Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant ( Stevia rebaudiana ). Hailing from Brazil and Paraguay, stevia has been used to sweeten food and drink since the 16th century. It is currently gaining popularity as a sugar substitute due to its low calorie and carbohydrate content. In...
Everyone has been living in survival mode over the past few years. Even so, there have been folks who have served as beacons of hope in these dark times. Today, we honor some of them and the work they have done to better the lives of others. In the field of agriculture, the Manila Bulletin presents...
Makeshift farm facilities in Capiz introduce students to hydroponics SEEDS OF THE FUTURE Students join their teacher in their school-based hydroponic facility in Capiz in this undated photo. Kids used to take care of their makeshift farm at school before the onset of the pandemic, generating income...
The digital age has created a lot of opportunities for many sectors, including agriculture. Numerous farmers and agribusinesses have gone online to stay relevant, especially during the pandemic when physical contact is limited. Aside from launching their online business pages, some farmers have...
By Daniel Jason Maches Sagada, Mountain Province is one of the Philippines’ top producers of high-quality Arabica coffee. Most of its coffee comes from a northern barangay called Aguid, known for its steep and challenging terrain. Here, it’s women who are on the lead of the community’s...
Beekeeping, as its name suggests, is the science and art of raising and breeding bees in bee hives or boxes for honey and wax. There are other terms for beekeeping that vary depending on the type of bees raised. They are as follows: Apiculture Apiculture is the act of rearing honey-producing bees,...
Books and schools always tell us the importance of eating fruits and vegetables every day. However, a 2016 study revealed that Filipinos, particularly adolescents, consume fewer fruits and vegetables than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends. East-West Seed (EWS) Philippines, the market...
There are several famous personalities who have chosen to explore different areas of agriculture. Some have gone into aquaculture, while others have chosen livestock and crop production. Media professionals Julius Caesar Concepcion Babao, popularly known as Julius Babao, and Christine...
By Antonio G. Papa, Ph.D. Per report of the World Water Development in 2006, there are five challenges as far as surface water supply is concerned. These include: 1) diminishing surface water supply, 2) water pollution and contamination, 3) run-away population growth, 4) conflict or competition in...
AVANT GARDENER Yvette Tan This year will mark Agriculture magazine’s 25th anniversary. The magazine’s first issue appeared on the newsstands in October 1997 with the headlines “Alfredo Rivera: He developed his market before going into full production” and “El Nino and our Fisheries.”...
Successful agriculture interventions are key to attaining peace and stability in Mindanao, especifically in Basilan, aspiring vice president Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said. Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan (Photo courtesy of Team Kiko) "Pretty much, dito sa (here in) Mindanao, yung mga...
Tomato, aka kamatis in Tagalog, is a crop that is extensively farmed nationwide because of high market demand and ease of production. There are farmers who cultivate them primarily for a living, and then there are home gardeners who grow them within their residence for private consumption and...
