Production and Management Practices of Mango Growers in San Ildefonso, Bulacan

Abstract

This study provides valuable insights into the practices of mango growers in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, Philippines focusing on their farm profile, production and cultural practices, marketing management and post-harvest handling. A descriptive method was used using an adopted survey questionnaire as the primary tool in gathering data. The mango growers are predominantly middle to old-aged, married males with elementary education. Farming is their primary source of income. Most mango farms are located in low-lying areas and depend on rainfed irrigation. The average grower manages 10-50 mango trees that are between 10 to 20 years old. The majority of growers perform basic practices like pruning, sanitation, and basal fertilizer application. Techniques like flower induction, flush induction, fruit bagging, and irrigation are not widely practiced, which could affect overall yield and quality. Mangoes are typically sold through ambulant street selling, packed in carton boxes, and transported by tricycles. Most growers harvest an average of 499 kgs of
mango per season, with family members involved in harvesting and sorting at the farm. The study found that recordkeeping for tracking capital, profit, and expenses is not commonly practiced among the farmers, which limits their ability to manage and optimize their operations effectively. These findings point to several areas where improvements could be made to enhance mango farming in San Ildefonso. By addressing these gaps, particularly in the adoption of more advanced production techniques and the implementation of better marketing and recordkeeping practices, the local mango industry could see significant growth and increased profitability.