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Agricultural Approach

Protected Cultivation of High Value Vegetables

The Philippines experiences wet and dry seasons. In some parts of the country, the wet season is much more pronounced making it difficult for vegetable farming to be sustained. In addition, in recent years, there is an increase in the severity of typhoons, causing higher rainfall intensities. Protected cultivation of high value vegetables (cauliflower, lettuce, and sweet pepper) is currently being practiced by constructing structures covered in plastic to house the vegetables. This method is documented in the Millenium Development Goals Achievement Fund and Philippine Climate Change Adaptation Project under the Department of Agriculture.
Climate Adaptation Effectiveness

The structure provides a controlled and consistent water input from the installed drip irrigation system while protecting the vegetables from heavy rainfall and strong winds during the wet season. During the dry season, it serves as protection from high temperatures outside.

Climate Hazards

  • Tropical Cyclone

Locations

  • Santa Rita, Samar, Region VIII (Eastern Visayas)
  • Atok, Benguet, CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region)
  • Buguias, Benguet, CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region)

Adaptation Sectors

  • Agriculture

CCET Instuments

  • Action Delivery

Target Group based on Vulnerability

Basic Sectors:
  • Children
  • Farmers and Landless Rural Workers
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Senior Citizens
  • Women
  • Youth and Students

Evaluations

Economic / Financial Effectiveness
Mid

The initial upfront cost of the protective structure is PhP 113,500/100m2 with a 2-year return on investment. The structure allowed vegetable production year round and increased vegetable yields, thereby increasing the income of the farmers. There is an expected 50% return and an additional annual profit of Php 58,450.

Technical Feasibility
High

It is recommended to conduct workshops to orient farmers on the construction of the structures, installation of the irrigation system, and farm management. Bulk of the initial cost is allotted to the materials needed for the aluminum structure as well as for the irrigation system. The structure lasts about 10 years while the irrigation system is suggested to be replaced every 5 years.

Social Acceptability
Mid

In Sanda Rita, Samar, 5% of vegetable farmers currently adopt protected cultivation to maximize year long crop production. But in Atok and Buguias, Benguet, it is only used during very low temperature conditions.

Environmental Impact
High (+)

Use of protective structures minimizes the use of pesticides because it limits pest infestation. This lowers the chemical input in the farm, improving the water and soil quality, and minimizing contribution to soil acidification.

Other Information

This is documented in the MDGF PhilCCAP project - DA Component)

Mitigation co-benefit

Keywords

high value crops, climate resilient agriculture, drip irrigation, permanent structures; pest and nutrient manaqement; protected cultivation; vegetables

References

• VSU-CIAT-DA, (n.d.) Protected Cultivation of High Value Vegetables. https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ciat-pdfstorage.appspot.com/o/CRA-DS%2FCRA%20Technical%20Briefs%2FCRA%20Technical%20Brief_Samar_Protected%20Cultivation%20of%20HV%20Vegetables.pdf?alt=media&token=26f88606-b2c0-4471-818d-44c1fc77b327'

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