Growing vegetables as a way out of poverty

In a few weeks' time, when the country enters the typhoon season, the price of vegetables will soon shoot up. That has always been the case year after year. Traders and consumers alike have to deal with nature's wrath, as farmlands get devastated by storms.

Aside from losses caused by flash floods and strong winds, traders have to deal with the destruction of infrastructure such as highways and main roads from farms to major selling centers. Baguio, which is the major source of highland vegetables for Metro Manila, is a case in point. When typhoons hit Northern Luzon, more often than not, traders will have to wait for days (best case scenario) or weeks (worse case scenario) for roads to become passable before they can ply their produce.

This is one of the reasons why government officials encouraged the growing of vegetables in one's own backyard. And just recently, the government is not just looking at its vegetable farming project as a way of plugging the supply gap during times of calamities; the project has now become a way of out poverty for the poorest of the poor.

The Bureau of Plant Industry under the Agriculture department is now working with local officials in the "poorest of the poor" provinces to distribute seeds to indigents in the countryside. The government is hoping that by growing vegetables, poor people in rural areas can find a way to build up its food source and at the same time make money on the side by selling their surplus.

Growing vegetables in the city?

Traditionally, people see vegetable farming as an activity that is best undertaken in rural areas where there are vast farmlands. But because of spiraling food costs as well as the global economic recession, there is an increasing consciousness among consumers to find ways to save money. Farming activities such as growing vegetables in their own backyard is seen by some as a way of saving on food costs.

The primary goal of this blog is to help advocates or enthusiasts succeed in vegetable farming in the city. Of course, it would help if you have the proverbial "green thumb." But having one is not enough; you need to know the right techniques as well as the best practices to ensure your success in your vegetable farming venture. This blog will be sharing practical tips and sound advice on how you can grow great-tasting tomatoes, eggplants, or whatever vegetable you prefer. Readers will have access to information shared by industry experts such as seed growers as well as government officials. There will also be resources on where you can get guidance if you want to go into vegetable farming full time.

To inspire readers, there will be feature stories on individuals who have gone into growing vegetables in their own backyard. Inputs from readers will also be welcome. After all, no one has a monopoly of knowledge on vegetable farming.

Growing vegetable in a small plot of land may not result in huge profits. But those who will do so will find that they will not only save on food costs but the consumption of fresh and organic vegetables will also make their family healthier.