In the heart of the Philippines, a small backyard nursery in Mati, Davao Oriental, is challenging conventional wisdom about agricultural profitability. Nelson Dulzura, a graduate of Business Management from Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology, has demonstrated that a modest investment in a grafted mango nursery can yield impressive returns, even in a small-scale operation. His research, published in the Davao Research Journal, translates to the English name “Davao Research Journal” has significant implications for the agricultural sector, particularly in regions where mango cultivation is prevalent.
Dulzura’s study focused on a 35-square-meter backyard nursery located in Dahican, just 4.7 kilometers from Mati’s poblacion. The nursery, which operated for six months from July to December 1998, produced grafted mango seedlings with a remarkable 97.17% survival rate. This high success rate is a testament to the effectiveness of the cleft grafting technique used, which is known for its reliability in producing healthy mango seedlings.
The nursery’s financial performance was equally impressive. With an initial investment of P8,659.00, the nursery generated a net income of P5,666.00, resulting in a return on investment (ROI) of 65.43%. This profitability is particularly noteworthy given the small scale of the operation. “The key to our success was the high demand for grafted mango seedlings and the efficient use of resources,” Dulzura explained. “We were able to sell all our propagules within the operating period, which allowed us to recover our initial capital quickly.”
The grafted mango seedlings were sold at P25.00 each, a price point that Dulzura determined based on the costs incurred. The seedlings were in high demand, with buyers including the Department of Agriculture in Mati, the Mango Growers’ Cooperative, and other local farmers. This high demand is a positive indicator for the future, suggesting that similar nurseries could thrive in the region.
The sustainability of the project is another critical factor. Dulzura’s nursery was able to operate efficiently with just two contractual laborers, and all necessary materials were readily available locally. This ease of operation and the high demand for the product make the project readily replicable, opening up opportunities for other entrepreneurs in the region.
The implications of Dulzura’s research extend beyond the immediate profitability of the nursery. The success of this small-scale operation highlights the potential for similar ventures in other regions, particularly where mango cultivation is a significant part of the agricultural landscape. The high demand for grafted mango seedlings suggests that there is a market for such products, and the efficient use of resources demonstrated in this study could serve as a model for other nurseries.
As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, the lessons from Dulzura’s nursery could shape future developments in nursery management and mango cultivation. The high ROI and the efficient use of resources are particularly relevant in an era where sustainability and profitability are increasingly intertwined. This research, published in the Davao Research Journal, underscores the potential for small-scale, high-impact agricultural ventures and sets a precedent for future innovations in the field.