An Iv Field Day was conceptualized to introduce indigenous vegetable (Iv) germplasm to the vegetable-agroforestry system in Lantapan watershed and identify suitable vegetables under the tree system. Such activity also serves as an avenue to teach the villagers the philosophy of conservation and utilization of plants. Introduction of indigenous vegetables will enhance plant biodiversity in the area that consequently may lead to the diversification of the farmers’ production system and raise the income of the households. By promoting the utilization of the different kinds of indigenous vegetables, nutrition of the family may improve as a result of the diversity in food intake.
The field day was held on September 22, 2007 in Barangay Kibanggay, Lantapan, Bukidnon. The indigenous vegetables introduced consisted of 20 accessions from the Genetic Resources and Seed Unit, AVRDC and 5 species of tree vegetables native to the Philippines. Five popularly grown exotic vegetables in the area were also included. Over 60 participants attended the activity, 35% percent of the villagers who attended were female members of the household. At least 28% of the village participants farm and sell their own produce (farmer-vendor). Participatory evaluation of the vegetables for adaptability and general acceptability was carried out by the participants. Over 60% of the participants identified the following Ivs with potential for adoption in their locality, namely, the introduced Ivs from AVRDC the spineless (smooth stem) white TOT5474 and purple TOT7278Amaranthus spp (kolitis), H. sabdariffa (roselle) and local tree vegetables M. oleifera (malunggay), G. gnemon (bago), S. grandiflora (katuray), A.manihot(alikway). Among the exotic vegetables, the varieties of bell pepper, carrot and the improved tomato line AVRDC WWCT- were preferred. It is interesting to note that villagers preferred indigenous vegetables which were relatively new to them. Roselle and spineless amaranths were least known to the participants, only less than 30% were familiar with them while less than 50% knew A. manihot, S. androgynus, and G. gnemon. It was found that false coriander (E. foetidum) was practically unknown in the area while ivy gourd (C. grandis) and wax gourd (B. hispida) were known to only 15% and 42% of the participants, respectively.
Folks in Lantapan, preferred to eat Ivs in cooked form than in fresh or raw form. The participants were interested to grow the Ivs for its nutritional value, however, certain constraints restrict them from growing Ivs such as unfamiliarity with the crop, unavailability of seeds and potential market, lack of knowledge on cultivation and utilization. In selecting for desirable Ivs, over 60% of the participants consider over-all appearance, leaf/fruit color, taste, nutritional value, shelf-life, availability of seeds, marketability, non-seasonality of Ivs, tolerance/resistance to pests, insects and diseases as their bases for choosing the crop. They considered, however, nutritional value, shelf- ife, marketability of the fresh vegetables, taste, and availability of seeds as the 5 most important factors to consider in selecting Ivs. The activity gives an opportunity for the team to document also the indigenous knowledge on the medicinal value associated with indigenous vegetables.
Photos by FCFaustino
