The Marketing of Indigenous Agricultural Products in Selected Barangays of Catarman Northern Samar, Philippines
Indigenous agricultural products in Northern Samar are plentiful but their availability in the market is unpredictable. This study tried to find out what are the indigenous agricultural products as an eye opener for the farmers in increasing production. It aimed to determine the market potential and find out if it is profitable to sustain the production entirely. It also tried to ascertain the problems and constraints deterrent to production and marketing. The study was conducted in four barangays of Catarman, Northern Samar. The researcher utilized triangulation to derive a valid data. These barangays produced indigenous agricultural products of several varieties of root crops, fruit trees, and vegetables. They also produce processed livestock, cereal, and marine products. It revealed that Copra and rice were the main sources of income in the four pilot areas. Some were produced in fewer quantities partly sold and consumed by the farmers. Prices slightly varied in the different barangays mostly sold either through small middlemen or to the ultimate consumers. Generally, they were sold on cash basis. The most reported problems common to the four barangays were climatic change (rank1) occurrence of pests (rank 2) lack of capital (rank 3) and insufficient of water supply (rank 4) During community consultation major problem exposed in Washington and Galutan lack of water supply, Macagtas capital deficiency and Libjo pest occurrence. Finally farmers' participation in the preparation of implementable market plan should be arranged to systematize marketing of indigenous products.