Sugarcane Block Farming

Ruby’s Farm: A Successful Block Farming in Paniqui, Tarlac

Ruby farm was formed during 2005-2006 when Department of Agrarian Reform distributed the land to the farmer beneficiaries of Brgy. Apulid. Some of the beneficiaries are also relatives of Mr. Gamboa. He is then working in a auditing firm. Knowing that the capital to start in sugarcane farming is very high compared to other crops. Mr. Gamboa started to have a vision on helping his relatives to start the plantation. Instead of giving out loans, he envisioned a structure that will help his fellow planter through their joint efforts. The farm operates base only from the day-to-day operational requirements The clustered farm then consisted of 20 families and around 15 hectares more o less. This marked the beginning of the Ruby’ Farm.

As years have passed, innovations and improvements on management system, and farming practices have contributed to the growth of the farm. As well as the partnership of the farmer beneficiaries in the area. At present the Ruby’s Farm consists of 139 families which are all working during the peak season. Farm workers, supervisors, irrigators, tractor operators, and harvesters all are part of the work force of Ruby’s Farm. One of the goal of Mr. Gamboa together with his wife is to see their community developed into a progressing barangay. And making sure that all of the farm workers are working with a smile (“dapat nakangiti”) meaning they are satisfied and working with dignity.


The Farming Structure

This crop year 2011-2012 Ruby Farm has already reach 80 hectares of sugarcane with an average of 100 tons per hectare on plant cane and 75-80 tons per hectare on ratoon with an average PSTC of 1.5-1.95. This is the product of a very successful structure where Mr. Gamboa serves as the President and under him consists of four major divisions and these are, (1) Production, (2) Harvest, (3) Motorpool and (4) Finance

On every lot a standard of operation is set i.e., cultural practices and cost of production. Mr. Gamboa is encouraging his members to focus on the income and not on the cost. Through his own lot which serves as a model farm Mr. Gamboa lets his members see the actual difference of the innovations that he learns from his friends, from the internet and from other available technology source. In fact, he had already acquired a mulcher/trash incorporator and Pinocchio –Subsoiler all from the pocket of Mr. Gamboa. In this way teaching his members on sugarcane farming will be very easy.

One of the innovations of Ruby Farm during their harvest season is their fire drill. Water trucks, power sprayers, hose, knapsack sprayers, proper coordination, and watch tower all of this was established in the farm. They conduct an actual field fire to test how long would take them to control the fire in the field. This will increase their awareness and develop “Bayanihan” system that will be beneficial to all.



Financial Aspect

Transparency and resource management is very vital in gaining the trust of and cooperation of all the members. Every activity like payment for the planting costs, cultivation, fertilization etc., a voucher is signed by the lot owner signifying that a certain activity was actually done in his lot. With this financial reporting is transparent. At the end of the milling season a summary will be given to all the members on their own lot with all the costs and the mill reports on their harvest.
Sharing system is based on the net, Mr. Gamboa provides all of the expenses without interest and gets 50-50 share on the net. In this way mutual partnership is developed.

Social Aspect

“Nagkaroon na ng trabaho, kumita pa sila” these are the words of Mr. Gamboa when he describe how happy he is with the current success of the farm. Empowering the farmers to strive and aim on the goals of the group is very fulfilling. Helping his fellow farmer is already a success for Mr. Gamboa but seeing them with improved lives is another. But the success is also the fruit of values formation and trust of all the members. Giving back to the people all of the success will sure pave the way through progress. Job creation within the community is one of the goal of the group.


Future Plans

Currently not all of the land in Ruby’s farm is being planted with sugarcane. Some portions are waterlogged approximately 20 hectares of idle land. He is appealing to Sugar Regulatory Administration to assist the group in establishing an experiment on the appropriate varieties of sugarcane suitable and can tolerate a mild water logged in his area. In this way many farmer beneficiaries will benefit with this and also for the whole area of Northern Tarlac experiencing mild flooding during the rainy days.


Some of the Ruby’s Farm Equipments and Implements