THE Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Mafar-Barmm) has distributed organic inputs and chemical supplies to 22 farmer cooperatives in line with the celebration of the 7th Organic Agriculture Month.

The recipients of the farm inputs distributed Friday, November 26, were from Cotabato City and the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur as well as Special Geographic Areas (SGA) of Barmm.

Tong Abas, Mafar chief of operation for agriculture services, said Tuesday, November 30, that the agricultural inputs, amounting to P846,374 under the 2021 General Appropriations Act for Bangsamoro (Gaab), a regular program funds of Mafar, included organic fertilizers, sweet potato cuttings, ginger, molasses and foliar fertilizers.

Abas said the organic inputs were distributed to the farmer cooperatives as part of Mafar’s strategy to promote and encourage organic farming in the region.

"We want our farmers to practice organic farming in their respective areas using high value crops, especially during this time of pandemic because they could earn income from it," Abas said.

"In fact, several farmers saved their livelihood using organic farming as their alternative or main source of income, such as planting upland rice, vegetables, and spices, among others during this time of difficulties," he added.

Nora Rebote of Talapas Integrated Organic Farmers Association based in Datu Montawal, Maguindanao, and Malony Tulawi of Greenland Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Upi, Maguindanao expressed their gratitude to Mafar-Barmm for their continuous support, especially during this Covid-19 pandemic.

The celebration 7th Organic Agriculture Month is anchored on the theme "Organikong Pagsasaka, Sagot sa Pandemiya."

The celebration is an annual activity intended to promote the practice of organic agriculture nationwide, as a farm system, being considered an effective tool for development, environmental conservation, and health protection of farmers, consumers and the general public. (SunStar Zamboanga)