New Frontier! Batangas Company Starts Garlic Farming In Alamada

A Batangas-based company, Vetmate Farma Corporation, is set to establish the first-ever large scale Garlic Production Farm in Alamada, North Cotabato.
Vetmate Farma Corproation, owned by my friend German Panghulan, had long started the advocacy to develop a large-scale Garlic Production Farm but its previous efforts did not succeed because of the lack of a suitable area.
Two weeks ago, however, I shared with German an information which I gathered from farmers in Rangayen, Alamada who said that they had successfully planted Garlic in the past.
While they produced good quality Garlic, the undertaking did not prosper because of the lack of technology, planting materials and access to the market.
Within the month, Vetmate Farma Corp. will dispatch a technical team from Ilocos Region to Alamada to determine the best location for the large-scale Garlic Production.
Just like many Mindanao farmers, I am not really familiar with Garlic farming, so I did some research online and found this interesting article written by Maria Risa Masa and posted in agraryo.com.
Here are excerpts lifted from Maria Risa Masa’s article:
“Garlic, scientifically known as Allium sativum L., is a perennial herb that is grown throughout the world. It produces a bulb that is surrounded by sheaths that are actually composed of thin-shelled bulblets, cloves, or sets, all of which are capable of forming a new plant. It is the bulblet in fresh or in processed form that is used for food, condiment, and medicinal purposes.
“The average yield of garlic in the Philippines is very low at 2.78 t/ha compared to about 10.6 t/ha in Thailand. This is due to the state of garlic planting materials which, through the years, have accumulated diseases through asexual propagation. Up until 1970, the only virus disease is known as the tangle top disease. The Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC) has since identified the onion yellow dwarf virus, garlic common latent virus, shallot latent virus, and other viruses as also present.
“Overview of Garlic Farming
“Garlic has been celebrated for its culinary and medicinal properties for centuries. As a result, garlic farming is one of the most profitable and easy ways to produce a high-yield crop. This guide will provide an overview of garlic farming, walking you through the basics of starting a garlic farm, cultivating and harvesting the crop, and marketing and selling your garlic. With the right information, garlic farming is a great way to make a good profit.
“The Benefits of Growing Garlic
“Garlic farming can be quite a lucrative form of agriculture. There are a number of financial and other benefits that come with growing garlic. The first benefit is that garlic is a relatively low-maintenance crop that doesn’t require a lot of resources to cultivate. Additionally, it can be grown almost anywhere, so it is a great option for farmers with limited land or resources. Additionally, garlic has a long shelf life and can be stored for long periods of time, making it easier to store and transport. Finally, garlic has a great market value, as it is in high demand, and is often used in a variety of culinary dishes. With the right knowledge and resources, growing garlic can be a great source of profit for farmers.
“1. Financial Benefits
Garlic farming is a lucrative agricultural business that offers numerous financial rewards for growers. With the right management and cultivation techniques, farmers can easily yield a profit from their garlic crops. Studies have demonstrated that garlic can bring in yields of up to 12,000-15,000 kg/ha, with returns of up to Php 130,000 per hectare. Garlic is also a much sought-after commodity, with prices ranging from Php 70 to Php 300 per kilo, depending upon the variety, location, and season. Therefore, garlic farming can be a highly profitable venture – with the right resources and investments.
“2. Nutritional Benefits
Garlic is an incredibly nutritious vegetable crop that can provide a range of health benefits. Rich in vitamins and minerals, garlic supplies many vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, and vitamins A, B, and C. Eating garlic can help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, boost the immune system, and ease digestion. Studies have also suggested that regular consumption of garlic can reduce the risk of certain cancers and help fight bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Therefore, growing garlic can not only be profitable but also incredibly beneficial.
“How to Plant Garlic
“Growing garlic is a rewarding experience that can bring in a good profit. To get started, first select a variety of garlic suited to your climate and soil. Once you have your garlic seeds, it is time to prepare the soil. Loose, well-draining soil is best, so make sure to add organic matter, such as compost, and till the soil accordingly. For optimal performance, the soil should be close to pH 6.0.
“When the soil has been prepped, it’s time to plant! Plant each garlic clove, root side down, 2-3 inches deep. Planting 6-8 inches apart will give them plenty of space to grow and mature. When planting, be sure to cover the cloves back up with some soil. Water the planted garlic after planting and keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growth period. This will help the garlic to produce large, healthy bulbs.
“”In the Philippines, garlic has a lot of grown varieties (e.g. Bang-ar, Batanes Red, Ilocos Pink, Ilocos Tan Bolters, Ilocos White, Mexican, and MMSU Gem) mainly in Region I (Ilocos Norte) and Region II (Nueva Vizcaya). According to the Selected Statistics for Agriculture 2017 by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the volume production for garlic in 2021 was 8.2 thousand metric tons representing the 2.6 thousand hectares area planted and harvested in the Philippines.
1. Prepare the land by plowing and harrowing it three times to kill weeds and obtain a fine, firm, smooth and level surface.
2. Plant in 2 to 3 days after preparing furrows 5 inches deep, 15 to 30 inches apart. Spread rice hull evenly throughout the planting area.
3. Before leveling the field, apply a 12-24-12 fertilizer mixture of urea and 14-14-14 or ammonium sulphate and 14-14-14.
4. A garlic clove that will be planted should be prepared the afternoon before the day of planting. Carefully separate the cloves, leaving those that are very small. Do not remove the thick protective scale that surrounds each clove. The cloves should be soaked in 3 tablespoons of Malathion added to 5 gallons of water for 2 minutes, and drained of the solution before planting.
5. The best time to plant garlic is from October to November, when the weather is more conducive to early growth.
6. Hold clove between thumb and forefinger with roots downward. Set one-fourth of the clove under the soil and press soil gently and firmly toward the clove. Rows must be 20 cm apart.
7. In order for bulbs to be formed, they must be cultivate, weeded, and irrigated. Weeding should be done regularly. Maintain normal soil moisture without over-watering. Irrigate the field only when the soil really dries out.
“Harvesting, Curing, and Storing Garlic
Harvesting your garlic crop is essential for a successful farming operation. Garlic cloves should be harvested when the leaves turn yellow and the stems start to dry. Care should be taken when harvesting to avoid damaging the garlic heads, and dirt should be removed from them as soon as possible. Once harvested, garlic bulbs should be cured in a cool and dry place. Curing helps to extend their shelf life and improve flavor. After curing, the garlic bulbs should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. A temperature between 45° and 60°F provides ideal storage conditions, as long as there is plenty of air circulation. Proper storage allows the garlic to maintain its high quality for up to 12 months.
“Questions Related to Garlic Farming
How long does garlic take to grow in the Philippines?
It matures 105 to 120 days after planting. Other varieties such as Batanes White, Batangas White, Ilocos Pink, and Nueva Ecija Pink are available in the country but these varieties are not yet officially recommended for commercial production.
“How profitable is garlic farming?
Garlic is easy to plant, grow and harvest and the plants are compact, so a large amount of garlic can be grown in a small area. In fact, garlic can produce an income of up to Php 130,000 per hectare in just three months, so even a small garlic patch can bring in thousands of pesos.
“”Where does garlic grow in the Philippines?
Ilocos is the largest garlic-producing region in the Philippines, contributing more than 65 percent to the country’s total production. It also has the best comparative advantage because of its agro-climatic suitability.
What month is best to plant garlic in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, garlic grows best during the dry season, and this typically starts from November until early May. This doesn’t mean though that you can not grow it at any other time, except that you might get smaller bulbs during rainy days.”
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