Tiger grass farming and broom making in Bagulin, La Union [Philippines]

Tiger grass (Thysanolaena maxima), locally called 'boi-boi' in Ilocano or 'tambo' in Tagalog, has great ecological and economic importance. As hedgerow, the species helps control soil erosion while helping conserve water. As raw material for soft broom production, it provides potential livelihood to upland farmers due to increasing demand for tiger grass made brooms. To promote this product in Bagsulin, La Union, Orallo et al. (ERDS-CAR) implemented a project in partnership with the LGUs and existing people's organization in the area. A 5-ha tiger grass plantation was established with the community-based forest management area in Bagulin. Short-term cash crops (upland rice, banana, yam) were intercropped in the 1st-5th year. This project was implemented in 2006. Findings of the project include the following: The plantation produced an initial 44,000 panicles, which was projected to increase by 15% annually until the 6th year. This would ensure the production of at least 15% of the needed raw materials for soft broom making. As cash crops were intercropped, land utilization was maximized and farmers' income increased. The harvest from the intercrops contributed a 20% additional income to the beneficiaries. The tiger grass technology was already considered a matured and tested technology that the need for its adoption and commercialization in a wider scale in the region is highly recommended. Included in the technology is the propagation, plantation, cultural management, and harvesting techniques. The project became the convergence of assistance from GOs and LGUs including private traders in terms of product design and development, packaging and marketing, and financial assistance. The LGU considered tiger grass as their priority commodity for the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program.