Featured before (July, 2008) in the Agriculture Magazine was MR. FRANCISCO “FRANK” N. SACDALAN, of Midsayap, North Cotabato, whose enthusiasm for off-season mango production has all the more captured his best interests.

Mr. Francisco N. SacdalanTo further enhance information dissemination, Frank has willingly agreed with the Department of Agriculture 12- Central Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (DA-CEMIARC) Amas, Kidapawan City, to process document his off-season mango production. This process documentation involved photo/video documentation, recording of various cultural methods, management practices, pests and diseases control, etc. as well as other farming techniques he has implemented.

For almost five (5) months (from induction to harvest), of the documentation job, we also felt we were the farmer-producer. We get affected whenever problems arise and we also share great joy and happiness upon seeing his trees heavily laden with fruits.

On May, 2008 he started judicious pruning and fertilization of his four hundred seventy (470) mango trees. Then on June, 2008 trees were applied with Paclobutrazol (as soil drench) at recommended rate , and then aerial spraying of Potassium Nitrate (4 – 5kg/drum, high dose) when trees were physiologically ready (leaves are brittle when crumpled by hand). According to Frank, he has already proven and emphasized that fertilizer application (urea and complete) at forty five (45) days after flower induction (DAFI) was most crucial in attaining big, heavy mango fruits, which was true as seen in his harvest.Despite the erratic climate changes in the area, volatile peace and order condition, and back-breaking efforts, the fruits of his hardships was finally realized on his harvest on September 21 – 26, 2008.

Mango harvest at Montay, Libungan, CotabatoBut just like any other business ventures, it also has its ups and downs. Affected by the worldwide financial crisis and unrest, Frank had to endure the head-breaking ins and outs of marketing by contacting would-be buyers because prices were then far too low to be dealt with. Taking sole responsibility and like an efficient businessman that he is, he had to give in, make compromises and endure the effects of the crisis. The quality of his harvested mango was carefully considered and should be maintained between his farm to the processors/buyers. This in itself was an enormous task, especially so when dealing with a highly perishable commodity like mango. Frank’s expertise, experience and flexibility helped him cope up. Still, nothing has daunted his passion for off-season mango production. His enthusiasm paid off, attaining a harvest of one hundred twenty seven (127)tons, with the help of his technologies, each time improving.

Speaking from the standpoint of his farming business, the need to understand, learn and analyze marketing aspects is inevitable. He hopes to still learn the strong and weak points so as to better protect farmer-producers like him in times of financial crisis. By this, they are protected and assured of a good market, and fair value of their produce. Blending of efforts and contributions amongst key players in delivering meaningful and relevant outputs helps realize better partnerships.Every harvest undoubtedly proves that despite everything, his bountiful harvests are testaments to his success as an off-season mango producer. Everything is still worth it. Besides promoting by example, he hopes that fair pricing and other marketing aspects shall improve and eventually protect and encourage would-be farmer-producers.

“Complementation is the order of things in everything- its what makes partnerships work”, he further disclosed.