tiger grass farming and broom making [compatibility mode].pdf

8/10/2019 Tiger Grass Farming and Broom Making [Compatibility Mode].pdf

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TIGER GRASS FARMING AND BROOM MAKING

by

ARSENIO B ELLA and EMMANUEL P DOMINGO

Scientist III and Research Assistant, respectivelyITTO PROJECT PD 448/07 REV. 2 (I)


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TIGER GRASS

Tiger grass ( Thysanolaena

maxima Kuntze syn. T.latifolia (Hornem) Honda)locally known as tambo, is a

viable source of livelihoodfor upland communities.

This plant can be a maincrop or interspersed withfruit trees and otherperennial crops.


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TIGER GRASS

Tiger grass producespanicles for a maximumperiod of 10 years.The government ispromoting tiger grassfarming to boost the broomindustry in the country.

Tiger grass is available inalmost all regions in thePhilippines.


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Planting stock productionThe common method to propagate tiger grassfor better growth is by root stocks.

Uproot clump suckers of mature tiger grass. Aone hectare plantation needs about 2,500 to3,000 clumps, containing at least threeemerging suckers.

Cut the upper portion leaving 10 cm of itsvegetative part.

METHODS


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Site selectionTiger grass thrives in medium to high elevation,preferably in hillside slopes and logged-overareas.

PLANTATION ESTABLISHMENT


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Site preparationClear the area if it is to be used solely for tigergrass production or spot clear if interspersedwith agricultural crops.

Dig a hole 30 cm in diameter and 3 cm deepwith spacing of 2 m x 2 m if planted alone or 4m x 4 m if interplant with other crops. Usecontour planting.



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Hauling and handling Haul planting stocks to the prepared plantingsite. Do not expose to direct sunlight.

If possible, plant stock within the day ofcollection to reduce mortality.



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Planting and fertilizing Plant at least three suckers to the preparedhole. Plant during the onset of the rainy seasonto ensure good root and shoot development.

Tip: Intercrop tiger grass with cash crops for more

profit.Apply fertilizer once a year, before the onset ofthe rainy season. Organic fertilizer can be used.

However, fertilization is not a usual practice butis done in some less productive soil.



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Plantation maintenance and protectionReplant dead ones before the rainy seasonends.

Weed once a year or as the need arises tominimize competition on soil nutrients, waterand sunlight and to minimize fire hazard.

Protect the area from stray animals.

If possible, introduce Integrated PestManagement (IPM) to minimize pest problems.



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HARVESTING AND HAULINGThe panicles usually develop from October toDecember and are harvested when thestalks are at least 70 cm long. Harvesting isdone from December to March. The highestyield is observed on the 6 th year of theplantation.

Cut the panicles with a sharp scythe or bolo.

Gather panicles and sun-dry for two to threedays. Regularly turn the panicles for uniformand fast drying.


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HARVESTING AND HAULINGSlightly shake or patdried panicles againststone or wood to removeseeds.

Bundle 105 panicles forevery broom.Tip: After the last harvest, cut all the remaining

vegetative parts down to 30 cm for regeneration. Newtillers will develop and the cut portion can be used asfodder for animals.

Variation: Dried panicles can be dyed and used as noveltyor decorative items.


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BROOM PRODUCTION


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MATERIALS

105 panicle(maximum)

Kawayan orwooden stick

Tie wirePlastic string onsplit rattan


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PROCEDUREShear some of its firstspikelet (flowers) andensure that an averageremaining length ismaintained.

Tie these shearedspikelets to the main

stem to add thickness tothe broom.


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PROCEDURE

Maintain some of thestalks to serve ashandle.

Arrange the added

spikelet (tightly bound with

string) into five to six small

bundles (1-1.5 cm diameter) and bind togetherto make one big bundle.


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PROCEDURE

Tightly bind

together the stalksusing tie wire toform the handle.

Use w ood or bamboo stickas handle. Bind togetherwith the panicles.


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PROCEDUREArrange the panicles into fan-like form withplastic string or split rattan.

Decorate the handle or wrap with rolledplastic or split rattan to indicate the origin of

the product.


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MARKETING CONSIDERATIONS

There is no problemin marketing softbrooms as long asthese are good inquality. It can besold within thecommunity where it

is produced oranywhere in thePhilippines.


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MARKETING CONSIDERATIONS

Brooms are sold in retail atP40/pc and wholesale at

P35/pc. Price may increasedepending on the decoration.Panicles can be sold to

producers in the locality atP18 per bundle (can makeone broom). During lean

months, store panicles orbrooms while waiting for abetter market price.


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ECOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS

Establishment of tiger grass is recommended. Thiswill ensure not only the raw materials supply for

the industries but also for the enhancement of theenvironment.

Tiger grass is good in rehabilitating degradedareas. If planted at close spacing, it is effective forsoil erosion control.

Tiger grass farming is an environment-friendlylivelihood. It serves as cover crop or hedgerow andhelps minimize runoff and soil erosion in uplands.


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T H A N K Y O U !

tiger grass farming and broom making [compatibility mode].pdf

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