Sitaw (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis) is a high-value crop that can be produced within 50 to 65 days. This widely grown veggie is a popular ingredient in local dishes like adobong sitaw, pinakbet, and kare-kare.
It is full of vitamins K and C, folic acid, protein, niacin, and more. It is also rich in fiber that assists in lowering high cholesterol levels.
Aside from these health benefits, it won’t be hard to produce this crop since it can be grown in any month throughout the year.
Grow sitaw from seed in just two months by following this guide:
Immerse the sitaw seeds in water for 30 minutes without chlorine as this will help in their germination.
The growth and health of plants will heavily rely on the content of the growing medium. Growers must use nutrient-rich soil for prolific harvests.
Sow two sitaw seeds in each polybag or planter. Water the seeds afterward. Transplant the seedlings in a bigger area to promote their growth after 15 days. Once transferred into a new location, water the plant once a week.
Using wood or bamboo that's one and a half meters long, build stakes to support the fruits of the plant as it grows. Apply one tablespoon of complete fertilizer around the soil and top it with vermicast to keep the sitaw plants healthy and pest-resistant. Water every after fertilizing.
Harvest sitaw when it’s still green, or within two months from its planting date.
Watch AgriTalk: 2 Easy learning video series episodes 46 and 47.
For more information, contact the farmers’ contact center at 09209462474.
A guide from AgriTalk’s 2 Easy Learning Video Series presented by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and Manila Bulletin’s Agriculture Online.