Over 400 farmers, agricultural extension workers, students, and other stakeholders convened for a two-day Organic Agriculture Congress in Cotabato City to strengthen the advocacy and promotion of organic agriculture in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
ARMM’s Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF-ARMM) Secretary Alexander Alonto said the congress is a good venue for the farmers and other agricultural stakeholders in the region to be informed on organic food production, modern farming methods, and business opportunities related to organic farming.
“This is to attain over-all agricultural growth and development,” Alonto emphasized adding that the activity will also be a platform to address issues concerning organic farming.
Alonto explained that organic farming enriches the fertility of soil, increases farm productivity, reduces destruction of the environment, and protects the health of farmers and consumers.
During the event, DAF-ARMM also gave recognition to farmers who have made significant contributions in the promotion and development of organic agriculture industry in the region.
The achievers in this field include Abdulhalim Alih from Sulu, who was hailed as the region’s best agricultural extension worker. He received Php20,000 in cash prize.
Pheparassan Macapodi from Lanao del Sur bagged the most outstanding farmer in the individual category receiving Php50,000; while the Busikong Greenland Multipurpose Cooperative in Maguindanao was awarded the most outstanding small farmer association in the group category and was given Php100,000 in cash prize.
Macapodi, 52, said that aside from the health benefits of organic farming, it also helps in reducing production costs because expensive chemicals and fertilizers are no longer needed in the farming process.
She also encouraged other farmers who still use chemicals to shift to organic farming.
With the transition of the ARMM to the new Bangsamoro entity, Alonto said the regional government is confident that the farmers will apply the best organic agriculture practices leading to the development and advancement of the region’s organic farming industry.
Meanwhile, the public may avail of fresh produce and processed organic products from the different provinces in the region in an exhibit and trade fair that opened on Thursday, October 18, inside the Office of the Regional Governor compound in Cotabato City. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)
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