organic agriculture technologies and systems developed and ...

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGIES AND SYSTEMS DEVELOPED AND ADAPTED BY FARMERS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Oscar B. ZamoraBlesilda M. Calub

with assistance from Karen Joy D. LopezAnacorita Oliquino-AbasoloRubiriza D.C. ResuelloAnna Gale C. Vallez

Published by: Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) and University of the Philippines Los Baños- College of Agriculture (UPLB-CA)

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGIES AND SYSTEMS DEVELOPED AND ADAPTED BY FARMERS

IN THE PHILIPPINES

Oscar B. ZamoraBlesilda M. Calub

With assistance from

Karen Joy D. LopezAnacorita Oliquino-Abasolo

Rubiriza D.C. ResuelloAnna Gale C. Vallez

2016

This publication is intentionally not copyrighted. The authors and publishers encourage the translation, adaptation, and reproduction or copying of materials in this book. However, authors and publishers only ask that the source, particularly the farmers who developed and adapted the organic agriculture technologies and systems contained in this book, be cited and acknowledged.

Correct citation:

Zamora, Oscar B. and Blesilda M. Calub. 2016. Organic agriculture technologies and systems developed and adapted by farmers in the Philippines. DA-BAR and UPLB College of Agriculture. 70 pages.

Published 2016 by:

Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) RDMIC Bldg. Elliptical Road. Corner Visayas Ave., Diliman, Q.C. 1104Tel. Nos: (632) 461-2900 o 461-2800Fax: (632) 927-5691E-mail: [email protected]

and

University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)College of AgricultureCollege, Laguna, Philippines 4320Tel: (6349) 536-2466Fax: (6349) 536-2468E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

Printed in the PhilippinesISBN No. 978-971-0347-46-9

Department of Agriculture-Bureau ofAgricultural Research (DA-BAR)

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

For more than two decades now, the Bureau of Agricultural Research has been forging partnerships and alliances with UPLB along with other premier institutions to develop and convey more knowledge and information to the most important of our stakeholders: the farmers and fisherfolk. One outcome of these partnerships is this publication.

This book on organic agriculture is not just any book as we are also championing 10 notable farmers who have taken the initiative to develop new knowledge themselves. Indeed we have come a long way from treating our farmers as mere beneficiaries. Today we celebrate their role as important contributors to science and research. In this book, we see the farmer himself and the choices that he makes, as these lead up to his harvest, as key to the sustainability of Philippine Agriculture.

In our effort to spread awareness on the effects of this century’s agricultural and environmental issues such as climate change, degrading soil quality, and inorganic agricultural practices and the needed solutions, we are pinning our hope on publications such as this. With the excellent documentation of the conduct of organic agriculture as effective farmers see fit, we see success as within reach.

To the authors of this book, Dr. Oscar B. Zamora and Dr. Blesilda M. Calub, and to their team of researchers at the College of Agriculture, BAR is grateful for your efforts of traveling near and far across the country to document the various organic agricultural practices of our Filipino farmers.

Congratulations to the University of the Philippines Los Baños for your successful effort in making this book on organic agriculture and food security happen.

Mabuhay!

DR. NICOMEDES P. ELEAZAR, CESO IVDirector

University of the Philippines Los BañosCollege of Agriculture (UPLB-CA)

The UP Los Baños-College of Agriculture is honored for co- publishing this book with the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), our long-term partner in research and development. I wish to acknowledge with thanks all those who contributed to the preparation of this book, particularly the authors, Dr. Oscar B. Zamora and Dr. Blesilda M. Calub. I wish to recognize and thank the 10 farmers who are freely sharing the technologies and systems that they systematically developed and adapted in their farms. This book is a concrete proof of what can be achieved with genuine partnership and unity of purpose among partners.

To the millions of Filipinos who desire to go into organic agriculture, this publication is our humble contribution for the promotion and mainstreaming of organic agriculture for safe food and healthy environment.

ENRICO P. SUPANGCODean

OFFICE OF THE DEAN

Table of Contents

I. Organic Agriculture is Caring for the People and the Environment: The Carmelfarms Story

1

1. Farmers’ Profile 1

2. Facilitating Factors for Conversion to Organic Farming 2

3. Ecological Principles that Guided the Conversion of the Carmelfarms from Conventional to Organic/Sustainable Agriculture

