Batac City Entrepreneurs Thrive in Seedling Production After Career Shift
Batac City – In Batac City, Ilocos Norte, two young farmers have found success and fulfillment in agriculture after leaving their jobs in 2022. Kevin Wayne Baga, 27, and his girlfriend, Ana Cristina Guiang, 26, both licensed agriculturists, are the proprietors of KA-Bukid Propagation Farm, specializing in producing seedlings for local farmers. Their venture is focused on providing quality seedlings essential for maximizing agricultural produce.
According to Philippines News Agency, the couple’s farm, situated a few meters from Manila North Road in Sitio Nagabaan, won the 2021 Young Farmers Challenge Fund program organized by the Department of Agriculture. Utilizing the PHP 100,000 grand prize as their start-up capital, they established their seedling nursery on a 2,000-square-meter agricultural lot owned by Kevin’s grandmother. Prior to starting their own business, Kevin was employed at a private seed company and an agri-machinery firm, while Ana taught short-term agriculture courses at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The couple decided to leave their respective jobs to pursue their passion for seedling propagation, a task they believe requires dedication and care. They expressed no regrets about their career change, finding joy in their work and the opportunity to assist fellow farmers. Ana emphasized the importance of being ‘hands-on’ in such an enterprise and constantly seeking ways to make it profitable.
KA-Bukid Farm not only serves walk-in clients but also participates in agri-trade fairs to build a client network. They have an active social media presence, showcasing their ready-to-plant seedlings, which include tomatoes, eggplant, sweet and hot pepper, papaya, fruit-bearing trees, and ornamentals. The farm offers reservations, pick-ups, and deliveries, propagating high-value seedlings throughout the year. They currently have a capacity of 1,600 trays, each sold at PHP 250.
Ana highlighted the dual benefits of their business, providing income and supporting local farmers with pest-free and disease-free seedlings. The farm also provides sustainable livelihood for their elderly relatives, Norma Rayosa, 65, and Romula Clemente, 60. Both seniors find seedling propagation a fulfilling and manageable task, even helping with vegetable harvesting.
Facing high demand for quality seedlings from Ilocos farmers, KA-Bukid Farm is planning an expansion to serve more clients in neighboring provinces such as Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, and Apayao. Furthermore, the farm is in the process of becoming a practical agriculture learning site, with accreditation underway with the Agricultural Training Institute.