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Sayote virus no effect on prod’n

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (Oct. 24) — The reported tymo-virus and squash leaf curl that allegedly affected chayote seemed not to affect the volume of production of this vegetable, now referred to as “hanging green gold”.

“Sobra ti produksyon,” (There is excessive production) Jose Andiso, chair of the Benguet Farmers’ Federation (BFF) revealed during the Kapihan sa Benguet here. He said around 168 tons are produced daily by five chayote producing towns of Kibungan, Atok, Bakun, Tublay and Kapangan in northern Benguet alone.

Because of the over-supply, the federation is trying to contain production in the existing plantations, Andiso told the media. He added that BFF now discourages new chayote plantations, which he said would make portions of the mountain bald.

“Saan met a mabalin nga isubli ti produkto ti farmers ta ag-ungetda,” (It is not possible to reject the produce of farmers because they will get angry). Andiso said that the federation now regulates plantations.

However, according to Andiso, this does not mean that the demand for chayote has dwindled. He said it is because production is really big these days.

Chayote is one of the best crops according to upland farmers. It only requires a little care, and an almost zero agro-chemical input. Some even claim that it is among the very few organic upland vegetables and does not require any pesticide. Rotting leaves from alnus and other vegetation fertilizes this vine. It does not require daily care but production depends on the pruning and removal of mature drying leaves. A plant can grow for as long as five years, without replanting, the farmers say.

The farm gate price of chayote in Benguet usually ranges from P0.50-P1. per kilogram. Once it reaches P2-P3 a kilo, it is not bad for the farmer, according to Department of Agriculture’s Patricio Ananayo.

In Baguio City’s hangar market, however, chayote commands a retail price of P6/P10 per kilo.

Chayote production also requires less capital investment compared to other crops, revealed Ananayo. He claims that only P118,000 is needed to plant one hectare to chayote. Moreover, the return of investment may be expected in a year’s time.

Chayote production is still expected to increase as DA claims that all Benguet towns have the capacity to produce. Of the 13 towns only Buguias and Mankayan, being highly developed in other temperate vegetable production, do not produce chayote in commercial quantities.

To further promote the produce, a one-day Chayote Festival to feature the many uses of the produce will be held on November 23 at the Capitol Grounds, here. # Lyn V. Ramo for NORDIS

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