Agricultural Crops in Region 7
Comprehensive guide to rice, corn, coconut, and sugarcane production across Central Visayas.
📊 Regional Crop Production Overview
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Regional Crop Production Report, 2023
📊 Crop Area Distribution
🌾 Crop Area by Type
Fertilizer Application Guide
Recommended rates for Region 7 crops. Always soil test first — rates may need adjustment.
🧪 Crop-Specific Fertilizer Rates
| Crop | Basal (at planting) | Topdress 1 | Topdress 2 | Total NPK/ha | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice (irrigated) | 2 bags 14-14-14 (50kg) + 1 bag urea (40kg) | 1 bag urea (21 DAT) | 1 bag urea (45 DAT) | N: 120kg, P: 14kg, K: 14kg | ₱8,000-12,000 |
| Rice (rain-fed) | 1.5 bags 14-14-14 + 1 bag urea | 0.5 bag urea (21 DAT) | — | N: 80kg, P: 10.5kg, K: 10.5kg | ₱6,000-9,000 |
| Corn (yellow) | 2 bags urea + 1 bag 14-14-14 | 2 bags urea (30 DAP) | 1 bag urea (50 DAP) | N: 140kg, P: 14kg, K: 14kg | ₱10,000-14,000 |
| Corn (white/sweet) | 1.5 bags urea + 1 bag 14-14-14 | 1.5 bags urea (30 DAP) | — | N: 100kg, P: 14kg, K: 14kg | ₱7,000-10,000 |
| Coconut (mature) | 500g 14-14-14/tree + 200g urea/tree | — | — | N: 90g/tree, P: 70g/tree, K: 70g/tree | ₱1,500-3,000/ha |
| Coconut (young) | 300g 14-14-14/tree + 100g urea/tree | — | — | N: 46g/tree, P: 42g/tree, K: 42g/tree | ₱800-1,500/ha |
| Sugarcane | 3 bags 14-14-14 + 1 bag urea | 2 bags urea (60 DAP) | 1 bag urea (120 DAP) | N: 160kg, P: 42kg, K: 42kg | ₱12,000-16,000 |
| Cacao (bearing) | 500g 14-14-14/tree | 300g urea/tree (start of rains) | — | N: 120g/tree, P: 70g/tree, K: 70g/tree | ₱2,000-4,000/ha |
| Coffee (Robusta) | 300g 14-14-14/tree | 200g urea/tree (flowering) | — | N: 88g/tree, P: 42g/tree, K: 42g/tree | ₱1,500-3,000/ha |
DAT = Days After Transplanting. DAP = Days After Planting. Rates assume standard soil conditions. Soil test recommended for precise rates.
💰 Fertilizer Cost Comparison
💡 How to Apply Fertilizer Correctly
🌾 Rice Application
- Basal: Broadcast evenly across wet field before transplanting
- Topdress 1 (21 DAT): Broadcast into 5 cm standing water
- Topdress 2 (45 DAT): Broadcast into standing water
- Tip: Apply on dry day if possible — less washoff
🌽 Corn Application
- Basal: Band placement 5 cm beside and 5 cm below seed
- Side-dress 1 (30 DAP): Apply 10 cm from hill, cover with soil
- Side-dress 2 (50 DAP): Same method, 15 cm from hill
- Tip: Use jab planter for precise placement
🥥 Coconut Application
- Method: Ring application — spread in 2m diameter circle from trunk
- Timing: Start of rainy season (May-June)
- Depth: Incorporate 5-10 cm into soil
- Tip: Mulch around base after applying
🍫 Cacao & Coffee Application
- Method: Ring application around drip line
- Timing: Start of rainy season + flowering
- Mulch: 10-15 cm organic mulch around base
- Tip: Foliar spray at flowering boosts yield
📊 Organic Fertilizer Alternatives
♻️ Compost
Application: 5-10 tons/ha (broadcast + incorporate). Nutrients: 1-2% N, 0.5-1% P, 0.5-1% K. Replaces: 30-50% of chemical fertilizer. Cost: ₱1,000-2,000/ton (or free if made on-farm).
