CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus, Linn) is a herbaceous hairy annual plant, belonging to the family Malvaceae.
It is also a potential oil and protein crop which also has an exporting value. All parts of the okra plant are useful, its leave and tender shoots which are equally rich in nutrients can be cooked and eaten. The pods are good sources of protein a well as ascorbic acid content of 20g/100g and high level of calcium, fiber and ash. Mature seeds contain about 21% of edible oil (Foods Agricultural and Environment 2005).
In the Philippines, okra contributes as much as 16 million pesos to the economy annually. Okra production in the Philippines and in other countries like Thailand where okra is an important commodity crop for the export industry. Japan imports okra during winter season from December to March, when it is not possible to plant okra. Japanese consumers prefer the ridged variety of okra. Local consumers want the smooth variety hence reject from their harvest is used for animal feeds (Justo,2010)
Smooth green “a vigorous okra variety” that can be productive, even under sub optimum conditions is vigorous and are very strong in the field. It yields 21 tons/ha, harvest maturity is from 45-50 days from planting, Fruits are smooth,7-10cm long green, and slender. Smooth green is an IPB selection (Agriculture Magazine 2009).
In the production of okra, all modern practices that contribute to its production are needed to be explored to increase production per unit area. High yield is attributed to better varieties, timely farm operation, better weed control, application of fertilizer and improved soil management. Due to high cost of inorganic fertilizers, there is a need to shift into organic fertilizer regardless of its kind. Thus it is on this premise that this study must be conducted.

Objectives of the Study This study will