By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Platinum Rubber Development Corp. Chief Executive Officer Engr. Alfonso Jack Fran Sandique told rubber farmers in region 9 to invest on modern farming technology to ensure a better return of their investments.
Speaking during the recent Investment Opportunity Seminar on Modern Rubber Production organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Engr. Sandique said he has seen personally that rubber growers in the region still use traditional technologies for production.
“This led to the very low yield per hectare and very poor quality of rubber produced. This would definitely not pass in international standards,” Sandique stressed.
He also pointed out that the use of antiquated technology is the main culprit why the country has the lowest output among ASEAN countries, contributing only 3% to the global natural rubber output.
According to Sandique, farmers’ gross monthly income per hectare using traditional technology is only at a measly at P5,000 while using new technology is earning over four times.
“Modern rubber farms can yield an average of P20,833 monthly income per hectare or over four times,” he stressed.
Engr. Sandique’s claim is not without a proof as he heads the country’s most modern rubber plantation based in Makilala, North Cotabato.
Sandique said they are producing at least 2,000 kilograms of raw rubber per hectare annually, over two times than the country’s annual average of 800 kilograms. He said it’s all about proper soil preparation and the use of good planting materials.
“The heart and soul of the industry lies at the nursery. That is why the choice of appropriate planting materials is of the highest priority. If you insist of using wildings and unbudded seedlings as it is customarily practiced, then it is better that you don’t plant at all,” Sandique said.
One experiment that they have, according to Sandique, yields over 3,000 kilograms per hectare a year. He also recommends the use of heavy machineries for soil preparation.