The cultivation of tobacco in the Philippines is a practice steeped in tradition and economic significance. From the careful preparation of the soil to the meticulous process of harvesting and curing, each step is a testament to the skill and dedication of the Filipino farmer. Yet, the world of tobacco farming is not without its challenges. Join us as we delve into this fascinating world, exploring the intricacies of this age-old practice, and unveiling the secrets that make Philippine tobacco a sought-after commodity in the global market.
Ideal Temperature and Rainfall
Tobacco is a tropical crop that thrives in a wide range of climates. The optimum mean daily temperature for growth is between 20 and 30.C, and it requires a frost-free period of 90 to 120 days from transplanting to the last harvest of leaves . The Philippines, with its tropical climate, provides an ideal environment for tobacco cultivation.
Dealing with Adverse Weather Conditions
Despite the generally favorable climate, tobacco farmers in the Philippines must contend with occasional adverse weather conditions. However, tobacco is perceived as more resilient compared to other crops, capable of growing during the hottest periods and even in rainy conditions. With adequate fertilization, tobacco can produce good quality leaves even under challenging conditions .
Soil Type and Texture
The type of soil plays a crucial role in tobacco cultivation. A light, sandy soil is required for flue-cured, light tobacco, while air-cured, dark tobacco is grown on silty loam to clay loam soils. The crop is sensitive to waterlogging and demands well-aerated and drained soils . In the Philippines, many interior valley lands with rich, loamy soils are suitable for tobacco cultivation .
Soil Fertility and pH
Tobacco plants require fertile soil with an optimum pH ranging from 5 to 6.5. The quality of the leaves is affected by soil salinity. Depending on the type of tobacco, fertilizer requirements vary, but in general, they are 40 to 80 kg/ha N .
Seed Sowing and Transplanting
The cultivation process begins with sowing tobacco seeds in specially constructed seedbeds. After two months, the seed has grown into a plant strong enough to continue its growth in the field for the next two to three months .
Fertilization and Care
During its growth, tobacco is generally fertilized with natural manure, as well as potash and phosphorous. When the plant begins to flower, it is topped to encourage the plant to put its energy into leaf growth rather than flowering .
Harvesting and Curing
Tobacco is harvested either leaf by leaf or by cutting the whole plant. The harvested leaves are then cured, a process that involves drying the leaves to remove their moisture and develop their flavor .
Economic Impact of Tobacco Cultivation in the Philippines
Employment and Livelihoods
Tobacco cultivation significantly contributes to employment in the Philippines, supporting around 2.2 million Filipinos directly or indirectly .
Contribution to the National Economy
Tobacco cultivation plays a vital role in the economy of the Philippines. The sin taxes from tobacco, primarily from cigarette collections, accounted for 58% of all sin tax collections and comprised 54% of the health budget in 2020 .
Environmental Challenges
Tobacco cultivation faces several environmental challenges, including the need for significant water resources and the impact of adverse weather conditions .
what are the ideal growing conditions for tobacco in the philippines
Tobacco cultivation in the Philippines requires specific conditions to ensure optimal growth and yield.
- Temperature: The ideal temperature for tobacco growth is between 20 and 30.C. This range provides the optimum mean daily temperature for growth .
- Soil: The type of soil required for tobacco cultivation varies depending on the type of tobacco. For flue-cured, light tobacco, a light, sandy soil is required. Air-cured, dark tobacco is grown on silty loam to clay loam soils, while fire-cured and air-cured, light tobacco is mostly grown on medium textured soils. The crop is sensitive to waterlogging and demands well-aerated and drained soils. The optimum pH ranges from 5 to 6.5 .
- Fertilizer: Depending on the type of tobacco, fertilizer requirements vary. For example, for Neutral and Improved Virginia Tobacco, the recommended fertilizer rate is 135 45 110 Kg NPK/ha and 104 36 48 Kg NPK/ha respectively .
- Planting and Transplanting: The sowing date for Neutral and Improved Virginia Tobacco should not be later than November 15. The transplanting date should not be later than December 30 for Neutral and January 15 for Improved Virginia Tobacco. The transplanting method can be either furrow or ridge .
- Rainfall: A dry period is required for ripening and harvest of the leaves. Excess rainfall results in thin, lightweight leaves .
- Resilience: Tobacco is perceived to be more resilient to adverse weather conditions compared to other crops, which makes it a preferred crop for many farmers .
- Area Suitability: Areas suited for tobacco cultivation are also suitable for non-tobacco crops preferred by farmers as a substitute for tobacco. In some cases, the area suited for these crops is much larger than areas suitable for tobacco growing .
what are the challenges faced by tobacco farmers in the philippines
Tobacco farmers in the Philippines face several challenges that impact their livelihoods and the overall productivity of their farms.
- Economic Hardships: Tobacco farming often leads to economic hardships for farmers. The support for tobacco cultivation comes largely from cigarette companies, which allows them greater room for the manipulation of tobacco purchase prices. This leaves farmers vulnerable to business conditions .
