Growing Interest! Kidapawan City Joins Garlic, Onion Farming

Two farmers of Kidapawan City will lead Garlic and Onion farming in the Capital City of North Cotabato known for its fertile soil, fair rainfall and highland springs.
Farmers Marciano Sumagaysay Jr. and Pastor Onesimo Gersava have each allocated one hectare for the Pilot Farms of Red Onion and Ilocos White Garlic in Luvimin, Kidapawan City.
They will be our first partners in the planting of these two high-value crops which are heavily imported.
Their participation in the program was accidental.
I was on my way back to the city from our Soybeans Model Farm in Luvimin when I passed by the area of Jun Sumagaysay who asked for my advice on what to plant in his -3-hectare area which was formerly planted to Cavendish Bananas.
When I inspected the area, I found it suitable for Sorghum, Soybeans, Garlic and Onion.
While we were in the field discussing our plans for his farm, Pastor Gersava passed by and also indicated his interest in planting Onion and Garlic in his 1-hectare farm.
Yesterday, the deep plowing was completed in Jun Sumagaysay’s area while Pastor Gersava’s farm will be plowed tomorrow.
Next week, the first Onion and Garlic Farms will be established in Kidapawan City to serve as a model for other farmers.
Under a scheme designed by Vetmate Farma Corp., the Garlic and Onion Farms of Jun Sumagaysay and Pastor Gersava will be developed at no expense to them.
The planting materials, fertilizer and farm inputs, including labor, will be shouldered by Vetmate Farma Corp. which will also buy the produce.
The expenses will be deducted from the proceeds and the rest of the income will go to the landowners.
“God works in mysterious ways,” said Pastor Gersava who did not expect to meet me in the fields which would start the realization of his long-time dream of planting Bulb Onion and Garlic.
#KungGustoMaramingParaan!
(Photos of Red Onion Bulbs were downloaded from Caraga DA website while the Ilocos Garlic was downloaded from PCCARD website.)