A lot can be done with a fraction of a hectare of an upland area when a farmer knows what crop is suited for it. In a 2,400 square meter area, a farmer can maximize his production to earn as low as Php 40,000 to as high as Php 160,000 in one fruiting season of his papaya (Sinta).
The area is planted to papaya at a distance of 3 meters between rows and 2 meters between hills with a total plant population of 400 papaya trees. Each papaya tree is capable of producing more than 50 kilos of marketable fruits in one fruiting season.
If a farmer can only realize an average yield of 10 kilos marketable fruits per papaya tree and sell it at Php 10/kilo, he could earn a modest income of PHP 40,000. But if he can pick 40 kilos of marketable fruits and sell it at the same price, he could earn amazing income of Php 160,000 from his 2,400 square meter area. Income can still be doubled if he sells his papaya at Php 20/kilo.
Cost of production is estimated between Php 6,000 to Php 7,000 which includes the cost of seeds, fertilizer, pesticides and labor.
