From Farm to Market: PAgO Trains Farmers on Ube Production and Enterprise Development  

The Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAgO) successfully conducted a two-day training “From Roots to Riches: Ube Production Training and Market Linkaging” on 23-24 September, 2025, at Vencio’s Garden Tawiran, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. The activity aimed to enhance the technical capacity of local farmers and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in ube production while strengthening their access to profitable and sustainable markets.

A total of 40 participants joined the training, which covered essential topics such as ube varieties, planting material preparation, crop management, harvesting techniques, and postharvest handling to ensure high-quality produce and reduced losses. The training also emphasized market linkaging to equip producers with the knowledge needed to connect with buyers, processors, and institutional markets.

On Day 1, Ms. Catherine E. Castro of DA–MIMAROPA opened the  lecture sessions with an introduction to ube production from identifying suitable varieties to proper crop management and harvesting practices. She was followed by Mr. Genesis U. Castro, also from DA–MIMAROPA, who discussed cost and return analysis, guiding participants on resource management and minimizing production costs. The session continued with an online presentation from Mr. King Pamintuan of Tuko Distribution Inc., who outlined market standards and requirements for purchasing ube from local farmers.

Day 2 featured a hands-on demonstration on land preparation and trellising, led by Mr. Genesis U. Castro, giving participants practical experience in field operations. The final session was   delivered by Mr. Ray Neptune Quindong of DA–MIMAROPA, who highlighted the importance of farm clustering and economies of scale to help farmers view ube production as a viable business enterprise.

Through this training, the PAgO continues its mission to empower Mindoreño farmers by equipping them with science-based production technologies and strengthening their opportunities for market integration laying the groundwork for a more competitive and sustainable ube industry in the province.

Ube or purple yam, a tuberous plant from the Philippines is now gaining popularity as a flavor and ingredient in specialty food products in the local and global market.●