Comparison of Organic and Conventional Production of Carrot in La Trinidad, Benguet

Abstract

The study was conducted to identify organic and conventional carrot production practices, determine the cost and return of organic and conventional carrot production, and to identify the perceived and experienced problems by farmers in organic and conventional carrot production. The study was conducted in the different barangays of La Trinidad, Benguet from October to December 2015. Total enumeration was employed for the respondents of the study with a total of four organic carrot producers and three conventional carrot producers. The study was conducted through personal interview with the aid of interview guide and data sheet for the cost and return. Data gathered were tabulated and analyzed to answer the objectives. Organic farming production practices includes intercropping, fertilizer application, spraying of organic fungicides and insecticides, composting and three times a week frequency of irrigation. Most organic producers of carrot in La Trinidad planted carrot in greenhouses. Conventional producers of carrot also practice fertilizer application, spraying of fungicides and insecticides and three times a week frequency of irrigation. Most of them practice monocropping in open field.

Typhoon is one problem in carrot production as perceived by farmers. Limited sources of raw materials for composting is one of the problem perceived in organic farming by farmers in La Trinidad, Benguet. High certification cost is one of the reason why many organic farmers still did not obtain certification. Source of irrigation and high cost of inputs are problems most experienced by conventional farmers. Problem in pests and diseases are also perceived and experienced by farmers. Organic carrot production produces higher yield than conventional production in an area of 100 square meters. Although, organic production has higher total production cost than in conventional production but still, organic has higher net income than conventional production.