Farmers Field Day in Mina showcases effects of biofertilizers

A total of 150 rice farmers attended the Farmers Field Day on biofertilizers on-farm demonstration conducted in the hybrid rice cluster area in Barangay Badiangan, Mina, Iloilo last September 26-27, 2024.  The techno-demo showcased the effects of biofertilizers to improve production, better yield, increase income and avoid or lessen pests and diseases incidence.

The participants from the 15 farmer cooperatives and associations (FCAs) witnessed biofertilizers on rice growth among the 17 rice techno-farms wherein specific biofertilizers were applied. These 17 bio-fertilizer products subjected to the study were Omnika, Vigor Raja, Avatar, Neb Plus, En-bio, Parker Neem Cake, AMOrganiko Organic Plant Supplement, Consort Bio-Fertilizer, Agri King Solbar Premium Bio-Fertilizer, ismart Ceres, Bio N, Farmhands Biotech Fertilizer, Hatake, Xplorer Glory, APO Biofertilizer, Wonder Grow, and Farmer’s Friend.

Engr. Jackson Demamay, Chief of Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center (WESVIARC)  said that through research, farming systems were modernized, yet its adoption can be very low and slow. “Adoption of mature technologies is one of the major challenges that the research has always faced and with this kind of technology-demonstration, we can extend what the research has been developed.”

He also added that there is no discernable difference between utilizing bio-fertilizing and synthetic fertilizers when it comes to getting the target yield, indicating that they are similar with one another. However, by using bio-fertilizers there are benefits such as lesser costs and may be used sparingly, safer for the environment, can revitalize the soil and increase its fertility, and its impacts are long term.

The event emphasized that more science should be incorporated into farming methods, and it is necessary to test alternatives for which it has been demonstrated through research whether they will work best within the local conditions faced by farmers or whether they will not work at all because of some limitations. however, as Engr. Demamay had stated, we should never forget that having a solid strategy for the future depends on our ability to comprehend what happened in the past. ### (Text by: JESCEsmao & Photos by: VNQuimpo/DA-RAFIS 6)