Ilocos Norte promotes Integrated Farming System

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—The Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) continues to promote Integrated Farming System (IFS) among local farmers here as a means of poverty reduction and hunger alleviation.

IFS, also known as mixed farming, is a technique that combines crop and livestock production. This technique helps farmers in reducing inputs and increasing productivity as crop residues are fed to animals while their manure is used as fertilizer.

Provincial Agriculturist Norma Lagmay said that through a consolidated technology-based integrated farming system, the provincial government through the agriculture department has been distributing hybrid seeds, organic fertilizer, tilapia fingerlings and livestock source out from the province’s share of RA 7171 or tobacco excise tax as a counterpart to program beneficiaries particularly those who are on the Listahanan or the so-called National Household Targeting System (NHTS) list popularized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

After the harvest season of major Ilocos crops such as rice and corn, Ms. Lagmay said farmers are encouraged to plant short term crops like vegetables and other high value commercial crops to increase their productivity.

Through the implementation of IFS, Ilocos Norte Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos is optimistic that this would reduce poverty incidence in the province which is on top of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) program of the province.

While urging all farmers to practice IFS, Ilocos Norte is also eyeing to make the province the center of organic farming in the north.

In support of the provincial government’s initiative, the Department of Agriculture through Secretary Prospero Alcala, as the father of the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 or RA 100281 has committed to allocate funds for the rehabilitation and improvement of irrigation systems in the province.

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