Farmer groups go for bio-fertilizer production

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- The Pampanga provincial government recently turned over the initial 12 units of shredders to various farmers’ organizations in different towns of the province in line with its bio fertilizer production project.
In ceremonies held at the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) compound in this city, Pampanga Governor Eddie T. Panlilio signed the memoranda of agreement with chairmen of the farmers’ organizations effecting the implementation of the bio fertilizer production project through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).
Acting Provincial Agriculturist Crispin Guintu said that the chairmen of the farmers’ organizations received the shredders from the governor, to wit: Fidel David of Bangon San Matias MPC in San Matias, Sta. Rita; Nestor Garcia of Lambac MPC in Lambac, Guagua; Manuel Fajardo of Sanduguan MPC in the City of San Fernando; Aquino Gozun of Lacmit MPC in Lacmit, Arayat; Benjamin Bautista of San Jose Malino Irrigators Association in San Jose Malino, Mexico; Jose Paguinto of Pansinao Corn Growers Cooperative in Pansinao, Candaba; Rene Garcia of Sapa San Vicente MPC in San Vicente, Sto.Tomas; Ronaldo Delfin of San Simon MPC in San Jose, San Simon; Inaki Escaler of Samahan ng Mga Magparanum ng Cansinala, Inc. of Cansinala, Apalit; Diosdado Rivera of Unicom Marketing MPC in Concepcion, Lubao; and Avelino Miclat of Telacsan MPC in Telacsan, Macabebe.
Seven more units of shredders, costing P368,000 each, will be turned over soon to other farmers’ organizations in the province.
Guintu said that the development of organic agriculture as a farming scheme enhances global competitiveness, ensures environmental integrity, promotes food security and safety, increases productivity and alleviates poverty.
He added that the various stakeholders of the project have recognized the potentials of certified organic farming as a way to utilize local raw materials, conserve non-renewable resources, mainstream into high-value markets and improve farm income as well.
According to OPA, the use of shredders reduces the process of composting agricultural wastes through traditional methods from four to eight months to only three weeks.
The OPA is also committed to conduct technology trainings on bio-organic fertilizer production for farmers in coordination with the Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority (FPA) and the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM).
The OPA shall also be conducting monitoring, impact evaluation and assessment of the project implementation.
The project’s beneficiaries, on the other hand, are committed to maintain a covered shed of not less than 100 square meters with concrete flooring, water source and electricity which shall be used as storage room for the organic fertilizer produced.
Also, the farmers’ organizations are obliged to provide for the other necessary equipment in composting such as weighing scales, wheel barrows, square shovels, portable sieves and water hose; take charge of collecting farm, household or organic wastes as raw materials; shoulder all other costs related to the production of organic fertilizer; secure the necessary license and permit from appropriate agencies and abide by the rules and regulations on product packaging and labeling.
Records of production and sales of finished products will also be kept by the project’s beneficiaries and shall produce in favor of the provincial government a total of 300 bags, each weighing 50 kilograms of organic fertilizer.