The October issue of Agriculture Magazine is out with hobby farmer Justito Fernandez on the cover with his heavily fruiting Duku lanzones. He has a beautiful hobby farm he developed since 12 years ago in Magdalena, Laguna. There, he has exotic fruit trees like durian, Duku and Longkong lanzones, rambutan, pummelo and others. His wife also has a collection of orchids and ornamental plants.

The October issue contains a feature on the latest developments in the goat industry. The industry is getting increasingly professionalized as serious investors are pursuing steps to improve the quality and standards of goat meat and other products from goats. New dairy products from goat’s milk are being developed for truly commercial purposes. New products like smoked goat meat longanisa, hungarian sausage and luncheon meat are being developed.

The Department of Science and Techonolgy, thru PCARRD, is also undertaking a new scheme whereby a goat-based Rural Enterprise Development program is now being implemented in four regions where the goat population is concentrated. Farmers in clusters are being provided with a goat breeding facility and the farmers are trained on the various aspects of the goat business.

You will also read the very successful broiler production project at the Central Luzon State University
which is earning millions for the school every year.

Did you know that Nueva Vizcaya is turning out to be highly suitable for lychee production? Ruperto Manuel who has lychee varieties from Israel, Thailand and Mauritius, writes about his experiences in growing this exotic fruit tree.

Other stories include features about vegetable scholars who grow high-value vegetables while studying at the Visayas State University; the Santa Cruz (Laguna) white cheese makers; agricultural tramline for hauling farm produce in the highlands; an organic farmer in Majayjay, Laguna; and many others.

Agriculture Magazine is available in bookstores and outlets of Manila Bulletin nationwide. It is the most widely circulated magazine of its kind in the Philippines.