Citrus Farming: How to Plant and Grow Sinturis

May 31, 2023 by Lauro Braganza

Are you looking for a profitable and rewarding farming venture? Consider citrus farming! Citrus fruits like mandarin oranges are high in demand locally and internationally, making it a promising industry in the Philippines. From planting to harvesting, this guide will take you through the step-by-step process of growing your own citrus farm. Get ready to reap the juicy benefits and become a successful citrus farmer!

What is Citrus or Sinturis

Citrus, or sinturis, sintunes, sintunis, or dalanghita as it is commonly known in the Philippines, is a fruit that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It comes in different varieties such as oranges, lemons, limes, and mandarin oranges. Citrus fruits are renowned for their sweet and tangy taste that’s packed with nutrients like vitamin C.

Mandarin oranges are a particular type of citrus fruit that has gained popularity among consumers worldwide. Also called tangerines or “dalandan” in the Philippines, this fruit has a bright orange color and easy-to-peel skin. Mandarin oranges are high in demand because they’re not just delicious but also rich in vitamins A and C.

In the Philippines, citrus farming is considered one of the most profitable agricultural industries due to its growing export market. The country boasts an ideal climate for cultivating citrus crops all year round making it easier for farmers to produce quality yields at any time of the year.

Citrus farming may be challenging at times but once you’ve mastered the art of cultivation and marketing your products effectively – success will surely follow!

Current Status of the Citrus Industry in the Philippines

The citrus industry in the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing sectors in agriculture. The country’s tropical climate and fertile soil make it suitable for growing various types of citrus fruits, including mandarin oranges or Sinturis.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there was a 9% increase in the production of citrus crops in 2020 compared to the previous year. This growth can be attributed to increased demand from both local and international markets.

Most of the citrus farms are located in Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, and Northern Mindanao regions. Batangas province holds the largest area planted with more than 1,000 hectares dedicated to growing Sinturis

Despite its growth potential, farmers still face challenges such as pest infestations and high production costs due to expensive inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. However, government interventions like financial assistance programs may help alleviate these issues.

With proper support from stakeholders such as government agencies and private organizations alike, the citrus industry has huge potential for further development in terms of production volume and quality standards.

What Regions and Provinces Farm Citrus

Citrus farming is a widespread agricultural practice in the Philippines, and it’s no surprise that many regions and provinces engage in its cultivation. The tropical climate of the country makes it an ideal location for planting citrus trees such as mandarin oranges or Sinturis.

One of the major citrus-producing regions in the country is Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), followed by Central Luzon (Nueva Ecija, Tarlac) and Northern Mindanao (Misamis Oriental). Other notable regions include the Davao region and Western Visayas.

Within these regions are specific provinces that have established themselves as top producers of citrus fruits. In Calabarzon, Batangas ranks first with almost 50% of all their fruit production coming from citrus. Nueva Ecija leads in Central Luzon while Misamis Oriental tops in Northern Mindanao.

Aside from these provinces, other areas also contribute to the overall production of citrus fruits such as Pangasinan in Ilocos Region or Bukidnon in Northern Mindanao.

There are numerous regions and provinces across the Philippines engaged in cultivating various types of citruses including Sinturis or mandarin oranges. Their efforts play a significant part not only locally but also globally by contributing to international trade markets.

Planting and Growing Citrus Step By Step

Planting and growing citrus can be a rewarding experience, especially if you’re interested in farming. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plant and grow your own citrus trees.

Choose the right type of soil for your citrus tree. Citrus thrives best in well-drained soil with a pH level between 5.5-7.0.
Choose the right location for your tree as it needs full sunlight exposure. It is best to plant during spring or summer when there is no frost or extreme heat.
Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your tree; mix some organic compost into the bottom of the hole before planting.
Gently remove any containers from around the root ball before placing it inside the hole you prepared earlier; make sure that it sits upright at ground level.
Fill up with soil around roots carefully while tamping down gently every few inches until all gaps are filled up before watering thoroughly once done planting

The key to the successful growth of Citrus mandarin oranges (Sinturis) lies in proper watering techniques, regular fertilization, pruning when necessary, and keeping an eye out for common pests such as aphids which can cause damage when left unchecked

Harvesting and Marketing

Once the fruits have reached maturity, it’s time to pick them up from trees carefully. Harvesting must be done by hand to avoid damaging the fruit or tree branches.

