DA Asec graces National Corn Performance Review in Surigao City by Aurell P. Arais
BUTUAN CITY-- Amidst high cost of synthetic farm inputs, Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary for Field Operations Edilberto De Luna urged corn stakeholders to practice organic farming. He said that under the organic agriculture program, DA through the local government units will train agricultural extension workers (AEWs) and farmers as well on how to produce organic fertilizers and other natural inputs. “You have at least to reduce your cost, don’t rely solely on inorganic inputs,” he said in a news conference held recently during the National Corn Program Performance Review in Surigao City. He said through organic agriculture farmers could reduce the high cost of farm inputs thus helping them to ease their financial burden. Promotion and adoption of the TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013
organic agriculture is stipulated on Republic Act 10068 otherwise known as Organic Agriculture Act of 2010. Luna is at the same time the Agri-Pinoy Corn Program National Coordinator. Meanwhile, he said that aside from reducing the cost of production inputs, DA will also help farmers by providing quality corn seeds under the seeds exchange program implemented by the Department through the local government units. DA will also equip farmers the necessary technology through various training packages apt to their needs.
23