by RALPH LAUREN ABAINZA
To wrap up another fruitful year, here's a look back at what stories captivated the hearts and minds of many on the Agriculture Magazine website this 2022.
From organic fertilizer making to insights on raising rabbits, this year's most-read articles were mostly about agribusiness ventures. This is but a fitting trend in the year seen by many as a hopeful time to start again after reeling from the effects of the pandemic.
Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ) can spur plant growth
A how-to guide on producing a Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ) tops the list of the most-read articles on Agriculture Magazine's website this 2022. It features a simple step-by-step guide to creating an FPJ, an organic concoction typically made from young shoots of fast-growing plants fermented with the aid of molasses. It is a very useful fertilizer that helps in increasing the fruiting process of plants and increases yield in leafy green vegetables.
Read: Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ) can spur plant growth
Balayong: The Philippine cherry blossom
The second most-read article this year is a backgrounder about the Palawan Cherry, locally known as balayong. Balayong is a small to medium-sized tree widely distributed in the province of Palawan and is known as the country's very own cherry blossom tree that also grows pink flowers similar to those in Japan.
Read: Balayong: The Philippine cherry blossom
Stephania erecta: a beginner’s guide
A handy feature on growing Stephania erecta, an ornamental plant, is this year's third most-read article. This strange-looking plant from Thailand has gained popularity among indoor plant enthusiasts. Its shield-shaped leaves and smooth potato-like tuber makes it attention-worthy.
Read: Stephania erecta: a beginner’s guide
These eco-bricks are four times stronger than your regular hollow blocks
The fourth in the list is all about the potential of plastic to be a construction material. Plastics are non-biodegradable materials that may take forever to decompose, plaguing both land and sea. However, a construction group in the Philippines shares insights on how they use plastics to create bricks that are said to be stronger than regular hollow blocks.
Read: These eco-bricks are four times stronger than your regular hollow blocks
Gabi: An indigenous vegetable of the Philippines
Gabi is one of the oldest cultivated food crops in the Philippines. This fifth most-read article explores the interesting etymology behind the name gabi, all about the plant's physical attributes, and its variety of uses. As a bonus, you'll get to know some tips to successfully grow a gabi plant.
Read: Gabi: An indigenous vegetable of the Philippines
How to make Oriental Herbal Nutrient (OHN) for natural farming
This how-to article explores the wonders of Oriental Herbal Nutrient (OHN) and a simple guide to concocting it. An OHN is a mixture of aromatic herb extracts often used in organic farming to prevent the growth of plant disease-causing anaerobic bacteria.
Read: How to make Oriental Herbal Nutrient (OHN) for natural farming
Raising rabbits can be a low-cost but profitable business
Rabbits are cute long-eared animals usually raised as pets, but in some parts of the world, they are also considered a valuable protein source. In this article, a rabbit raiser shared his success story and some valuable insights for those who would also like to venture into this business.
Read: Raising rabbits can be a low-cost but profitable business
How to make Fermented Fruit Juice for fertilizer
Another fertilizer how-to guide made it to this year's top ten list. This time, it is all about Fermented Fruit Juice (FFJ), a nutritional activation enzyme also known as artificial honey. FFJ helps in improving the condition of the soil and can also enhance the flavor of edible crops.
Read: How to make Fermented Fruit Juice for fertilizer
An Overview of the Rabbit Industry in the Philippines
As the name suggests, the year's ninth most-read article explores the local rabbit industry and the current efforts of the government to support rabbit raisers in the Philippines. It also gave some valuable insights into the importance of rabbit meat production in achieving food security.
Read: An Overview of the Rabbit Industry in the Philippines
Native Chicken Farming
The last, but definitely not the least, in this year's top 10 most-read articles, is an in-depth feature about native chicken farming. From native chicken characteristics to tips on treating some common diseases of chicken, the article shares valuable information for those who are interested in venturing into native chicken farming.
Read: Native Chicken Farming
As cliche as it is, this list is just the tip of the iceberg. There are still a lot more articles to learn from and inspirational farm features on the Agriculture Magazine website.
From how-tos to inspirational farm stories, the Agriculture Magazine will continue sharing the wonders of agriculture with more people in the coming years. Wishing everyone a fruitful new year!