MANILA, Philippines — Make sure to get a copy of the January 2012 Agriculture Magazine which is now off the press. You will read about the amazing feats of desert farmers in Israel, producing record harvests of high-value crops and the highest milk yield per cow in the world.

Through modern technology, coupled with the right government policies and an active extension service, the farmers are reaping record yields of tomatoes, peppers and many other crops.

Hi-tech gadgets are enabling dairy farmers to monitor the status and performance of their dairy animals. The milk-flow meter, for instance, tells in real time the amount of milk a dairy cow is producing during milking time. Another can predict the milk yield of the animal the following day.

The invention of the aril separator in pomegranate is also another milestone in Israeli research. This machine enables processors to separate the arils of the pomegranate at a very fast rate, say 200 to 300 kilos of arils per hour for the smallest model.

This is very important because there is an increasing demand for pomegranate products because of the discovery that it has medicinal attributes that can lower bad cholesterol, blood pressure and is also anti-cancer. It is also claimed that pomegranate is essential for maintaining good health of the prostate gland.

As a result of the discovery of the medicinal value of the pomegranate and the development of the aril separator, big plantations of pomegranate are now being established in such places as China, India, United States, Spain, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, Australia and South Africa. Interest is also starting in the Philippines.

You will also read about the lady who is planting and processing the Stevia into Sweet and Fit dietary supplement. She is Mrs. Maura de Leon of Tambobong, Bocaue, Bulacan. The inspiring story was written by Pete Samonte.

Stevia is a natural sweetener that is good for diabetics and those with weight problems. Starting from zero knowledge, Mrs. De Leon struggled to discover the cultural requirements of the exotic plant.

She imported seeds from Paraguay and really struggled to find out the requirements in order for the plant to thrive. She found out that growing several plants per hill instead of single plants has been the key to her success in growing the stevia. She has now taught neighbors to grow for her so that there are 20 neighboring families who have been taught to grow the plant for her. About 3.5 hectares are now planted to stevia which are her source of materials for processing. Her product can now be found in the local market.

Another interesting story in the January issue is the success story of Leonardo Talens of San Antonio, Nueva Ecija. He had a bumper crop of ampalaya from his 7,000-square meter field. He is not yet through harvesting but he could easily gross more than P300,000. His expenses in establishing his ampalaya plants totaled only about P70,000.

Then there is the story about Reynaldo Hilario, 53, of Brgy. Kaananipahan, Talavera, Nueva Ecija. Retiring from his employment as boiler engineer for 17 years at the National Power Corporation, he focused his efforts at vegetable production. Hilario earned millions early this year when he harvested 15 tons from one hectare of Red Pinoy onions a month ahead of the peak harvest season, which he sold at P80 per kilo. Proper timing was his secret.

In the January issue, Sandy and Doc Rey write about Joselito Enteria Gramonte, an engineer who practices organic farming in Saudi and at the same time helps his father run an organic farm in Sorsogon. He uses the internet to connect with his father who is doing the “dirty” work in the Philippines.

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SPECIAL HORTI MEETING – There will be a special membership meeting of the Philippine Horticultural Society on Thursday, January 4, at 2 o’clock at the Elevated Garden (formerly Planas Garden) at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City. This was announced by Dr. Romeo Gutierrez, PHSI president.

The members will discuss the details of the forthcoming Horticulture 2012, the annual garden show of the society which will be held on January 26 to February 6, also at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Those who are interested to have commercial booths are invited to attend so they will know the details about the rentals of the same.

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AGRI-KAPIHAN ON JANUARY 7 – The first session of the weekly Agri-Kapihan for 2012 will be held on Saturday, January 7 at the St. Vincent Seminary’s AANI weekend market on Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

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