3

4. The Carmelfarms Components 5

5. Organic Agriculture Technologies and Practices 10

6. Future Plans 13

II. The Salvador and Emeteria Aquino (SEA) Farm Showcasing Diversified, Integrated and Organic Farming System

15

1. Farmers’ Profile 15

2. Motivation and Facilitating Factors for Conversion to Organic Agriculture

16

3. Description of the Salvador and Emetria Aquino (SEA) Farm

18

4. Future Plans 21

III. The Medtech ‘Healing’ the Land with Organic Agriculture

22

1. Farmer’s Profile 22

2. Shifting from Conventional to Organic Agriculture 23

3. Farm Description 23

4. Farm Practices 23

5. Observed Benefits of Using Vermicompost and Vermitea 26

6. Diffusion Effect of Mr. Calilung’s Conversion to Organic Farming

27

7. Future Plans

IV. Diversified and Integrated Organic Agriculture in a Rainfed Farm in Tarlac

28



3. Future Plans 33

V. Making the Planet Organic Before We Become Organic 34





5. Mr. Martirez’s Organic Agribusiness Venture 38

6. Facilitating and Constraining Factors for Organic Agriculture Farmers

39

7. Future Plans 39

VI. From ‘Magsasako’ to ‘Magsasaka’ through Organic Agriculture

40





5. Positive Outcomes of Ka Bernies’s Decision to Shift to Organic Farming

43

6. Future Plans 44

VII. Organic Agriculture: Consumer and Family Welfare First Before Profit

45





5. Incentives Received by Practicing and Promoting Organic Farming

54

6. Future Plans 54

VIII. Organic Agriculture for Safe and Healthy Food for the Family

55





5. Problems and Challenges 60

6. Future Plans 60

IX. Success in Organic Agriculture Through Technology Development and Innovation

61


2. Reasons for Conversion to Organic Agriculture 62


4. Problems Encountered 66

5. Future Plans 66

X. Organic Heirloom Rice Cultivation 67


2. Heirloom Varieties and Organic Agriculture 68


4. Future Plans 70

Small-scale and resource-poor farmers in the Philippines are now facing serious problems on climate change, degradation of the resource base, poverty, and food/nutrition insecurity. Organic agriculture has been proposed to address these issues. However, there are many impediments for farmers who want to shift from conventional to organic agriculture. These farmers have had to face various forces, problems, and obstacles; ranging from technical, institutional, policies, funding concerns, scientific biases, and even emotional and personal factors.

Despite all these, there are still reasons for optimism. Farmers from various parts of the country have developed and adapted organic agriculture technologies and systems. These have been successfully applied to their respective farms, and they are continuously experimenting on developing new ones. In cognizance of these successes, drawn from long and often difficult experiences; we deemed it fitting that their stories and experiences be acknowledged and shared with other would be organic agriculture practitioners, students, and advocates.

No pretense is made here that the technologies and systems presented will work anywhere; organic agriculture is circumstance- and location-specific. In organic agriculture, there are no universal technologies. What made these farmers successful is that they dared to conduct experiments, keenly observed effects on their farms, until they got good results.

This publication showcases the successful application of organic agriculture technologies and systems which the farmers had experimented on, developed, and adapted to their local conditions. These farmers, whose farms and practices are highlighted here, opted to face the challenges of going into organic agriculture despite many limitations. We hope we learn from these experiences as this publication provides valuable insights to the challenges and ultimate successes.

The primary audience of this publication are the organic agriculture advocates and farmers who may want to try some of these farmer-developed and

FOREWORD

adapted organic agriculture technologies and systems. It is the intention of this publication to serve as a resource material on organic agriculture; and to serve as an inspiration to farmers to view constraints and problems, not as problems but as challenges and motivation towards mainstreaming organic agriculture. To scientists and researchers, this publication opens up challenges on how these farmers’ technologies and systems can be improved and provided scientific bases.

Finally, this publication contains information that was freely shared by farmers, its translation to local language, adaptation and copying, and reproduction in part or in full are encouraged. All we ask is that the original material be cited in the usual manner. We look forward to the criticisms and the development of other useful materials on the subject of organic agriculture. When they appear, our goal for coming up with this publication will have been met.

Oscar B. Zamora, Ph.DProfessor Emeritus Crop Science Cluster, UPLB College of Agriculture

Blesilda N. Calub, Ph.DUniversity Researcher Agricultural Systems Cluster, UPLB College of Agriculture

PB ORGANIC AGRICULTURE 1ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

I. Organic Agriculture is Caring for the People and the Environment: The Carmelfarms StorySantiago K. Cervantes1 and Carmelita N. Cervantes2

1. Farmers’ Profile

The couple, Santiago (Santi) and Carmelita (Mely) Cervantes are organic practitioners and trainers in Zone 4, Binanuaanan, Pili, Camarines Sur. Santi is 61 years old with an MS Business Management degree while Mely has a postgraduate degree at UPLB.

In 2004, Mely was introduced to PABINHI Pilipinas, a network of scientists and farmers that promote sustainable agriculture and seed sharing. The network was instrumental in providing different farmer-bred selections and traditional/heirloom rice which they tested in their farms. Also in the same year, Mely learned about the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technology and natural farming through readings and interactions with farmers. She later joined the SRI-Pilipinas Network, a national advocacy group promoting SRI. Now, Mely is a volunteer scientist, and also the regional focal person and trainer on SRI in Bicol Region.

