Agriculturist's office targets increase in organic farming system accomplishment in 2010

By Maricar Aranas

DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan. 8 – The Provincial Agriculturist's Office (PAO) is targeting a 10-percent accomplishment in the implementation of the organic farming system in Negros Oriental in 2010.

The province had an estimated two percent accomplishment rate in 2009 in terms of the implementation of organic farming program, such as distribution of vermi worms for organic fertilizers and the actual adoption of farmers of organic farming methods.

According to Provincial Agriculturist Gregorio Paltinca, the organic farming program was formally implemented in the province in the latter part of 2009. They have conducted a series of farmer field school trainings and even refresher training for field technicians.

A total of two tons of African night crawler worms were distributed to various Government Agriculture Development Centers (GADCent) in the province.

Aside from the vermi worms, the PAO also conducted training on preparation of the Natural Fermented Solutions and rapid composting.

Paltinca said they have intensified the education and training on organic farming methods because majority of the farmers in Negros Oriental are still farming the traditional way, such as with the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

He said there are still many farmers who are reluctant to adopt organic farming due to lack of educational know-how.

GADCent is one of the venues to conduct demo trainings and seminars for the farmers, he added. (PNA) LAP/jfp/MA

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