CAMIGUIN (PIA)–In a significant stride towards bolstering agricultural productivity and achieving national food security goals, Camiguin has been granted 25 cutting-edge soil test kits as part of the national soil program.
This was done during the Training on Soil Sampling and Testing, August 17, where participants, including agricultural extension workers from Camiguin, gathered to enhance their skills in soil analysis.
The soil test kits, an invaluable resource for optimizing crop growth and health, were distributed with the intention of guiding farmers in the selection of appropriate fertilizers for their crops. This move is expected to not only enhance agricultural yields but also contribute to the broader mission of securing the nation’s food supply.
Five soil test kits have been allocated for each municipality within Camiguin, signifying a strategic and comprehensive approach to agricultural development across the region. Each kit boasts the capability to analyze between 20 to 25 soil samples, ensuring accurate and detailed insights into soil health and composition.
Shirley S. Buduan, section head of the Rapid Soil Test Section at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), explained the procedural aspects of the initiative, sayin, “‘Pag ito ay naubos, or kailangan nang i-refill ang mga reagents, kailangang pumunta sa regional soils laboratory sa Cagayan de Oro dahil sila ay nagpeprepare ng mga STK reagents or pupwedeng pumunta sa Bureau of Soils and Water Management sa Quezon City.”
[When the soil test kits are depleted or reagents require replenishment, the agricultural community can seek assistance from the regional soils laboratory in Cagayan de Oro, which is responsible for preparing the necessary STK reagents. Alternatively, they may also approach the Bureau of Soils and Water Management in Quezon City]
The value of each soil test kit is estimated at P1,500, with a refill priced at P300. These crucial resources are being provided to farmers at no cost, exemplifying the collective commitment to fortify the country’s agriculture sector and ensure a reliable supply of essential food products.
Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo of Camiguin expressed his optimism about the program’s potential impact. “With the PRDP gusto gyud mi nga mubanat sa agriculture sa 2024 kay amo gyung problema ang budget gyud for next year kay based sa gisubmit sa tanan departments nga ilang proposed budget, with our income, ang atong deficit now is at P225 million,” Romualdo said.
[With the PRDP [Philippine Rural Development Project], we are genuinely determined to advance our agricultural pursuits in 2024. Our budgetary concerns for the upcoming year are significant, as revealed by the proposed budgets from various departments. Currently, our deficit stands at P225 million, taking note of our income]
Elaborating on his vision for the province’s agricultural future, Romualdo emphasized, “I want to start na [already] our roadmap towards Camiguin being able to produce our own food. That’s really my goal.”
As the 25 soil test kits find their way into the hands of Camiguin’s agricultural professionals, they carry with them the promise of a more prosperous and resilient agricultural sector, aligning closely with the national goal of achieving robust food security. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo (2nd from right) receives the 25 soil test kits from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, August 17, 2023, at the New Capitol Building, Mambajao, Camiguin. The soil test kits are essential for optimizing crop growth and health. (JME/PIA-10/Camiguin)
