Production of Cut Flower at Can-ayan, Malaybalay City

Principe (DENR-10) established demonstration plots for cut flower production in Malaybalay City. This was done to determine the level of acceptance of this technology in the upland. The Kilap-agan Ronquillo Multipurpose Cooperative (KIPRON) was tapped as the project's beneficiary. Through a community participatory approach, demonstration sites for Holland rose production were established.

Findings

• Holland rose showed an average rootstock survival of 90-100%, whereas the buds had an average of 80-90% survival. Pruning was done to reduce plant height.

• Budded stocks bore flowers 7-8 months after planting. Flowers were usually harvested for domestic market at the bud stages; others were cut after they started to unfold. Demand for flowers was high in November, December, February, and March.

• Kilap-agan growers sold flowers in the market during "tabo."

• Flowers were sold at PhP25-30/dozen. Depending on the size of the area and the number of Holland roses planted, some farmer-beneficiaries were able to harvest 20-30 dozens per harvest.

• Cut flower production is a promising livelihood project in the upland. However, like any other endeavor, the first year of the venture is not profitable due to inputs incurred in the establishment phase. An estimated P45,707 net income with a net ROI of 2.05 can be derived in a 500-sqm. area for 2 years starting from its establishment.

Source: PCARRD, 2003. Highlights 2002, Los Baños, Laguna, 214p.