by Chareeze S. Israel & Felisa R. Aurellano
THROUGH the years, Native Batek (Chewing) tobacco, more popularly known as Batek, is widely planted in La Union and Pangasinan. The six varieties of Batek tobacco that the farmers plant are Karag, Lampangog, Lawit, Pimminya, Sagedsed, and Sinay.
Among the six varieties, Pimminya, a high-yielding variety of good quality and resistant to insect pests and diseases, is the first Batek variety ever registered by the NTA at the National Seed Industry Council. The registration was facilitated by the Technical Working Group chaired by Deputy Administrator for Operations Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan.
Before its registration, the Farm Technology and Services Department headed by Imelda N. Riñen together with Benjamin Fiesta, Nelly Castro and the extension workers of NTA La Union conducted field evaluation trials in Gumot, Rosario, La Union with the group of Engr. Albert Casison and at the NTA experimental area in Tabug, Batac City.
The Native Batek (Chewing) tobacco subtype, which is highly recommended for the Ilocos Region, gives the highest income (P80-P120/kg) than any of the other types and subtype; thus, a yearly increase of farmers engaged in planting. It is a topped tobacco plant with 18-20 leaves. The lower leaves which are harvested first are called “Liso.”
In the following month after the harvest of the Liso, the larger upper leaves or “Batek” are harvested.
A mature Batek leaf is long and broad with brown spots.
The leaves, Liso and Batek, are hung in a sunlit area for one day. After sun-wilting, the leaves are transferred to the curing shed for air-drying for 30-40 days. These then are stacked and covered in a dry place, for fermentation and conditioning until the leaves turn chocolate brown and ready for trading. Two suckers per plant “pasanga” with two leaves each and base sucker with six leaves are also maintained as “second crop.” The suckers have the same size as the main crop leaves.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIETY/HYBRID – Pimminya
