MAMBAJAO, Camiguin (PIA)–Boosting technology and farming practices, the Provincial Government of Camiguin, through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), organized a Techno-Demo on Upland Rice on December 1 in Kabachan, Benhaan, Mambajao.
The initiative was conducted in partnership with the Kabachan Upland Farmers Association, cultivating an area of approximately 3,564.39 square meters using the Azucena rice variety. The project, which started on April 16–18, 2023, involved 33 farmers and was carried out through the collaboration of the Provincial Government of Camiguin and LGU Mambajao.
“Kung muhatag man gali ta og para sa farmer, kana bang tininuod, tinibuok kay lisod man kaayo nang ginagmay [If we are to give something to the farmer, it should be realistic and be given in bulk because it is hard to implement projects if they come in small amounts],” said Dr. Louis Bollozos, committee chair on agriculture.
He also shared plans to advocate for an ordinance on organic agriculture at the government level, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support for small-scale farmers.
Aside from upland rice cultivation, farmers received training in organic vegetable production and corn farming. Senior Agriculturist Aida Chan emphasized the significance of technological adoption, noting, “Dili tanan farmers nga among gihatagan sa maong technology nga mudawat sama sa inyong pagdawat [Not all farmers that we have given this technology will accept it as you do].”
Chan emphasized that Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo expressed a keen interest in achieving self-sufficiency in vegetables. To support this goal, the province is investing P5 million to procure liquid fertilizer. Farmers will also receive free seeds from the Department of Agriculture-10, allowing them to choose specific vegetables compatible with the provided liquid fertilizer.
Chan also stressed the importance of soil sampling to identify nutrient deficiencies, even in organic farming. “Ang organic man gud, kinahanglan pud siya nga atong ipa-analyze, wala man ta kahibalo kung pila ang nutrient content ana niya [Even if it’s organic, we need to analyze it. We don’t even know how much nutrient content it has],” she explained. The liquid fertilizer, being microorganism-driven, enhances nutrient production for plant growth.
Mambajao Municipal Agriculturist Teddy Galagar assured farmers of free inputs—seeds and fertilizer. However, he emphasized the need for farmer organizations to be registered or accredited.
Among the targeted vegetables for cultivation are broccoli, lettuce, cauliflower, potatoes, and cabbage. Mambajao Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo envisions a future where resorts and businesses in the province no longer need to source vegetables from other areas, Galagar said.
The Techno-Demo represents a strategic move by LGU Camiguin to empower local farmers, enhance agricultural practices, and achieve sustainable food production in the province. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
The Provincial Government of Camiguin equipped farmer beneficiaries from Sitio Kabachan, Benhaan, Mambajao with the necessary farming skills through the Techno-Demo on Upland Rice on December 1, 2023. (JME/PIA-10/Camiguin)
The Provincial Government of Camiguin equipped farmer beneficiaries from Sitio Kabachan, Benhaan, Mambajao with the necessary farming skills through the Techno-Demo on Upland Rice on December 1, 2023. (JME/PIA-10/Camiguin)
