The Status of Tobacco Production in llocos Sur

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess tobacco production in Ilocos Sur during the cropping period, September 2003 to April 2004. Majority of the tobacco farmers planted in less than a hectare of land located on plain areas. No farmers planted in salty area nor in large scale (more than 2 has). Not all of the tobacco farmers owned a curing barn or "pugon". Majority of them still maintain carabaos/cattles or livestock and still used the traditional plow. Most of the farmers borrowed capital from trading centers and only few borrowed from a cooperative. Income from tobacco is still good in all modes of selling for small scale production but, in medium scale ofproduction, the tobacco produce must be sold in bulk and by classified mode. There were no significant differences in income in small scale production disposed under the different modes of selling. However significant differences in income occurred in medium scale production under the three modes of selling. This means that the tobacco produce gathered from a larger area of land can he better sold in bulk and classified modes. There was no significant differences on net income as regards to scale ofproduction The tobacco farmers should maintain planting tobacco on a land that is suitable or not salty. Small producers should have communal curing barns; to join a farmer with a "pugon" if the scale of production is small unless there is a pre-set marketing scheme of selling tobacco as green leaves or "pakyaw" tobacco plants readyfor harvest that is purchased at an agreed amount, Small scale farmers can likewise maintain a draft animal and traditional plow better than borrowing money just to acquire a tractor. Cooperatives must have more active role in addressing to critical needs of farmers and identify or emulate the loan features preferred by farmers as offered by trading centers. Persistently low income tobacco farmers can shift to alternative crops like hybrid corn, cassava, soya beans, and mung beans. Tobacco produced below that can be sold by any mode (assorted, classified, green leaves) but large scale tobacco production can be better sold in bulk and by the classified mode. The scale ofproduction has no significant effect on net income, therefore, farmers should produce tobacco that is manageable in terms of capital and labor for better quality, good harvest, and higher net income. The provincial government is duty bound to implement responsive development programs to motivate the tobacco farmers since the excise tax coming from tobacco, whichformspart of the government revenue, is at stake.