CBMPC Starts Its Hydroponics Project

After months of research, planning and deliberation, CBMPC’s Hydroponics Project has finally taken off. Huge thanks go to Director Ray Almario who generously and unequivocally shared his family farm, the Grany o Farms in Barangay Sabang, Magdalena, Laguna as the location of the undertaking. The initial structures that were built lie on approximately 185 square meters of farm land assigned to CBMPC for free through the Usufruct Agreement executed with Director Almario. The said agreement has a term of five years, subject to extension upon mutual agreement. Luckily, the farmland comes with existing concrete raised structures ready for hydroponics farming. And what doubled the luck of CBMPC is the experience of Director Almario in hydroponics farming system. Call it luck or blessing, but Director Almario’s benevolence came at a time when the project’s future was beset by uncertainties.

What is hydroponics? Hydroponics is a type of horticulture, sometimes referred to as hydroculture or tank farming. The plants grow in a different kind of medium instead of soil to support the root system. The seedlings are placed directly in the mineral/ nutrient rich solution mixed in water to make readily available to the growing plant. This kind of farming is very suitable in growing and raising plants like vegetables, herbs, flower plants and even small fruits like tomatoes, etc.

With an initial fixed capital of around PhP65,000, 72 pieces of PVC pipes were mounted on the concrete structures where the seedlings will be planted. A small nursery was made for seed germination. Currently, seeds planted in the nursery consist of several varieties of lettuce, Chinese pechay, chili and onion leaves which are adequate for the seedling requirements of the project. Ultra violet plastic roofing was installed for photosynthesis that will allow continuous food production of plants. To complete the hydroponics farming system, a small pump will still be installed to allow the circulation of the SNAP solution that feeds the vegetables in the 72 PVC pipes. A sprinkler system will also be set up to control and moderate the effect of high temperature especially during the summer months.

For the essential component of the project, market and distribution, talks have been made with Ms. Marly Tang, a Landbanker who now maintains a vegetable stall in Quezon City. Ms. Tang is an active CBMPC associate member and a coop borrower in her rice and vegetable trading business. She has signified willingness to sell CBMPC’s produce and will provide a list of fast-selling vegetables that the coop may produce in the future. In order to optimize marketing efforts as well as achieve a reasonable price for the hydroponics veggies, CBMPC plans to consolidate the vegetable produce of other farmers in Magdalena and deliver the same to Ms. Tang. In effect, the very high cost of delivery from project site to market will be offset by the bulk of vegetables delivered.

Orchestration of the entire project is ascribed to Director Almario who likewise volunteered to take on the responsibility of managing the project, pro bono. He is ably assisted by a farm hand who has vast experience in agricultural endeavors.

In the meantime, let us keep cool in this warm weather and eagerly await the first harvest of the CBMPC Hydroponics Project this month of July. A message to our members: Veggies, anyone!