Income and Expenditure Analysis of Selected Lowland Rainfed Rice Farmers in Tubog, Cawayan, Masbate

Abstract

This study investigated the rice income and expenses of lowland rain-fed farmers in Barangay Tubog to ascertain whether these farmers could generate profits. A survey questionnaire was utilized to collect the data. The findings indicated that rice farmers earned an average annual income of P11,571.43. Conversely, their agricultural costs amounted to an average of P15,681.68 per cropping season. The study revealed that farmers needed more awareness regarding the recommended fertilizer application rates for a given farm area. Consequently, they incurred higher expenses on inputs, which harmed their income. Specifically, the average total cost of land preparation was found to be P3,084.09. The labor cost averaged P3,050.00, while the total expenses on fertilizer per cropping season averaged P5,812.42. Furthermore, the average total cost of pesticides per cropping season was approximately P1,258.42, and the average total milling cost amounted to P1,756.75. Overall, the entire agricultural expenses averaged P15,681.68 per cropping season. In terms of household expenses, the average was calculated to be P12,626.47. The researchers discovered that lowland rain-fed rice farmers in Barangay Tubog incurred higher expenses while generating lower income due to limited production output. This is likely due to some factors, including outdated farming practices, lack of access to credit, and the high cost of inputs. These findings suggested a need for government intervention to support lowland rain-fed rice farmers in Barangay Tubog. This could include providing farmers access to improved farming technologies, credit, and market linkages.