🪱 Vermicast
Application: 2-3 tons/ha (broadcast). Nutrients: 2-3% N, 1-2% P, 1-2% K. Replaces: 40-60% of chemical fertilizer. Cost: ₱20-40/kg. Best for: High-value crops (vegetables, cacao, coffee).
🌱 Green Manure (Cover Crops)
Crops: Mungbean (fixes 50-80 kg N/ha), cowpea (60-100 kg N/ha), sunn hemp (100-150 kg N/ha). How: Plant cover crop, incorporate into soil before flowering. Replaces: 50-100 kg N/ha chemical nitrogen. Cost: ₱1,000-2,000/ha seed + free nitrogen fixation.
Rice terraces, Bohol — Photo: Wikimedia CC BY-SA 4.0Rice (Palay)
Production Overview
Rice is the primary staple crop in Region 7, covering 141,500 hectares with annual production of ~457,000 MT.
Major Rice-Growing Areas
- Bohol: Batuan, Bilar, Carmen, Dimiao, Jagna, Valencia
- Cebu: Barili, Dumanjug, Ronda, Toledo, Asturias, Balamban
- Negros Oriental: Bayawan, Mabinay, Tayasan, Bindoy, Manjuyod
- Siquijor: San Antonio, Lazi, Maria
Rice Varieties
- IR64: High-yielding, widely planted. Maturity: 120-130 days.
- NSIC Rc 222 (Azucena): Popular traditional variety. Good grain quality.
- NSIC Rc 160 (Halag): Drought-resistant. Ideal for rain-fed areas.
- NSIC Rc 480: Flood-tolerant (Sub1 gene). Survives 2 weeks submergence.
- Dinorado: Premium aromatic rice. Higher farmgate price.
Cultivation Seasons
Dry Season (Mar-Jul)
Main cropping season for irrigated areas. Higher yields due to full sun.
Wet Season (Aug-Dec)
Rain-fed and supplementary irrigated areas. Watch for typhoon damage.
Yield Data
| Province | Area | Yield | Production |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bohol | 48,000 ha | 3.2 t/ha | 153,600 MT |
| Cebu | 32,000 ha | 3.0 t/ha | 96,000 MT |
| Negros Oriental | 55,000 ha | 3.4 t/ha | 187,000 MT |
| Siquijor | 6,500 ha | 3.1 t/ha | 20,150 MT |
| Total | 141,500 ha | 3.2 avg | 456,750 MT |
Source: PSA/Crop Production Survey, 2023
🌾 Area & Production
⚖️ Yield per Hectare
Challenges
- ⚠️ Limited irrigation (~45% irrigated)
- ⚠️ Pest outbreaks (BPH, bacterial blight)
- ⚠️ Post-harvest losses (15-20%)
- ⚠️ Fragmented farms (1-2 ha average)
🌾 How to Grow Rice — Step-by-Step Guide
1. Land Preparation
Plow and harrow 2-3 weeks before transplanting. Flood the field 1 week before to soften soil. Apply basal fertilizer: 2 bags (40 kg) urea + 1 bag (50 kg) 14-14-14 per hectare.
2. Nursery (18-21 days)
Sow 60-80 kg seed/ha in wet seedbed. Keep 2-3 cm water depth. Apply seed fungicide (Tricyclazole) to prevent blast. Seedlings ready at 3-4 leaf stage.
3. Transplanting
20×20 cm spacing, 2-3 seedlings/hill. Plant within 21 days of nursery. Transplant in the morning or late afternoon. Target 25 hills/m².
4. Water Management
Maintain 5 cm standing water until 1 week before harvest. Use AWD (Alternate Wetting and Drying) to save 30% water: drain when water level drops 15 cm below soil surface.
5. Fertilizer Schedule
Basal: 40 kg N + 20 kg P₂O₅/ha. Topdress 1 (21 DAT): 40 kg N/ha. Topdress 2 (45 DAT): 20 kg N/ha. Total: ~100 kg N/ha for 4 t/ha target.
