Hydroponics farming opens doors for young agripreneur in Ozamiz City
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Jury Rey Catapang, one of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) awardees of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin), shared his success story in agripreneurship during an episode of Usapang Agrikultura, aired on January 7 via Radyo Pilipinas 1 DXIM.
A certified public accountant venturing into hydroponics farming and now owner of OZ Fresh Greens Hydroponics in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, he urged farmers and would-be agripreneurs to explore innovative and sustainable farming methods like hydroponics. With the initial plan of going abroad as an accountant, entering into agriculture has changed his mind.
Started self-learning through video tutorials during the pandemic, when hydroponics gained popularity, the aspiring agripreneur then started his 800-square-meter lettuce production farm in 2021, seizing the opportunity to address the local demand for lettuce in his city.
“Hydroponics is ideal for limited spaces and urban areas, because it uses nutrient-rich water instead of soil, unlike traditional farming. And I saw this as an opportune time because Ozamiz City is far from other lettuce producing areas like Bukidnon and Don Victoriano [town],” Catapang said.
“Without delivery, [the city] doesn’t have access to fresh lettuce. That’s why I decided to venture into hydroponics.”
According to him, 70-80% less water is used compared to the conventional soil-based farming, as the system recycles water. He also mentioned that operational costs are lower due to fewer pests in a greenhouse setup.
“Do thorough research and learn. It’s essential to fully understand what you’re getting into, from planting to growing the crops,” advised Catapang.
He cited that hydroponics requires a clean space with proper air circulation, and protection from direct sunlight and rain, or the use of greenhouses. The young agripreneur furthered that different plants require specific nutrients, and equipment such as pumps, grow trays, and pH meters are essential for ensuring quality harvests.
Now, his farm produces approximately 12k heads of lettuce every month, generating an average income of PhP50k-70k, depending on demand. He supplies his produce to grocery stores, public markets, and restaurants through contract deliveries and also caters to walk-in consumers.
“Start small and do not be swayed [merely] by the potential income. It’s important to make sure of your market before making a big investment,” Catapang pointed out.
As a YFC provincial awardee in Misamis Occidental and an eligible participant for the YFC Upscale program, he shared that joining the YFC has opened him doors to additional funding, exposure, and access to the DA’s support services.
He added that, aside from lettuce, his product offerings include pre-packaged salads and value-added products such as pesto paste made from basil, even having monthly orders from a Bulacan-based café.
Through the agency’s support, he served as one of the exhibitors in the DA Pavilion during the World Bazaar Festival 2024 last December at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. He displayed 72 jars of pesto paste, which were sold out on the second day of the exhibit.
With the DA’s continuous support to the youth to contribute toward agricultural sustainability and food innovation, Catapang, as one example, at just 29 years old, balances his role as an accountant at a private firm while managing his farm – creating employment and providing food for his community.# (BJCE)