After harvesting, proper handling of citrus is essential to prevent bruising and spoilage during transportation. Citrus farmers need to sort out damaged or inferior-quality fruits before packaging them into boxes.

Farmers can sell their products through various channels such as wholesalers, retailers, or directly to consumers at local markets.

Sinturis has high commercial demand both locally and internationally due to its sweet taste and easy-to-peel rind texture. Many Philippine farmers export Sinturis for higher profits.

In recent years there has been an increase in organic farming practices which also opens up opportunities for sustainable production methods that can be marketed accordingly.

Sinturis Productivity and Yield Per Hectare

The productivity of Sinturis crops depends on various factors such as soil type, climate, irrigation techniques, and disease control.

On average, an experienced farmer can expect to yield around 10-15 tons of Sinturis per hectare with proper care and management. However, yields can vary depending on the region’s weather conditions and other external factors.

To increase productivity levels and achieve higher yields per hectare, farmers should take steps such as choosing high-quality seeds or seedlings from reliable sources with good genetic traits that match their growing conditions.

Additionally, regular fertilization using organic matter along with chemical fertilizers is necessary for healthy tree growth. Proper pruning helps improve nutrient flow leading to increased productivity levels while keeping the trees free from diseases such as Citrus Greening Disease (CGD).

By implementing best practices in planting, growing, and maintaining Sintruis farms through efficient use of resources including water conservation methods such as drip irrigation systems; it is possible to maximize production yields thereby increasing profitability for citrus farmers.

Citrus Farming Challenges

Citrus farming can be a profitable and rewarding business, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One major challenge is the unpredictable weather patterns that affect citrus trees’ growth and development. Heavy rains or prolonged droughts can cause damage to crops, making it difficult for farmers to manage their yields.

Another common challenge in citrus farming is pest management. Citrus crops are susceptible to pests such as mites, aphids, and fruit flies that can significantly reduce yield if not properly controlled. Farmers need to have effective pest control measures in place to protect their crops from these damaging pests.

Farmers also face logistical challenges when transporting their produce from the farm to the market. Poor road infrastructure or limited transportation options can make it difficult for them to reach markets on time, leading to spoilage and financial losses.

Furthermore, there is a shortage of skilled labor in many areas where citrus farms operate. Finding experienced workers who understand proper planting techniques, pruning methods, irrigation practices, and harvesting processes may pose another significant challenge for farmers.

While citrus farming offers great potential rewards for those willing to put in hard work and dedication; cope with environmental factors such as weather changes; manage pests effectively; find reliable transport means; securing skilled labor – these remain some of the significant hurdles that farmers have had difficulty overcoming over time.

Citrus Farming Alternatives

While citrus farming has been a popular and profitable agricultural venture for many farmers, there are still viable alternatives that they can explore. One of these is organic vegetable gardening, which involves growing different types of vegetables without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. This alternative is gaining popularity as more consumers become health-conscious and environmentally aware.

Another potential alternative to citrus farming is livestock production. Raising poultry or cattle can be an excellent source of income, especially if the farmer has enough land to devote to grazing animals. Livestock production can also provide other benefits such as manure for fertilizer and additional sources of food like eggs or meat.

Agroforestry is another option worth considering. It involves integrating trees into the farm system to create a more sustainable model while providing additional environmental benefits such as soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and improved water quality.

Aquaculture or fish farming offers another opportunity for farmers looking to diversify their income streams. Fish like tilapia or catfish are relatively easy to raise in ponds with low start-up costs compared to other forms of agriculture.

With these alternatives available, farmers have several options beyond just citrus farming that they can consider depending on their resources and preferences.

Conclusion

Citrus farming, particularly Sinturis or Mandarin Orange is a lucrative industry in the Philippines. With its growing demand both locally and internationally, it offers promising opportunities for farmers to increase their income.

While there are challenges that come with citrus farming such as pests and diseases, proper care and management can significantly reduce the risks. Additionally, exploring alternative solutions like intercropping or crop rotation can help mitigate these difficulties.

Planting and growing citrus requires patience, dedication, and hard work. But when done correctly, it can yield high productivity per hectare while providing a sustainable source of livelihood for Filipino farmers.

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