Abstract
The development of new technology for food production is essential to sustain man’s needs for survival. The use of farmlands for food production and industrial purposes goes beyond the carrying capacity of the environment. The study determined the applicability of Vertical Farming using Hydroponic Technology to onion production in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. The country is known as the onion capital of Southeast Asia. The study measured the technology’s sustainability and acceptability to onion farmers. By using experimental method, interview, and Focused Group Discussions (FGD), the study established its viability. Three phases of field experiments were conducted in August 2016, May 2017 and July 2017 using the Vertical Farming and Hydroponics Technology and Single Factor Analysis of Variance. The results showed that there is significant difference in the growth of onion bulb per week and the suitability and comparability of the technology to conventional farming. The study concluded that the VFH technology is acceptable to most onion farmers except the aspect of the cost of initial investment which requires government subsidy for the ordinary onion grower to avail of this new and sustainable technology in onion production.
Highlights
The demand for food production in the Philippines puts stress on land use and natural resources
The study determined the applicability of Vertical Farming using Hydroponic Technology to onion production in Nueva Ecija, Philippines
The study concluded that the VFH technology is acceptable to most onion farmers except the aspect of the cost of initial investment which requires government subsidy for the ordinary onion grower to avail of this new and sustainable technology in onion production
Summary
The demand for food production in the Philippines puts stress on land use and natural resources. The latest record from government agency shows that there is an estimate of 6.8 hectares of forestlands with a net loss of 400,000 hectares every year The cause of this destruction is attributed to food production [9]. To maintain sustainable food production while providing housing and industrial uses to lands [10], House Bill 4750 or the “Urban Agriculture Act of 2011”, and House Bill No 720 known as the “Urban Agriculture Act of 2013”, mandate the Department of Agriculture and Department of Science and Technology, to promote the use of urban agriculture and vertical farming These two laws aim to ensure food security and rejuvenate the ecosystem functions. The methods would be included in the academic curricula in secondary and tertiary levels of education both in the private and public schools [11]
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