- Labour Exploitation: There are instances of labour exploitation in the tobacco farming industry. Despite increases in cigarette production, employment in tobacco manufacture and farming are in steady decline. In the Philippines, tobacco-related jobs constitute less than 1% of the total employment .
- Lack of Knowledge for Alternative Crops: Farmers in the Philippines are often reluctant to give up tobacco farming because they lack technical knowledge in growing other crops. However, they have expressed willingness to grow corn as an alternative crop if technical assistance is provided .
- Environmental Degradation: Tobacco farming can lead to environmental damage, including deforestation and watershed damage .
- Credit, Market, and Value Chain Constraints: There is a general willingness among farmers to shift to other, notably high-value crops, but credit, market, and related value chain constraints pose challenges. These variables affecting their ability to farm tobacco effectively might also condition their ability to embark on other economic activities successfully .
- Challenges in Local Production: The Philippines’ agriculture sector faces challenges in keeping up with the immense population growth. This impacts all farmers, including those growing tobacco. The rising prices on energy, oil, fertilizer, wheat and wheat products, and export bans being imposed by other countries to protect their own people are also challenges faced by tobacco farmers .
- Perceived Viability: Tobacco farming is often seen as a viable option due to its profitability. However, the income from tobacco farming is often just enough for everyday sustenance and does not lead to significant wealth accumulation .
- Intercropping Challenges: While intercropping on tobacco lands with high-value crops like rice, corn, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and even bamboo can expand farmers income options, it also presents its own set of challenges. These include the need for knowledge and skills in growing these crops, as well as the need for additional resources .
- Sustaining Financial Stability, Crop Infestation, and Combating Climate Change: These are additional difficulties faced by tobacco farmers in the Philippines. Climate change, in particular, can lead to unpredictable weather patterns that can negatively impact crop yields .
what are the different types of tobacco grown in the philippines
In the Philippines, several types of tobacco are grown, each with its unique characteristics and uses. The main types include:
- Virginia Tobacco: This type is predominantly grown in Region I, which includes Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, and La Union. It’s a flue-cured tobacco, known for its bright, yellow-gold leaves and high sugar content. Virginia tobacco is often used in cigarettes .
- Burley Tobacco: Burley tobacco is also grown in Region I, as well as in Pangasinan, Isabela, Cagayan, and Tarlac. It’s an air-cured tobacco with a light, sweet flavor and high nicotine content. It’s commonly used in cigarette blends, pipe tobacco, and chewing tobacco .
- Turkish (Aromatic) Tobacco: This type of tobacco is known for its small size and high aroma. It’s often used in cigarette blends to add flavor .
- Native Tobacco: Native tobacco is grown in various regions, including Region 1, Region 2, and the Visayan provinces. It’s used in local cigar production and has a strong, robust flavor .
Conclusion
Tobacco cultivation in the Philippines is a complex process influenced by various climatic and soil conditions. Despite the challenges, it remains a significant contributor to the country’s economy and provides livelihoods for millions of Filipinos. However, the health and social impacts of tobacco use necessitate a balanced approach to this industry.
Statistics:
Tobacco Production Value and Land Area
In 2022, the land area used for tobacco cultivation in the Philippines was about 29.06 thousand hectares . The value of tobacco produced in the same year amounted to approximately 4.88 billion Philippine pesos.
FAQs:
Who cultivates tobacco in the Philippines?
Tobacco in the Philippines is cultivated by both smallholder and commercial farmers across various regions.
What types of tobacco are grown in the Philippines?
The Philippines grows Virginia, Burley, Turkish, and native tobacco varieties .
Where is tobacco grown in the Philippines?
Tobacco is grown in several provinces across the Philippines, with Virginia tobacco largely grown in Region I and Burley tobacco in Regions I, II, and III .
Why is tobacco grown in the Philippines?
Tobacco is grown in the Philippines due to the suitable climate, the availability of fertile land, and the economic benefits it provides to farmers and the national economy .
How is tobacco cultivated in the Philippines?
Tobacco is cultivated through a process that includes seed sowing, transplanting, fertilization, and care, followed by harvesting and curing .
Is tobacco a significant crop in the Philippines?
Yes, tobacco is a significant crop in the Philippines, contributing to the livelihoods of many farmers and to the national economy .
Can smallholder farmers profit from tobacco cultivation?
Smallholder farmers can profit from tobacco cultivation, although the profitability can vary based on market prices and production costs .
Does the Philippines export its tobacco?
Yes, the Philippines exports tobacco to various countries .
Will the area of tobacco cultivation change in the future?
The area of tobacco cultivation may change due to factors such as market demand, government policies, and environmental conditions.
Books:
Tobacco Growing in the Philippines
For those interested in the historical and technical aspects of tobacco cultivation in the Philippines, the book “Tobacco Growing in the Philippines” provides valuable insights .
Sources of information:
National Tobacco Administration
The National Tobacco Administration provides a wealth of information on tobacco cultivation in the Philippines, including types of tobacco grown, production statistics, and economic data https://nta.da.gov.ph/faq.html.