Eggplant Farming in Talavera, Nueva Ecija Philippines: Overcoming Market Challenges for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

This research initiative was undertaken to comprehensively identify the multifaceted challenges confronting eggplant farmers in Talavera, Nueva Ecija. The primary objective was to generate actionable insights that could benefit these farmers by informing strategic interventions and improvements. To achieve this, a descriptive quantitative research methodology was implemented, leveraging percentage-frequency analysis to scrutinize and interpret the data gleaned from survey responses from a cohort of 41 local eggplant farmers.

The analysis of the collected data revealed a confluence of significant obstacles. Farmers reported substantial financial challenges primarily associated with the escalating costs of essential agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds. Regarding production, pest infestations, particularly those leading to fruit skin perforation, emerged as a significant concern, severely impacting crop quality and yield. Furthermore, marketing difficulties were prevalent, with farmers expressing concerns over low market demand and fluctuating prices negatively affecting their profitability. These findings underscore the critical need for targeted interventions to address these challenges. For aspiring eggplant farmers, these results serve as a valuable resource, highlighting strategic considerations related to financial planning, integrated pest management, and market diversification, which are crucial for ensuring sustainable and prosperous agricultural practices.