BAKUN, Benguet – Bakun, one of the most isolated municipalities in Benguet, presents formidable challenges with its unpaved and narrow roads, steep terrains, and maze-like directions. Reaching this remote area, whether via the Halsema Highway or through the Ilocos Region, is no small feat.
Yet, despite these unforgiving conditions, one local association is striving to pave the way toward consolidated potato farming. They are the Bakun Farmers’ Association (BFA).
BFA was formed in 2021 through the collaborative efforts of local farmers and supported by various agencies. With training and guidance from the Benguet State University (BSU), the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR), this association has empowered its members to implement sustainable farming practices, focusing on quality potato seed production.
Their journey from organizing small-scale training sessions to achieving certified seed grower status highlights their commitment to improving agricultural productivity and community livelihood in Bakun.
“We were initially encouraged to organize through training provided by BSU, BPI, and DA. The first step was conducting a soil test with the assistance of our municipal agriculture officer, Sir Enrique. The results showed that our soil was clean and suitable for producing potato seedlings,” Dixson Dawaga, a board of director of BFA, narrated in Ilocano.
The positive results of the soil test and subsequent application of knowledge from their training led to the official formation of the association.
“We saw the potential and continued to learn and practice seed production techniques. This effort culminated in a seminar on Nov. 21, 2021, and subsequent soil sampling, which confirmed our land’s suitability for potato seed production,” Dawaga added.
The BFA’s efforts bore fruit when they were able to produce and sell quality potato seedlings not only locally, but also to nearby municipalities.
“We produced 10,000 kilos of seedlings and sold 7,500 kilos to various buyers, including 300 kilos each to Mankayan and Atok, and 1,500 kilos to our fellow farmers here,” Dawaga proudly shared.
The association’s success led to their recognition as a cluster area for potato seedling production in Benguet. This status was not just a label but a testament to their dedication and the quality of their produce.
“One of our significant outputs is the Cluster Development Plan which aims to enhance our storage facilities and improve road infrastructure for easier transport of our seedlings,” Dawaga explained.
Melchor Comot, the president of the BFA, emphasized the importance of maintaining quality standards and expanding their knowledge. “To ensure the quality and cleanliness of our seedlings, we plan to undergo training on GAP (Good Agricultural Practices). We also aspire to transform our association into a cooperative to further support our members.”
Comot also shared insights into their past challenges and how they overcame them. “Previously, the potato seedlings we bought often suffered from diseases by the second planting cycle. But after the soil was tested and deemed clean, the certified potato seedlings we received and planted showed excellent growth and health.”
With this, BFA stands as a model of successful agricultural organization and community-driven development. Their journey from initial soil testing to becoming a certified potato seed producer is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, training, and a commitment to quality.
Looking ahead, their plans for further training, infrastructure improvement, and potential cooperative formation promise continued growth and success for the farmers of Bakun. By Joven B. Peralta
