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.
Where to buy vermicast in laoag city area?thanks hope you can help
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