6. Pest & Disease Management
BPH (Brown Planthopper): Scout weekly. Spray Pymetrozine if >10 hills infested. Rice Blast: Apply Tricyclazole at first sign. Stem Borer: Use pheromone traps. Practice IPM — encourage natural predators.
7. Harvest & Post-Harvest
Harvest at 80-85% grain maturity (golden grains, hard kernel). Use combine harvester or sickle. Dry to 14% moisture using flatbed dryer or sun drying (2-3 days). Store in hermetic bags.
💰 Cost of Production
Total cost: ₱35,000-45,000/ha (irrigated). Breakdown: Seeds ₱2,000, Fertilizer ₱8,000-12,000, Pesticide ₱2,000, Labor ₱12,000-15,000, Land prep ₱5,000-8,000. Revenue at 3.5 t/ha × ₱25/kg = ₱87,500. Net income: ₱40,000-50,000/ha/crop.
Corn harvest — Photo: Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0Corn
Production Overview
Second most important cereal, covering 147,500 hectares with ~595,000 MT annual production. Both yellow (feed) and white (food) varieties.
Major Corn Areas
- Cebu: Northern Cebu (Bogo, San Remigio, Medellin) — largest producer
- Bohol: Northern Bohol (Tubigon, Inabanga, Calape)
- Negros Oriental: Northwestern areas (Amlan, Ayungon)
Varieties
- Yellow (Feed): Pioneer 3561, Dekalb X67777 — high yield, 70-80 days
- White (Food): Sitio 25, Ultra Sweet — table quality
- Sweet Corn: Bread and Butter, Sweet Crisp — 65-75 days
- QPM: Quality Protein Maize — higher protein for livestock feed
Yield Data
| Province | Area | Yield | Production |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cebu | 68,000 ha | 4.2 t/ha | 285,600 MT |
| Bohol | 35,000 ha | 3.8 t/ha | 133,000 MT |
| Negros Oriental | 42,000 ha | 4.0 t/ha | 168,000 MT |
| Siquijor | 2,500 ha | 3.5 t/ha | 8,750 MT |
| Total | 147,500 ha | 4.0 avg | 595,350 MT |
Source: PSA/Crop Production Survey, 2023
🌽 Area & Production
⚖️ Yield per Hectare
🌽 How to Grow Corn — Quick Guide
Planting
75×25 cm spacing, 1 seed/hill. Plant 20-25 kg seed/ha. Apply basal: 2 bags urea + 1 bag 14-14-14/ha.
Fertilizer
Side-dress at 30 days (2 bags urea/ha) and 50 days (1 bag urea/ha). Total N: ~120 kg/ha.
Pest Management
Fall Armyworm: Scout weekly, spray Bt-based pesticides. Corn Borer: Release Trichogramma parasites. Earworm: Apply Carbaryl at silk stage.
💰 Cost & Returns
Cost: ₱25,000-35,000/ha. Yield 4-5 t/ha × ₱16/kg = ₱64,000-80,000. Net: ₱30,000-45,000/ha. Harvest at 80-85% dried (brown husks, hard kernels).
Coconut plantation — Photo: Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0Coconut
Overview
Most widely planted permanent crop, covering 237,000 hectares. Annual production: ~2.8 billion nuts. Products: copra, VCO, coconut water, vinegar, lambanog.
Major Areas
- Bohol: Densest coconut-growing area in the country
- Cebu: Southern municipalities (Dalaguete, Oslob, Santander)
- Negros Oriental: Coastal areas and gentle hills
- Siquijor: Nearly entire island covered
Varieties
- Macapuno: mutant variety, specialty market
- Hybrid (CATD): Tall × Dwarf, high yielding
- Baybay Tall: Traditional, copra-producing
Products & Processing
🥥 Copra Production
Process: Split nuts → remove meat (sapal) → dry by sun (5-7 days) or smoke (2-3 days). Target: 6% moisture content. Yield: 5,000 nuts = 1 ton copra = 380 kg coconut oil. Price: ₱15-20/kg dried copra. Tip: Sun-dried copra fetches ₱2-3/kg more than smoke-dried.
