DILIMAN, Quezon City—In its continuous effort to promote organic farming both in rural and urban areas, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) held a free seminar on making organic concoctions.

Luis Bausa, Farm and Training Manager of the Duran Farm Agribusiness and Training Center in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, served as the resource person during the seminar. He gave some tips on making various concoctions, natural attractants, and plant extracts which can be used as fertilizer and organic pesticides for plants.

He also showed videos on how some concoctions can be used as food supplement for farm animals. Also part of his lecture are some innovative practices including how to water plants using recycled plastic bottles.

The attendees also took part in a hands-on demonstration on the preparation of fermented plant juice, fermented fruit juice, oriental herb nutrient, and hot pepper extract. Among them is 45-year-old Liezl Cunanan from Quezon City who said that she will make these concoctions at home and use them in her existing garden.

In his closing remarks, Bausa encouraged the attendees to formulate their own organic concoctions using materials that are readily available in their areas. He emphasized that an organic lifestyle is not just about diet but also a way of thinking.

About 197 individuals from Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and CaLaBarZon attended the free seminar which was held on February 23, 2018 at the ATI Mess Hall. This is the first of the ATI’s two-part seminar on urban agriculture this year. The second one will be held on April 13 which will focus on composting and vermiculture.