COTABATO CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has demonstrated its all-out support to organic farming through the 3rd Organic Agriculture Congress here, which was attended by more than 400 farmers, agricultural extension workers, students, and other stakeholders from October 17 to 19.
Alexander Alonto, secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)-ARMM, said the event aims to further strengthen the advocacy and promotion of organic agriculture in the region.
He said it is a good venue for farmers and other agricultural stakeholders to be informed about organic food production, modern farming methods, and business opportunities related to organic farming.
“We are really boosting the organic agriculture program in the region in order to attain over-all agricultural growth and development,” Alonto said, adding that the activity will also be a platform to address issues concerning organic farming.
Organic farming enriches the fertility of soil, increases farm productivity, reduces destruction of the environment, and protects the health of farmers and consumers, he noted.
Pheparassan Macapodi, 52, a female farmer from Lanao del Sur, said he and his co-farmers have stopped using chemical fertilizers and pesticides on their farms since 2015 through their continuing knowledge of organic farming methods.
“I am encouraging other farmers who still use chemicals to shift to organic farming and see for yourselves its benefits on your lands,” she said in the vernacular.
Macapodi, who was among some farmers who were presented awards for good agricultural practices, bagged the most outstanding farmer recognition in the individual category and received PHP50,000 from the regional government.
With the anticipated transition of the ARMM to the new Bangsamoro entity, Alonto said the regional government is confident that the farmers will continue to apply the best organic agriculture practices leading to the development and advancement of the region’s organic farming industry.
On Thursday, the DAF-ARMM also opened a trade fair showcasing fresh produce and processed organic products from the different area-components of the region.
The ARMM comprises the cities of Marawi and Lamitan, and the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del; Sur, Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi. ( /PNA)