🫒 VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil) Production
Process: Fresh meat → grate → cold-press extract milk → ferment 24 hrs → separate oil → filter → bottle. No heat involved. Equipment: Coconut grater (₱5,000-15,000), press (₱20,000-50,000), fermentation tanks. Setup cost: ₱50,000-150,000. Yield: 100 coconuts → 5-7 liters VCO. Price: ₱250-400/liter (3-5x value of copra). Shelf life: 1-2 years. See Value Addition guide.
🍶 Lambanog (Coconut Spirits)
Process: Collect tuba (fresh sap) → ferment 2-3 days → distill using traditional still → redistill for stronger spirit (40-50% ABV). Equipment: Copper or stainless steel still (₱10,000-30,000). Yield: 1 liter lambanog from ~4 liters tuba. Price: ₱150-300/bottle (700ml). Legal: Need LTFRB permit for commercial production.
🍶 Tuba (Fermented Coconut Sap)
Process: Cut flower stalk → collect dripping sap in bamboo container → add natural yeast (tungog bark) → ferment overnight. Yield: 1-2 liters per tree/day. Price: ₱20-30/liter. Tip: Fresh tuba is best sold within 24 hours. Tuba vinegar (sukang tuba) sells for ₱50-80/liter.
💧 Coconut Water & By-products
Fresh: ₱5-10/nut at roadside stalls. Processed: ₱30-50/bottle (niyog juice). Coir: Fiber from husks → ropes, mats, potting media (₱20-40/kg). Cocopeat: Growing medium for hydroponics (₱50-100/kg). Sapal: Coconut meal for animal feed (₱8-12/kg).
💰 Income Potential
🥥 Coconut Income by Product (per ha/year)
Per Hectare Comparison (120-150 mature trees)
| Product | Volume/ha/yr | Price | Gross Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copra only | 2,500 kg | ₱17/kg | ₱42,500 |
| VCO processing | 400 liters | ₱300/L | ₱120,000 |
| Lambanog | 600 bottles | ₱200/bottle | ₱120,000 |
| Coconut water (fresh) | 12,000 nuts | ₱7/nut | ₱84,000 |
| Coir + cocopeat | 1,500 kg | ₱30/kg | ₱45,000 |
💡 Key insight: Processing raw coconut into VCO or lambanog increases income 2-3x compared to selling copra. Trees are productive for 60-80 years — a lifetime investment.
Challenges
- ⚠️ Senile trees needing replanting (PCA offers free seedlings)
- ⚠️ Coconut Scale Insect — report to DA-RFO 7 for biological control
- ⚠️ Low copra prices — reason to shift to VCO/processing
- ⚠️ Labor-intensive harvesting — ₱3-5/nut climbing fee
Sugarcane harvest, Banate — Photo: Wikimedia CC BY-SA 3.0Sugarcane
Overview
Major industrial crop, concentrated in Negros Oriental. Estimated 85,000 hectares. Annual output: ~80,000 MT sugar (CSM).
Key Areas
- Negros Oriental: Bais City, Manjuyod, Tanjay, Pamplona, Santa Catalina, Bayawan
Products
- Raw Sugar (RSJ), Refined Sugar, Muscovado, Molasses, Bioethanol, Tuba/Basì
Sugar Mills
- Bais Sugar Central
- Universal Robina Sugar Milling Corp.
- Danao Sugar Company
Production Data
| Total Area | ~85,000 ha |
| Cane Production | ~800,000 MT |
| Sugar Output | ~80,000 MT CSM |
| Avg Yield | 8-10 t cane/ha |
Source: SRA/Philippine Sugar Regulatory Administration, 2023
💰 Income
Gross revenue: ₱80,000-120,000/ha/crop (12-18 months). Sugar price: ₱1,800-2,200/CSM. Milling companies buy standing crop. Net income varies with sugar price.
🌱 High-Value Crops
Vegetables, fruits, cacao, coffee, root crops, and spices — premium production across Central Visayas.
Explore High-Value Crops →