SABLAN, Benguet – Sixteen farmers from barangay Bagong recently committed to work on the shift on farming methodologies from the conventional to the diversified organic production for sustainable agriculture.
This was the centerpiece of the roundtable discussion among concerned agriculture industry stakeholders in the said barangay that was organized by the Kordilyera Media Citizen Council (KMCC) to empower farmers to put premium on the organic way of production to help sustain the growth of the industry and protect the environment.
During the discussion among farmers, a pressing issue that emerged was the absence of a reliable water source or irrigation system, the high production costs, and the unpredictable fluctuations in the prices of fruits and vegetables. Their primary appeal is for the establishment of a stable market that is readily available to purchase their harvest. The KMCC facilitator highlighted that the difficulties encountered in conventional farming are deeply rooted in traditional practices. The conversation subsequently delved into the potential of diversified farming techniques to provide effective solutions for overcoming these challenges.
Oliver Pe from the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) recently shed light on organic farming as a longstanding practice within diversified farming. He highlighted that in organic farming, the cost of water usage is minimal. However, Pe noted that while organic farming may not support large-scale crop production, transitioning from conventional methods to diversified organic farming can be challenging, particularly for those accustomed to using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, especially in extensive crop cultivation.
Rohel Marzan, the proprietor of Cosmic Farm in La Trinidad, Benguet, was a special guest at the event where he shared insights into his ongoing practice of organic farming. Marzan detailed his journey into organic farming and its advantages over conventional agricultural methods to the attending farmers. He extended an invitation to 16 farmers eager to transition to diversified organic farming, offering them the opportunity to participate in a 29-day training program focused on organic farming. Marzan generously pledged to provide free training, accommodations, and meals for the participants.
Moreover, Marzan advocated for the formation of a farmers’ association in Bagong Sablan, emphasizing the collective benefits of joint efforts in organic farming. He highlighted that even a modest quantity of 10 kilos of organic vegetables, when combined from multiple farmers within the association, could yield a significant production output. Marzan stressed that such collaboration could reduce individual costs, particularly in terms of transportation to the market. He suggested that promoting a unified approach to marketing, even with just one vehicle, could effectively streamline the sales process and improve overall profitability for the group.
The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) posed a crucial question to the farmers regarding their readiness to shift towards diversified organic farming, acknowledging the challenges associated with transitioning from conventional farming practices. They draw attention to the importance of a steadfast commitment from the farmers to successfully navigate the transition process. They emphasized the need for a gradual, step-by-step approach to ensure that the discussions held in collaboration with the KMCC and the Peace and Conflict Journalism Network (PECOJON), who were present to witness the farmers’ grievances, are effectively implemented and upheld. Despite initial uncertainties among the farmers, they expressed a strong assurance of their commitment to the proposed changes during the dialogue.
In the limited time, it was decided that the undisclosed issues faced by local farmers will be brought up during their barangay assembly scheduled for the following day. The aim is to provide a platform for farmers to voice their concerns and seek assistance from relevant agencies such as DA-CAR, particularly in the realm of agriculture.
Following their initial discussions, the KMCC is set to revisit and monitor farmers in Bagong Sablan to assess their progress and actions taken. Transitioning from traditional farming to diversified organic methods poses challenges. The question now arises: will the farmers of Bagong Sablan embrace and implement new strategies for diversified organic farming? By Joy Anne M. Palaoag
