Tobacco has been a major force in the development of the Philippines, especially in Ilocos, where it is still one of the region’s leading sources of income. With three types of tobacco locally grown in the Philippines, Virginia, Burley, and Native, the country has become a major player in the global tobacco industry.

Introduction

Tobacco farming is an important industry in the Philippines, providing livelihood to thousands of farmers and contributing significantly to the country’s economy. The country’s favorable climate and soil conditions make it an ideal location for growing tobacco, which has been cultivated in the Philippines for centuries.

History of Tobacco Production in the Philippines

Tobacco was first introduced to the Philippines in 1592, when the Spanish Galleon San Clemente arrived in Manila carrying 50 kilos of Cuban tobacco seeds that were part of the Manila-Acapulco trade route. It is said that the first seeds were planted by Catholic Friars in Cagayan Valley. With a climate similar to the Vuelta Abajo region in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, the crop began to flourish and a new source of income was introduced to Spain. Today, tobacco continues to dominate the social, political, and economic life in the Philippine regions where it is grown.

Types of Tobacco Grown in the Philippines

There are three types of tobacco that are locally grown in the Philippines: Virginia, Burley, and Native. Virginia tobacco is mostly grown in Region 1 (Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union) and CAR (Abra); Burley tobacco is grown in Region 1 (La Union and Pangasinan), and CAR (Abra), Region 2 (Isabela and Cagayan), Region 3 (Tarlac), and Mimaropa; and Native tobacco is grown in Region 1, Region 2 (Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya), the Visayan provinces of Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz, Leyte, and Negros Occidental, and the Mindanao provinces of Davao del Sur, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.

Climate and Soil Requirements for Growing Tobacco in the Philippines

Tobacco can grow in a wide range of climates, but it requires a frost-free period of 90 to 120 days from transplanting to last harvest of leaves. The optimum mean daily temperature for growth is between 20 and 30°C. A dry period is required for ripening and harvest of the leaves. Excess rainfall results in thin, lightweight leaves. A light, sandy soil is required for flue-cured, light tobacco. Air-cured, dark tobacco is grown on silty loam to clay loam soils, while fire-cured and air-cured tobacco is grown on heavier soils.

Preparation of Soil and Planting of Tobacco Seeds

The first step in growing tobacco is to prepare the soil. The soil should be plowed and harrowed to a depth of 15-20 cm. The soil should be well-drained and have a pH of 5.5-6.5. After the soil has been prepared, the tobacco seeds can be sown in seedbeds or trays. The seeds should be sown thinly and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seedbeds or trays should be kept moist and warm until the seeds germinate.

Care and Maintenance of Tobacco Plants

Once the tobacco seeds have germinated, the seedlings should be transplanted to the field. The seedlings should be spaced 50-60 cm apart in rows that are 1-1.2 m apart. The plants should be watered regularly and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer. The plants should also be protected from pests and diseases.

Harvesting and Curing of Tobacco Leaves

Tobacco leaves are ready for harvesting when they turn yellow-green and the bottom leaves begin to wilt. The leaves should be harvested by hand and hung in a well-ventilated barn to dry. The leaves should be cured slowly over a period of 4-6 weeks. The curing process should be carefully monitored to ensure that the leaves are not over-dried or under-dried.

Processing and Packaging of Tobacco Leaves

Once the leaves have been cured, they can be processed and packaged. The leaves should be sorted by size and quality. The leaves can be processed into different products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. The processed tobacco products should be packaged in airtight containers to preserve their freshness.

Marketing and Selling of Tobacco Leaves

Tobacco leaves can be sold to tobacco companies or to local markets. The price of tobacco leaves varies depending on the quality and demand. Farmers should be aware of the market trends and prices to ensure that they get a fair price for their products.

Challenges and Opportunities in Tobacco Farming in thфe Philippines

Tobacco farming in the Philippines faces several challenges, such as competition from other crops, pests and diseases, and changing market trends. However, there are also opportunities for farmers to improve their yields and income by adopting new technologies and practices.

