Sustainable agricultural technology

The most important goal of organic farming is to produce abundant and healthy crops without the use of any chemicals and without causing adverse effect to our environment. One means of achieving this goal is thru the use of EM (Effective Microorganism) who discovered by Professor Teruo Higa in University of Ryukus, Okinawa Japan. He has been exploring and discovering alternative methods for more sustainable agriculture.

Ang FPJ o Fermented Plant Juice ay isang suplementong pangkaraniwang ginagamit sa organikong pagsasaka. Ito ay gawa mula binurong dahon o talbos ng mga halaman gaya ng kakawate, kamote, pinagtabasan ng gulay na hinaluan ng pulang asukal o molasses. Ito ay ginagamit bilang pamuksa ng peste at organikong pataba ng mga magsasaka.

Since ancient time, green manuring has been known to its positive role in crop production. This soil ameliorating practice expands its importance in recent years because of the high cost of chemical fertilizers, environmental pollution and necessity of sustainable cropping systems. Green manuring supplements the use of compost. When you need additional organic matter and readily available nutrients, you can use green manures. Green manuring is the practice of turning under the soil living plants at the peak of their growth. This peak is reached right before flowering. Young, leafy part of trees can also be used as green manure. All the plant materials recommended for composting can also be used in green manuring. Wild sunflower is a favorite green manure in Benguet. Legumes, plants that can take in nitrogen from the air through the bacteria that live in the roots, are a favorite material for green manuring.

Tillage is an agricultural preparation of the soil by mechanical agitation of various types, such as gidding, stirring and overturning. The purpose of tillage is to mix organic matter into the soil, to help control weeds, break up crusted soil or loosen up small area for planting. But nowadays, there are conflict on the effects of tillage in the soil. Is tillage really good for the soil?

Permaculture is a network of agricultural and social design ideas focused on replicating or directly using the features seen in natural ecosystems. The term permaculture was expanded and conceived by David Holmgren, then a graduate student, and his professor, Bill Mollison, in 1978. The word permaculture initially referred to “permanent agriculture”, but was developed to refer also for “permanent culture.” This is because social aspects were essential to a genuinely sustainable system, as also influenced by Masanobu Fukuoka’s natural farming philosophy.

Organic Certification Center of the Philippines, originally formed to comply the ISO 17065 requirements, has been established as a distinct and independent organization. Its major role include advocating for and conducting training on organic farming and organic certification. In 2002, under Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), OCCP has been registered as a non-stock corporation whose principal purpose is to serve as an inspection body for food and food products as well as agricultural inputs to cater the agriculture industry and the consumer of certified products. Now, they are focusing on activities for inspection and certification services.

Bokashi is a Japanese term meaning “fermented organic matter” which was first advocated in 1935 by the Japanese philosopher Mokichi in Okada, Japan. Aside from providing nourishment to the plants, it also helps in restoring and enhancing the nutrient content and essential microorganisms in the soil.

Organic farming is not only about reviving traditional practices like adding rice straw and applying manure. There is a science behind that makes agriculture production sustainable and climate-resilient.

Diseases are considered major constraints in rice production. Rice diseases are mainly caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses. A rice farmer should be aware of the proper diagnosis for these diseases in order to avoid yield loss and poor quality produce..