DA allocates P636M for dev’t, research in organic farming

MANILA, Philippines–The Department of Agriculture this year has earmarked P636.4 million to research and development (R&D) related to organic farming.

The amount is just about one percent of the DA’s P52-billion budget for 2015.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said that, with the DA mainstreaming organic agriculture, this will not be treated a mere special project but as a regular initiative with an assured funding.

“As we gear toward a food sufficient nation, that is competitive to other (Southeast Asian) nations, we shall not lose focus on making sure that we provide safe, healthy and chemical-free farm produce,” Alcala said.

One area that is being prepared for this is Bicol, where some 44,600 hectares, or 5 percent, of the region’s agricultural land is being eyed for organic farming.

In Davao del Norte, many farmers in Asuncion town have begun growing organic rice amid efforts to make the Davao region self-sufficient in producing the staple grain.

In 2013, the DA granted the town P2 million in funds for its Organic Rice Production Enhancement Program, which was being facilitated by an income generating project of the local government unit named Agri Business Enterprise Farmers Assistance Program (ABE-FAP).

The program identified 140 farmers from the 11 barangays (villages) of Asuncion as beneficiaries. The residents were given access to loans each worth P18,000—good for one hectare.

The project aims to gradually convert conventional rice farmers into organic farmers within three years, during which they are not allowed to use insecticides.

According to the DA’s regional office in Davao, a total of 130 hectares in Asuncion are already organic rice farms.