Can anyone suggest what crop should I plant in my 7,000 sqm property in Lipa, Batangas, Philippines?

Question

The property has been idle for some time and I am thinking of maximizing it, especially now that there is a food shortage world wide. Problem is, I don't have a background in farming which is why I am posting this question -- given the relatively small size of my property, what crop will give me the best returns with the least effort?

Answer 1

Your property is big enough to bring in a lot of money for you. That part about best returns with least effort bothers me though. The kind of farming you are going to have to do to make it on your property is going to take a maximum effort and a lot of commitment. You need to grow organic fruits and vegetables to make the most money off of 7,000 square meters. Strawberries are a good money maker, along with some fruits that require planting only once, like blackberry and raspberry canes. Then think about as many vegetables as you can market. But you should be aware before you start, this is not going to be a spare time job. If you are willing to really work at it I think you will do well.

Answer 2

Actually you have enough to really do a nice job and make some good money considering your location and the huge amount of tourists that come to see the sites (the volcano island). You need to evaluate what you have as far as soil quality and how much effort is needed to clear the area. If it is clear (was it a farm at one time) and the soil is at least basically alright, you need both a short term and longer term strategy(ies). What niche market can you take advantage of? Look at restaurants. See who is delivering their produce. If it is shipped in it is poor quality compared to what a decent home grown product you could provide. Know the tourist! If you have a lot of Western money, they will pay big bucks for a great salad, they paid big bucks to get there so they have it! Give it to them. If you can keep it organic, you command a higher price but you need to get an education or educated help. Quality is important and so is the variety. Heat tolerant lettuce of different texture and color is available and is your base product. You also need things like arugula for that great spicy zing, spinach and chard, as well as mizzuna, for frill and flavor. Things like bok choy for the Eastern trade and many many more. Many of the greens can be beds set up for "cut and come again", clipped off small and close so the tasty tiny leaf is harvested and the roots keep pushing up more in cycles. That is a great way to deal with a colder region plant that bolts (goes to seed) to fast in the warm, as with the greenhouse varieties. Now get some great "heirloom" varieties of peppers and tomatoes. That is a special treat and a great selling point, your niche market. Now this is all great, but wait! You might be able to get some water cress going for that great peppery leaf, and you absolutely can't serve a salad without edible flowers! The money from the edible flowers alone can really be a great kick. Also, you can grow cut flowers for table settings in the same establishments. Restaurants are a great way to get a good income from a great product, and the Chef will insist on it, management can go to h**l for all a Chef cares, they just want to serve great food. So these are all the short term projects to get the money started. You have to consider that you will want some cooling equipment to chill a product down as soon as it is in or you will be forced to forever be harvesting at the crack of dawn while the cool night air can help to maintain the product and you need to get it to the restaurants quickly by breakfast opening. Pick to order. Now with money coming in you can start to work on your next plan. Maybe you have other assets I am unaware of on your land. Got a small stream or lake? Farm a few fish to grow watercress. Like fruit trees, plant some and work them into the big picture while your other products pay the immediate bill. A few special fruit items can only bring in extra and they can also give shelter to your cooler loving salad items. Maybe some free range organic fed chickens for eggs. There are three meals in a typical day and they all have certain items that are required. Your job is to grow a product that the money people absolutely have to have. Lots of choices. I envy you your position. You have room and are in a spot to make money on the tourist trade and not have to deal with the retail market, unless that is your wish. You can do that also but more labor might be needed to sell. Be more than happy to help with more detail if you have any other info or pics.

Answer 3

You can plant vegetables such as pechay, carrots, chili, and tomatoes. These are high value crops that you can sell in the market at high prices.

Answer 4

rice maybe

Answer 5

I suggest you should plant the Cabbage it will bring you more income.