In the world of farming, where uncertainties and challenges are plenty, success requires more than just agricultural knowledge and skills. Enrico Batungbacal, a seasoned fruit farmer from Zambales with 35 years of experience, shares valuable tips for aspiring farmers to build a thriving business. By embracing passion, overcoming obstacles, understanding the environment, and mastering the art of marketing, farmers can lay the foundation for a fulfilling agricultural venture. [READ: Fruitful heritage: Family-owned farm in Zambales still producing mango for 35 years](https://www.agriculture.com.ph/2023/07/04/fruitful-heritage-family-owned-farm-in-zambales-still-produces-mangoes-after-35-years/)

Passion: The driving force behind success

Passion serves as the cornerstone of any successful endeavor, and farming is no exception. According to Enrico, genuine interest in your chosen field fuels your motivation to learn, excel, and innovate. To cultivate this passion, he advises aspiring farmers to seek information from diverse sources such as magazines, books, and industry experts. Additionally, connecting with fellow farmers and gaining international exposure by visiting other countries can provide valuable insights and fresh perspectives. Honeydew melons are harvested using pruning shears. (Batungbacal Farm)
“Visit other countries to experience and see their perspective. And of course, relating it to your own experience, your own observation on your farm,” he said. This integration allows for continuous improvement. Without a genuine interest in farming, growth becomes limited, and the repetition of old practices hinders progress.

Focus on product quality and differentiation

While selling mangoes alone may seem profitable, Enrico advises farmers to concentrate on producing high-quality, delicious, and blemish-free fruits, regardless of their chosen crop. Farmers can differentiate themselves in the market by striving for excellence in product quality and establishing a reputation for delivering superior goods. This focus on excellence contributes to customer satisfaction and loyalty, enabling farmers to command premium prices for their produce. To achieve these goals, farmers must continuously refine their production systems. Enrico highlights the significance of adapting to challenges, particularly in relation to adverse weather conditions. For example, in response to typhoons damaging his papaya crops, he developed a system to ensure their survival during such calamities. Similarly, he improved the resilience of honeydew melon crops by constructing sturdy plastic tunnels to protect them from heavy rainfall. Manual harvesting of honeydew melon under the the protecting tunnel shed. (Batungbacal Farm)
[READ: Fruitful heritage: Family-owned farm in Zambales still producing mango for 35 years](https://www.agriculture.com.ph/2023/07/03/fruitful-heritage-family-owned-farm-in-zambales-still-produces-mangoes-after-35-years/)

Navigating challenges

Farming is inherently challenging, and success hinges on a farmer's ability to persevere through difficult times. Enrico stresses the importance of resilience and the willingness to learn from failures. “You need a little bit of grit. There are times that you will fail, not once but many times. If you really do not like the field, it is easy to give up,” he said.  In the face of setbacks, farmers must view these experiences as opportunities for growth and development.

Understanding and reading the weather

The weather plays a crucial role in farming, and farmers who can interpret its patterns gain a competitive advantage. Enrico’s ability to read weather signals has enabled him to make informed decisions and adapt his farming practices accordingly. Anticipating changes in weather conditions, farmers can protect their crops, optimize production schedules, and mitigate potential losses. Papayas are supported with bamboo poles as support from strong winds. (Batungbacal Farm)
Over his 35-year career, Enrico has learned to read the weather and anticipate its impact on his crops. By recognizing signs such as the flowering of banaba trees or the emergence of winged termites, he gains insights into the arrival of the rainy season and adjusts his farming practices accordingly. This understanding allows him to optimize production and ensure the delivery of high-quality mangoes. “Typically, our mango harvest in Zambales concludes by May 15th because that's when the rainy season begins. After that time, the quality of mangoes tends to decline in quality during the rainy season,” he explains.

Knowing how to sell your produce

Producing the product alone is insufficient for sustained success. “Not only you should know how to produce, but also you should know how to sell your product. If you can’t do that, you will not succeed,” Enrico said. Farmers must also possess effective marketing skills to ensure their products reach the intended market and generate profitable returns. Enrico suggests the need to secure a market before initiating large-scale planting. “Before we start planting, we make sure first that we have a market. If we're uncertain about the market demand, we are not going to plant,” he said. “Or if we are going to plant just to learn how to grow it or get our feet wet, we only plant on a very small portion of the land.” The planting beds are raised to prevent flooding. (Batungbacal Farm)
Moreover, understanding the dynamics of the market and avoiding over-reliance on middlemen is crucial. Enrico advises that farmers should aim to establish direct connections with buyers and explore alternative marketing channels, such as farmers' markets, local businesses, and online platforms. Farmers can maximize their profits and maintain control over their pricing and revenue by adopting a proactive approach to selling their produce. Enrico Batungbacal's experience as a fruit farmer offers valuable insights for individuals aspiring to build successful farming businesses. Passion, continuous improvement, resilience, and effective marketing strategies form the foundation of a thriving agricultural venture. Farmers can overcome challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and cultivate prosperous and fulfilling farming careers by embracing these principles. *Photo courtesy of Batungbacal Farm* [*Read more about farming and gardening at agriculture.com.ph*](https://www.agriculture.com.ph/)