‘Produce improves by 80% through organic farming.'

‘Produce improves by 80% through organic farming’

The promise of organis farming is not only limited to safe and healthy lifestyle, it also doubles produce by 80 percent per hectare, Humayan Ministry pastor Jerry Dionson said.

Dionson said that traditional farming gain is only pegged at P25,000 per hectare every crop cycle while organic farming can reach P45,000.

In traditional farming, farmers use chemically-based pesticides and fertilizers to help improve the soil and prevent infestation. This factor usually eats up most of the budgeting of the farmers, Dionson said.

On the other hand, in organic farming, the same inputs are used but the material is all organic like using trichogramma to prevent army worm influx, he added. The farmers will also have to discover it for themselves that in a span of five years, organic production will double its number because of the proper land use that provides nutrients to the plantation, Dionson added.

Farmers do not need to change their farming techniques but the inputs they use to cultivate their plantation, which must be free from chemicals, Dionson also said. He said that this is the ministry’s way of keeping the island safe and the consuming public healthy.

Humayan Ministry also offers pastoral care, camp site, and farming community.
Meanwhile, the 5th Organic Negros festival ended Saturday with 64 exhibitors from various organic producers and retailers.

Organik Na! Negros Organic Producers and Retailers Association president Ramon Uy, Sr. said that the continuous programs of going organic will help the farmers become better at the craft.

Uy said the festival also provides new ventures for farmers to increase their production. Farmers must be proud of their work, for without them, the entire country will starve, he added.

Coffee grower Angel Vic Labrador, meanwhile, said he hopes for the approval of the Organic Act of 2010 because the province is already on the right track of organic living. The approval of the act means that Negros Occidental will be the first beneficiary and implementer, he added.

Meanwhile, Biyahe Negros head Maricar Dabao also promised to include in their tours the leading organic farms of the province. Davao said that it is not only the scenic places that bring tourists in the province, but also the organic farms.

Dabao said that there is a great potential for the province to boost its tourism industry because of its strong drive to go organic.

She also said that the festival is one way to educate and involve the youth in living organic and choosing a healthier lifestyle.*LTG