The new paradigm shift in organic agriculture is a departure from conventional agriculture. It is the production of crops and livestock without the use of synthetic chemicals and inorganic fertilizers. These training participants are making non-toxic pest control and organic fertilizers with bio-nutrients while relying on available farm materials and inputs.
Bacolod, LANAO DEL NORTE---The Institute’s vision is focused and centered in delivering excellent extension services which would prompt in producing good food and making it available and affordable to Filipino consumers.
With the on-going implementation of the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) helmed by the Department of Agriculture, food security is underscored while producing food that are safe and high in nutritional value. Essentially, the program aims to promote, propagate, further develop and implement the practice of organic agriculture in the country towards a competitive and sustainable organic agriculture industry which contributes to better farm income and come up with sustainable livelihood.
Recently, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) through the Career Development and Management Services (CDMS) section mounted a training on “Organic Backyard Vegetable Gardening and Edible Landscaping” in Lanao del Norte. Thirty training participants consisting of farmer leaders were able to produce their own homemade but effective source of fertilizer and non-toxic pest control after the lecture and techno demo proper. The said training intended to enhance knowledge and skills as well as provide livelihood opportunities to the training participants.
Ms. Moisa Niña D. Catiil served as Project Officer during the conduct of training in two separate groups in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and lately in Bacolod, Lanao del Norte which transpired on June 13-15 at Queensland Herbs and Tourism Farm.
It is notable that the increase in palay production in Lanao del Norte is attributed to the continuous supply of irrigation water in Lala and Kapatagan according to pia.gov.ph on its June 18 report. With vegetable and high-value crops in tow and market demand for anything organic still on the rise, production of organic vegetable is seen as a lucrative and profitable business venture. (with reports from Moisa Niña D. Catiil, Training Specialist I)