Return on Investment Primer (Pechay)

PECHAY PRODUCTION WITH COST AND RETURN ANALYSIS^_1/

^{(Primary Part)}

Acuña, Nhyll Angelo S.

Adan, Arvin Jasper R.

Almendraz, Jay Carlo F.

Introduction

 Pechay (Brassica rapa L. cv group Pak Choi) is an erect, biennial herb, cultivated as an annual about 15-30 cm tall in vegetative stage. Ovate leaves are arranged spirally and spreading. The petioles are enlarged and grow upright forming a subcylindrical bundle. Inflorescence is a raceme with pale yellow flowers. Seeds are 1 mm in diameter and are reddish to blackish brown in color.

Nutritional Value of Pechay

Pechay is used mainly for its immature, but fully expanded tender leaves. The succulent petioles are often the preferred part. It is used as main ingredient for soup and stir-fried dishes. In Chinese cuisine, its green petioles and leaves are also used as garnish.

Table 1 shows the nutrient content of 100g pechay.

Table 1. Nutrient content of 100g pechay

Each 100g of fresh edible portion of pechay contains:

Nutrient                        Amount

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Water                           93.0 g
Protein                         1.7 g
Fat                               0.2 g
Carbohydrates               3.1 g
Fiber                             0.7 g
Ash                              0.8 g
B-carotene                    2.3 g
Vitamin C                    53.0 mg
Calcium                     102.0 mg
Phosphorus                 46.0 mg
Iron                              2.6 mg
Energy Value               86.0 kJ

Source: Pechay ProductionGuideInfo Bulletin #161/2000PCARRD

Production Practices

Recommended Varieties

Recommended varieties of pechay in Philippines are: Black Behi, Hari Digma, Shin Kang, Genghis Khan, and Shanhai No.2.

Site Selection

Pechay can be grown from low to mid elevations throughout the year. Production is best, however, during the dry season in sandy to clay loam soil, with a pH of 5.5-6.5.

Growing Season

Each plant produces a minimum of 10-14 erect stalks, measuring at least 8-10 inches long. For best result, Pechay should be grown during the cold climate. They can also be grown as a spring or fall crop if no other crops are planted for the season.

Land Preparation

The best soil medium for pechay is rich with organic materials mix with animal manures and rice hull charcoal or sand. The soil mixture ratio should be; 1 part rich garden soil, 1 part dried animal manure, and 1 part rice hull charcoal or sand.

             In preparing the soil, be sure that it is well pulverized. Pulverizing the soil of your garden is needed in order to provide proper water drainage when this soil is already formed into a raised plot.

References

 Pechay Production Guide (2000) Info Bulletin #161/2000 PCARRD. http://www.darfu4b.da.gov.ph/pechay.html

Ramos-Aquino, M. (19,May,2012) Urban Farmer: Pechay by golly, wow! http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/urban-farmer-pechay-by-golly-wow

Ramasasa, C. (2000) How to Grow Pechay. http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Grow-Pechay-in-Containers&id=5338279