Grit and determination as the essential ingredients  for successful onion farming

At 43 years old, Dexter Miague, a certified farmer from Bagumbayan, Miagao, Iloilo, demonstrates that perseverance and skills can lead to great success, even without finishing formal education. Despite not earning a degree, Dexter found his love for farming, especially growing bulb onions.

“As I didn’t finish schooling, farming is my source of revenue. Despite lacking capital when I started farming back then, I now cultivate hectares of bulb onions and sweet corn because of my unwavering dedication to farming,” highlights Dexter.

For Dexter, growing onions is like taking a chance – sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But his determination and cleverness helped him face the ups and downs of farming.

Emphasizing the risk-reward dynamics of onion farming Dexter playfully quips, “If you want to become a millionaire, plant onions, and if you want to be poor, also plant onions.”

Dexter’s success in cultivating bulb onions depended on carefully choosing the land, checking if the soil was right for onions and making sure there was enough water for irrigation. He knew that these elements are crucial to keep a close eye on his crops and take good care of them, always giving them the care they needed to grow well.

Expanding his onion farming beyond his hometown to the neighboring town of Brgy. Mayunoc in San Joaquin, Iloilo, marks a significant breakthrough for Dexter. This decision yielded inspiring results, with Dexter recently harvesting over 18 metric tons of bulb onions. 

Expecting a substantial gross income of P810,000 from this single harvest with a dependable buyer and a farmgate price set at a minimum of P45 per kilo, Dexter’s achievement is evident. However, his achievements extend beyond this notable feat, showcasing his continuous journey of triumph in the agricultural sector.

Back in his hometown in Miagao, Dexter also harvested 2,500 kilos of onions, earning a gross income of P112,500. Beyond bulb onions, Dexter’s farming skills shines through in his cultivation of sweet corn, which consistently brings him substantial earnings throughout the year. This versatility underscores Dexter’s proficiency in various farming practices, solidifying his position as a skilled and successful farmer.

Dexter’s onion farming journey is a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that resilience, ingenuity, and passion are the keys into discerning adversity. His journey underscores the life-changing impact of dedication and strategic thinking in overcoming obstacles.

Through relentless hard work and smart decision-making, Dexter Miague beats the notion that formal education is a prerequisite for success in farming. His story serves as a proof to the fact that anyone, regardless of background or educational attainment, can thrive in the agricultural sector with the right mindset and approach.

Furthermore, Dexter finds fulfillment in knowing that his onion farming venture not only brings prosperity to himself but also provides opportunities for his fellow farmers. By employing others in his farming operations, Dexter contributes to the livelihoods of his community, spreading the benefits of his success and fostering a spirit of solidarity among local farmers.

Dexter’s determination and resourcefulness exemplify how individuals can carve their path to success through sheer grit and a profound love for their craft. His triumphs stand as a testament to the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to dream and persistently pursue their goals, irrespective of their educational background. # (By: MSSubang/DA-RAFIS 6 | Photos by: AMSTAbura/DA-RAFIS 6)