Soil labs in mining-averse Palawan aim to boost farmers’ income
A mobile soil testing lab – Department of Agriculture photo
MANILA, Philippines — The government is building a new laboratory in Palawan to improve soil health and boost agricultural productivity in the province that has recently imposed a 50-year mining ban.
The provincial government will likewise deploy mobile soil labs as part of broader plans to promote sustainable soil management.
The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) broke ground for its soil lab in the municipality of Rizal, which is noted for its rich and abundant natural resources.
A soil lab features different tools and resources to diagnose the fertility status of the soil by analyzing its nutrient levels, composition and other elements.
At the same time, the BSWM and the provincial government of Palawan signed a memorandum of agreement to build provincial and mobile soil labs.
“Expected gain from this joint venture is in achieving the overall goal of the current administration in improving and sustaining soil health in the country,” the BSWM said.
“Soil health is fundamental to the agricultural prosperity of Palawan. This new laboratory will provide the tools and resources needed to boost productivity and ensure the sustainability of our farmers’ livelihoods,” Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro said.
READ: Palawan imposes 50-year mining moratorium
Raising farmers’ yield, income
“The establishment of this facility will help improve soil quality and, in turn, contribute to higher yields in the province,” he added.
The BSWM said forging a partnership with Palawan marks another step in providing a holistic and systematic approach to address soil health. In turn, this aims to ensure sustainable use of soil resources, bolster production and sustain farmers’ income.
“This project represents a monumental step in our commitment to sustainable agriculture. The collaboration with local stakeholders and government officials is a perfect example of how we can work together for a healthier, more productive future for our farmers,” BSWM Director Gina Parde-Nilo said.
Mobile soil labs
The deployment of mobile soil labs across various regions of the country is part of the National Soil Health Program and Presidential Decree No. 1435. This decree pushes for science-based and holistic methods to improve soil health and crop productivity.
The first-ever mobile soil lab was unveiled at Malacañang Palace last December, featuring a state-of-the-art 10-wheeler truck designed to analyze 42 chemical, physical and microbiological parameters.
READ: Marcos unveils first mobile soil laboratory
“Farmers will benefit from precise soil data to optimize fertilizer use, improve crop yields, and enhance productivity,” the DA had said in a statement.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. had said the agency plans to procure 16 more mobile lab units for distribution to different regions.
Mobile soil lab — DA photo
