FARMERS’ frequent problem on the high cost of commercial fertilizer may no longer be much of a burden financially as long as they know how to compost and utilize their farm waste wisely. This was the message of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) following the initiation of the establishment of an 80-hectare organic farming model as they enjoin all farmers in the province to adopt the rapid composting technology, not only to reduce cost of farm inputs but also to protect soil fertility and promote biodiversity. According to provincial agriculturist Norma Lagmay, rapid composting technology is not new to farmers but it is just a matter of them being aware of it and trying to apply such in their farmlands. Rapid composting technology utilizes rice straw and home waste as an alternative to commercial fertilizer. With the help of a Trichoderma, or “buot” in the vernacular, farmers can turn their farm waste into a valuable and renewable source of organic fertilizer thus eliminating the need to purchase costly commercial fertilizer to ensure crop growth and productivity. According to research experts, Trichoderma spp. Are fungi that are present in nearly all types of soil as well as other diverse habitats. In soils, they are the most prevalent culturable fungi. Lagmay added that trichoderma is a type of microorganism that activates fungus; hence it helps in the speedy decomposition of farm wastes, such as rice straw, to be converted as organic fertilizer. Trichoderma is being distributed by the PAO and sold at P25 a bottle. The provincial agriculturist explained that whatever nutrients the plants have taken during its growth are also present in the rice straw making it a proven technology. When asked about the procedures for this technology, Lagmay related that a month before transplanting, these rice straws should be sprayed with trichoderma to fast track its decomposition. It will be ready for application in a few weeks. “This rapid composting technology, through the use of rice straw and even home waste, will return back the fertility of soil,” Lagmay said adding that it is high time we rehabilitate our mother earth. Meanwhile, the organic farming model to be established in the province had gained financial support from the RP-Japan joint project for agriculture development to the tune of P500,000. The provincial government provided a P100,000 counterpart fund. To encourage farmers to practice rapid composting technology, the PAO has also initiated the passage of an ordinance prohibiting the burning of agricultural residues, particularly rice straw and home wastes and should instead be converted to compost-making activities. The PAO has also asked that penalties be meted to those who would violate this. Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Carlito N. Abadilla, the board’s agriculture committee chair, presented the ordinance during the SP’s regular session last October 23. However, instead of immediately approving the ordinance, members of the provincial board, led by Vice Governor and presiding officer Windell D. Chua, recommended that a massive campaign on rapid composting technology be initiated first by the agriculture office before any penalties are imposed. Chua has acknowledged the point of the ordinance but he stressed that the farmers also need to become fully aware of the recycling benefits of their farm waste into organic fertilizer instead of just imposing penalties on them, which, he added, may not make them fully appreciate the advantages of composting. Leilanie G. Adriano
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