Demand for organic fertilizer rising in Ilocos Norte

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

Laoag City—The high cost of farm inputs has yielded to increasing demand for organic fertilizers among Ilocano farmers here.

Like the state-run Mariano Marcos State University in Batac City, Dr. Floramante Pastor, head of the bio-organic fertilizer production located at the back of the university library said they are flooded with orders from farmers engaged in the production of rice, corn and other high value commercial crops.

Pegged at P250 per bag weighing 50 kilos, a farmer can save by more than triple the amount of commercial fertilizer pegged at P1,300 per bag.

Through a continuous conduct of farmers’ school and field visitations of organic farming demonstration sites, traditional farmers here are now shifting to the use of organic fertilizer. Aside from its cheaper cost compared to inorganic fertilizer, it likewise increases the physical and biological properties in soils, thus, mitigating the risks of over-fertilization, unsafe for humans and the environment.

Launched in 2008, MMSU has been producing high-quality compost for the past seven years. This is part of its long term plan to convert all farm residues within the school compound into organic fertilizer.

Aside from leaves and other farm wastes, the university also produces vermicast fertilizers from earthworms or the so-called African Night Crawlers.

To encourage vermiculture, the Batac University is giving out vermiworms for free to interested farmers here. So far, about 45 kilos of vermiworms were already given to selected clients.

According to Pastor, the production of organic fertilizer is also a great alternative livelihood for farmers.

Like in 2013, the MMSU was able to generate a net income of about P247,750 out of the 995 bags produced.

Backing the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, the province of Ilocos Norte through members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has recently approved an ordinance to promote organic farming in the 21 municipalities and 2 cities here.

The organic act aims to “cumulatively condition and enrich the fertility of the soil, increase farm productivity, reduce pollution and destruction of the environment, prevent the depletion of natural resources, further protect the health of farmers, consumers, and the general public, and save on imported farm inputs.”

Meanwhile, inorganic or chemical fertilizers are only good for the rapid growth of plants but not for their health.

If used in excessive amount, these chemicals make the soil saline and infertile. Even the chemicals may seep in nearby water resources and enter the food chain, posing health hazard.

Organic fertilizers, however, take longer time than inorganic fertilizers to bring in soil fertility but it has been proven effective for long term and sustainable farm productivity.