On Dec. 8, 2023, Batuan Mayor Antonio Jumawid (inset, upper left corner) reminded his constituents in LGU-Batuan, Bohol of the 17 LAWS OF FARMING they should know: 1) Never target peak seasons, peak seasons come with their own challenges. Be a farmer not a gambler; 2) Choose atleast two main crops and a rotational crop plan. Jumping from one crop to another is not right to your pocket; 3) Plan your farm and always have the crops at different age stages, to ensure constantn supply; 4) No crop that is not profitable, just master the pro and cons of a particular crop; 5) Having a lot of many is not a licence to successful farming; 6.) Have a spray and fertilizer plan and stick to it; 7). Never take advise from agrovets and agrochemical sales agent. Most of them are sales persons and not agronomists; 8) Try as much as possible to cut down on farm expenditure without compromising on produce quality; 9) Never hold back on a produce, if its a quick perishable product. Sell it at the prevailing prices; 10) Never plant a new seed on large scale before doing trials unless you have seen it somewhere; 11) Never entrust your million dollar idea against a farmhand, ensure you are present during critical stages of crop development until marketing; 12) Never employ a close family member to manage your farm, most of them will fail you; 13) If you are neighbouring farmers plant same crop; 14)
Never apply any farming information you get online, without consulting your agronomist; 15) Always have a farm plan; 16) Old is always good. Most of the old seed varieties and chemicals will never disappoint you; and 17) Passion in farming is key and will take you far. Contributed photo