Farming in llocos Sur

Abstract

The study identified the problems that beset the farmers or tenants as well as the needs in sugarcane farming in Ilocos Sur. Likewise, it sought to determine the profile of sugarcane farming in terms of land area, estimated expenses, and estimated gross sales. The study covered nine (9) municipalities of Ilocos Sur,· namely, Alilem, Magsingal, Quirino, San Juan, San Ildefonso, Sinait, Sta. Maria, Sto. Domingo, and Vigan. It utilized the descriptive method of research with the aid of a questionnaire supplemented by personal interviews. The greatest problems encountered in sugarcane production were: lack of capital for expansion, strenuous work where there was no sugarcane milling machine or "dadapilan", high cost ofinputs, lack of equipment technology, imbalanced increase of the cost of inputs over the sales price, low price especially during harvest season, and lack of government support on the marketing of the commodity. The following are the recommendations:  1) To promote sugarcane farming, there should be a project of the government on sugarcane planting, buying all the products at a good price, and promoting sugarcane products by distributing them to different associations/organizations for livelihood project giving all the necessary support and motivation; 2) Incentives should be provided to those who grow sugarcane through competition programs until it yields a stable income to the growers and the government, 3) The hybrid sugarcane and the new technology of harvesting twice a year should be documented and widely disseminated to the farmers; 4) Contimuing technology should be done once started so that the existing products from sugarcane can be increased; 5) Cash sales should prevail; and 6) The needs/aspirations and the problems of the sugarcane farmers should be addressed to motivate the farmers to produce more sugarcane.