Sunday, August 24, 2008 P3M allocated for organic fertilizer program By Edmund B. Sestoso
SENSING the dangers of using chemically based farm inputs, the Provincial Government has allocated P3 million for the province's campaign to produce organic fertilizers.
Some amount was also allotted for training on how to use organic fertilizers.
Capitol information officer Adrian Sedillo said a sizable amount of the funds will be used to purchase African night crawlers, a type of vermin that produces the best vermicast based on studies.
"The African night crawlers work 24 hours and it is self-producing. In 45 days, mu-doble ang iyang gidaghanon," he said.
He added that under the program, a total of 3,000 farmers all over Negros Oriental will receive one kilo of vermin, which costs P500.
Farmers have already been identified but they will have to be trained first, said Sedillo.
"The administration of Governor Emilio Macias II is serious about promoting its massive campaign for the production of organic fertilizers in view of the high cost of chemical fertilizers," he added.
Sedillo said the move is in line with the initiative of the National Government on agriculture enhancement.
The Philippines is an active member of five regional initiatives on agriculture including a project establishing partnership with Southeast Asia Fisheries Development Center (Seafdec) that led to several projects contributing to sustainability of marine resources in the region.
