The municipality of La Trinidad in Benguet, known for being the strawberry capital due to its high yield, aside from other agricultural commodities, is expected to triple its production with the adoption of the “raised bed-technology.”
In an interview on Friday, Nida Organo, municipal agriculture officer of La Trinidad, said by using the technology, the yield will reach 1.5 kg. per plant, compared to between 300 grams and 500 grams using the traditional way of ground planting.
The elevated planting method will triple the land area, with the topmost tier measuring about four feet high.
“We are proposing the adoption of the raised bed technology, which has been proven to be adaptable in the municipality,” Organo said.
“That is what we are recommending if farmers can afford or maybe the government can fund it.”
The capitalization for a 1-square-meter by 10-square-meter area is estimated at PHP10,000 using steel for the structure and polyethylyne plastic for the layers.
“The initial capital is quite high but the gain from the succeeding years will be good,” she said.
She said the benefits from the raised bed planting include the maximized use of the land, high potential for planting, no pollution from the water source, absence of possible defecation of stray animals, and no weeds, making it less labor-intensive.
She pointed out that they are proposing the technology for the whole La Trinidad Valley, not just at the strawberry farm in Barangay Betag.
Aside from strawberries, the raised bed is also applicable for green and leafy vegetables, such as the different varieties of lettuce, which are also grown at the strawberry farm.
Mayor Roderick Osis, during the meet the press on Thursday, said that the raised bed technology is a short-term solution they are eyeing to address the damage at the strawberry farm due to persistent flooding in the area. (PNA)