Conclusion

Growing tobacco in the Philippines can be a profitable venture for farmers who are willing to invest time and effort in the process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, farmers can cultivate high-quality tobacco that meets the demands of the market. However, it is important for farmers to be aware of the challenges and opportunities in the industry and to adapt to changing market trends. With the right knowledge and skills, tobacco farming can be a sustainable source of income for farmers in the Philippines.

Statistics:

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the bulk of tobacco production in the Philippines comes from the Ilocos Region, which has a 89.3 percent share of the total tobacco production. In the first quarter of 2021, the region produced 9.26 thousand metric tons of tobacco.

FAQs:

• What are the types of tobacco grown in the Philippines?

• The three types of tobacco that are locally grown in the Philippines are Virginia, Burley, and Native.

• What is the history of tobacco production in the Philippines?

• Tobacco was first introduced to the Philippines in 1592, and it has dominated the social, political, and economic life in the Philippine regions where it is grown.

• What are the climate and soil requirements for growing tobacco in the Philippines?

• Tobacco can grow in a wide range of climates, but it requires a frost-free period of 90 to 120 days from transplanting to last harvest of leaves. The optimum mean daily temperature for growth is between 20 and 30°C. A dry period is required for ripening and harvest of the leaves. Excess rainfall results in thin, lightweight leaves. A light, sandy soil is required for flue-cured, light tobacco. Air-cured, dark tobacco is grown on silty loam to clay loam soils, while fire-cured and air-cured tobacco is grown on heavier soils.

• How do you prepare the soil and plant tobacco seeds?

• The soil should be plowed and harrowed to a depth of 15-20 cm. The soil should be well-drained and have a pH of 5.5-6.5. After the soil has been prepared, the tobacco seeds can be sown in seedbeds or trays. The seeds should be sown thinly and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seedbeds or trays should be kept moist and warm until the seeds germinate.

• How do you care for and maintain tobacco plants?

• Once the tobacco seeds have germinated, the seedlings should be transplanted to the field. The seedlings should be spaced 50-60 cm apart in rows that are 1-1.2 m apart. The plants should be watered regularly and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer. The plants should also be protected from pests and diseases.

• When are tobacco leaves ready for harvesting?

• Tobacco leaves are ready for harvesting when they turn yellow-green and the bottom leaves begin to wilt.

• How do you cure tobacco leaves?

• Tobacco leaves should be hung in a well-ventilated barn to dry. The leaves should be cured slowly over a period of 4-6 weeks.

• How do you process and package tobacco leaves?

• The leaves should be sorted by size and quality. The leaves can be processed into different products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. The processed tobacco products should be packaged in airtight containers to preserve their freshness.

• Where can tobacco leaves be sold?

• Tobacco leaves can be sold to tobacco companies or to local markets.

• What are the challenges and opportunities in tobacco farming in the Philippines?

• Tobacco farming in the Philippines faces several challenges, such as competition from other crops, pests and diseases, and changing market trends. However, there are also opportunities for farmers to improve their yields and income by adopting new technologies and practices.

• What are the negative consequences of tobacco farming?

• Tobacco farming has negative health, environmental, and economic consequences.

• Why do farmers continue to grow tobacco?

• Farmers continue to grow tobacco because they are certain of receiving some income even if it is lower than expected.

• What is the National Tobacco Administration?

• The National Tobacco Administration is a government agency in the Philippines that is responsible for regulating the tobacco industry.

• What is the cultural significance of tobacco in the Philippines?

• The habit of smoking, sniffing or chewing tobacco and the knowledge to grow the crop remained with the Filipinos. It became part of their cultural heritage.

• What is the economic impact of tobacco farming in the Philippines?

• Tobacco farming is economically central to many households in the Philippines, and it was the top source of income for 85% of the surveyed households.

Books:

• “Tobacco Production in the Philippines” by Philippine Tobacco Administration
• “The Economics of Tobacco Farming in the Philippines” by American Cancer Society