'Magtanim ay 'Di Biro,' dokumentaryo ni Kara David | I-Witness (with English subtitles)

Summary

In the cold Benguet Province, farmers face a harsh reality as they struggle with the gamble of cabbage farming. Despite months of hard work and a capital investment of 40,000 pesos, they often sell their produce at a loss due to low market prices influenced by factors like importation and oversupply. The script reveals the heartache of farmers like Janaret and Dandy, who, despite the odds, continue to farm in the hope of a better yield, highlighting the plight of those caught in the cycle of agricultural uncertainty.

Takeaways

• 🌡️ January and February are the coldest months in Benguet Province, affecting the cabbage harvest.
• 🌬️ The arrival of the cool northeast wind signals the maturity of cabbage plants, which are crucial for the farmers' livelihood.
• 👨‍🌾 Farmers in Buguias have invested significant time and labor in cultivating cabbages, but many end up discarded due to market conditions.
• 💰 The farmers' capital investment in cabbage farming is substantial, with a need to sell at a certain price to recoup costs.
• 🎰 Farming, particularly cabbage cultivation, is depicted as a gamble due to the unpredictability of market prices and buyer behavior.
• 🚜 Importation of vegetables like carrots affects local demand, leading to fewer buyers visiting Benguet and a drop in cabbage prices.
• 📉 The Department of Agriculture attributes the low prices to oversupply, but the local government suggests importation and smuggling as contributing factors.
• 📦 The trading process involves multiple steps and intermediaries, including disposers and packers, each taking a cut of the farmers' earnings.
• 🥬 Cabbage quality and size significantly impact the price they can fetch in the market, with first-class cabbages fetching higher prices.
• 📉 Despite the hard work and quality produce, farmers often sell their cabbages at a loss, with prices far below the break-even point.
• 🚚 Transportation costs and additional expenses, such as packaging and labor, further reduce the farmers' profits from cabbage sales.

Q & A

What are the coldest months in Benguet Province?

January and February are the coldest months in Benguet Province.

What is the significance of the cool northeast wind in Buguias?

The arrival of the cool northeast wind signals the maturity of the cabbage plants in Buguias.

How long do the farmers of Buguias typically care for their cabbage plants?

The farmers of Buguias typically care for their cabbage plants for five months.

What is the minimum amount Janaret needs to sell each kilo of cabbage to regain her capital?

Janaret needs to sell every kilo of cabbage for 20 pesos to regain her capital of 40,000 pesos.

What factors determine the price of cabbages at the market according to Janet?

According to Janet, the price of cabbages is determined not only by their condition but also by the buyers' willingness to pay, making this livelihood a gamble.

What impact does the importation of vegetables have on local farmers in Benguet?

Importation of vegetables like carrots affects local farmers in Benguet as buyers can get supplies in Manila and don't need to go up to Benguet, leading to a decrease in demand for local produce.

Why do some farmers in Buguias choose to discard their cabbages instead of selling them?

Some farmers in Buguias choose to discard their cabbages because the offered prices are too low, and the costs of transportation and labor would result in a loss.

What is the role of the 'por dia' in the selling process at the trading post?

The 'por dia' are men who repack the cabbage before they leave La Trinidad. They are paid 400 pesos for their work.

What is the break-even price for cabbage per kilo according to the farmers?

The break-even price for cabbage per kilo is 25 pesos and above, based on a good harvest.

How much did Dandy sell his four tons of cabbage for per kilo, and was it enough to cover his expenses?

Dandy sold his four tons of cabbage for 11 pesos per kilo, which was not enough to cover his expenses, resulting in a loss.

What is the final take-home amount for Janaret and her family after selling their cabbages and covering all expenses?

After selling their cabbages and covering all expenses, Janaret and her family are left with 6,400 pesos, which is not enough to cover their debts and living costs.