Development of Alternative Crops for Tobacco in Ilocos Sur

Abstract

This study as conducted in Ilocos Sur from 1988-1989 to : 1) identify and develop alternate crops that would equal or even surpass income benefits from tobacco in anticipation of future decline in tobacco demand; 2) further improve the agricultural sector with the introduction of more versatile crops mixes given the agro-climatic characteristics of the province; and 3) increase income of farmers and thereby uplift their socio-economic well-being. Trials of test crops like: garlic, cotton, mungbean, watermelon and green corn were conducted in farmer's field in strategic places in Ilocos Sur with three farmer-cooperators for each test crop at an area of 1,000 square meters. Cost of production, yield, gross sales and income of the different test crops were compared to those of tobacco which was also represented by three farmer-cooperators. Findings of the study revealed that a net return of P 58,378.00 was obtained from watermelon came next with a difference of P 38,570.00 as compared to tobacco; watermelon came next with a difference of P 38,570.00; green corn, P 1,921.00; and mungbean, P 666.00. The lowest was registered in cotton with a difference of P 5,572 in favor of tobacco. Based on the findings, it is concluded that garlic and watermelon are the best alternative crops for tobacco because they registered the highest in net return as compared to the other test crops. Hence, they are highly recommended as alternate crops for tobacco.