Copra to Crops: A Farmer's Journey to Agricultural Success

Written by ROLANDO D. PARREÑO

Growing up, my youth was marked by a delicate balance between education and labor. While my peers enjoyed their weekends, I spent mine working on copra or coconut processing. This was essential to ensure I had enough money for daily expenses and school allowance come Monday.

Our copra farm was a diverse ecosystem, with banana plants filling the spaces between coconut trees, alongside taro and San Fernando plants. It was here that my love for planting took root, a passion that seemed destined to shape my future.

Choosing TVET and Agri Crops NC II

My chosen path led me to TESDA and Kaluppâ Foundation, specifically the Agricultural Crop Production (ACP) NC II course. With a background in farming inherited from my parents, this choice felt natural. My brother's purchase of a piece of land further solidified my decision.

Although I had been working abroad as a welder, my heart was set on farming. My brother's request for me to manage the land he bought was the catalyst I needed to resign and fully commit to agriculture.

Enrolling in the TVET program at Kaluppa Foundation was a turning point. The training provided me with invaluable knowledge, from vermicomposting to Nitrogen fertilizer production techniques. I learned to soak madre cacao leaves in water for ten days to create a potent fertilizer, which I applied to my crops with excellent results. My pechay plants (Chinese cabbage) thrived, free from insect problems, thanks to the hands-on application of my training.

The skills I acquired through the TVET program were comprehensive, covering nursery operations, planting, crops care and maintenance, harvesting, pest management, and organic fertilizer application. I earned certifications for each core competency and NC II, with practical activities including budding, grafting, air layering, proper planting techniques, seedling growth, fertilizer formulation, soil testing, and pest control.

Mentors like Ma’am Ally, Ma’am Bevs. and Sir Rafa were instrumental in my journey. Balancing training with farm management was challenging, often requiring me to leave training early to oversee farm operations. Time management was a significant obstacle, but I managed to navigate it successfully.

Starting My Agricultural Career

In early 2024, my brother and I prepared the land using tractors, built a small hut, and experimented with different crops while I was still studying ACP NC II. I began harvesting and selling vegetables to my classmates, a routine that continued until the training ended. My knowledge of farming and pest management grew, and I started supplying vegetables to the market, neighbors, and nearby barangays.

Upon completing the ACP NC II training, I applied my newfound knowledge to our farm. The crops flourished and were sold, marking the beginning of my agricultural career. Farming became my passion and profession, and I now manage the farm, utilizing all the skills I gained from planting to harvesting and selling produce.

I practiced intercropping, crop rotation, and companion planting, all of which were highly effective. Crop rotation helped condition the soil, making it more fertile. I rested the soil for a month before planting again. Additionally, I incorporated stingless bees, vermiculture, and other farming practices that contributed to the farm's success.

Farming wasn't without its challenges. I faced failures, such as incorrect fertilizer application, which caused plant diseases. However, I learned the right formulation and application methods. Pest management was also a challenge, but I used various techniques like insect repellents and attractants, which proved effective.

The Impact of NC II Certification

The Agricultural Crops Production NC II certification has been a significant advantage, aiding in production and farm development. It's crucial to apply the knowledge gained; otherwise, the certification is meaningless. The course has positively impacted my personal life and career, allowing me to improve and develop our farm. I contribute to the community by supplying vegetables to the market and residents.

I encourage future scholars of TESDA and Kaluppâ Foundation to take the ACP course, as it can significantly impact their lives if they apply what they learn. For those aspiring to start a farm, whether small or large, I believe they can succeed because I did. Stay positive and keep learning.

My journey from copra to crops is a testament to resilience and growth. With determination and the right training, I transformed challenges into opportunities, cultivating not just crops but a fulfilling career in agriculture.