1Farmer Scientist from Binanuaanan, Pili, Camarines Sur 2 Extension Director, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Pili, Camarines Sur E-mail: [email protected]

Mr and Mrs Cervantes (in yellow t-shirt, front) pose with students after atraining in Carmelfarms.

2 ORGANIC AGRICULTURE 3ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

2. Facilitating Factors for Conversion to Organic Farming

The decision to venture into a more sustainable farming was an outcome of the learning and exposures of the couple at UPLB since the 1990’s. Santi attended UPLB’s summer short course on sustainable agriculture in 1993. He was the Project Coordinator of Pecuaria Development Cooperative’s Organic Agriculture program from 1996 to 1999. These exposures changed Santi’s outlook in farming and environmental protection.

Mely, on the other hand, was exposed to the concepts and practices of sustainable agriculture while taking up her graduate degree at UPLB. These exposures, knowledge, and skills on OA helped Santi and Mely develop the Carmelfarms leading to its recognition as organic farms in the Bicol region.

Mely carried her passion on organic agriculture in her job as a faculty, researcher, and extension worker at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) where she gained support for her research and advocacy works on organic agriculture (OA). Her knowledge and skills in OA are enhanced through her participation in various researches, and in local and international conferences. Her endeavours in developing OA farms, including the Carmelfarms are also recognized by the CBSUA. Their farm now serves as research and teaching laboratory for students.

The thriving success of their farm is influenced and strengthened through the support of the following institutions: 1) The Organic Bikol Advocateurs Network (OBAN) which operates organic weekend market where farm products are sold; 2) Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Training Institute and RFO-5), providing support for composting facilities and trainings; and 3) Bicol Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (BFDC) that provides the dairy animals, technical support and other logistics for dairy farming, and market for raw milk.

Raised beds are used to retain the fertility of the soil and to avoid errosion.


3. Ecological Principles that Guided the Conversion of the Carmelfarms from Conventional to Organic/Sustainable Agriculture

There are five ecological principles3 that guided Santi and Mely in the conversion of their farm from conventional to organic/sustainable agriculture, as follows:

1. DIVERSITY IS THE LAW OF NATURE

Planting of diverse crop varieties/species

Integration of animals in the farm

2. KEEP THE SOIL COVERED AT ALL TIMES

Cover-cropping Planting of diverse crops to keep the soil covered

3Zamora, O.B., Munsayac, Y.R., M.J.D.R. Landicho and R.D.C. Resuello 2006. Principles and Practices of Sustainable Agriculture. CBCP-NASSA and UPLB-College of Agriculture, GA Printing Press, Makati City 160 pages.


5. NATURAL, NOT CHEMICAL

Natural fertilizers and pesticides A cow produces 8 kg of manure/day for vermicomposting

3. STIR, DO NOT INVERT THE SOIL

Raised beds of organically enriched soil for vegetables

No deep plowing and soil inversion

4. RECYCLE AND UTILIZE AVAILABLE LOCAL RESOURCES

Rice straw is spread and recycled in the field

Utilization of farm waste materials through vermicomposting


4. The Carmelfarms Components

General description. The Carmelfarm, a 3-hectare farm acquired by Santi and Mely, has clay loam soil with good drainage. It is irrigated by natural waters from Mt. Isarog and partly by the irrigation system of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). Upon purchase of the farm, it was converted directly from conventional rice monocropping to an integrated diversified farming system. The name of the farm is biblical, taken from Mt. Carmel, a place associated with holiness, fertility, beauty, and bounty. The resource flow in the farm was drastically changed when converted from conventional to organic/sustainable farm (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Resource flow in Carmelfarms BEFORE and AFTER conversion to organic agriculture.

Before

After


Crop Components

Food crops. Organic rice is the major crop planted in about one hectare of the farm. Market is not a problem, as the produce is sold directly to the Pecuaria Development Cooperative, Inc. (PDCI). The cooperative offers higher base price for organic rice being the market consolidator and processor of organic rice in the locality. The premium price is PhP 2.00 per kilogram with free hauling and freight services. In addition, rice are sold within the community, relatives and friends and used during trainings.

More so, other food crops planted in Carmelfarms include Vegetables, herbs, spices, medicinal plants, root and tuber crops, and fruit trees. Vegetables planted are upland kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), celery (Apium graveolens), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), eggplant (Solanum melongena), beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), pechay (Brassica rapa), squash (Cucurbita maxima), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), carrots (Daucus carota), and cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), and are grown in plots or raised beds. Most of the produce is for the consumption of farm owners and workers. The farm also supplies the vegetable needs for cooking and making salad, which are served during trainings, meetings, and tours in the farm. The excess are sold to friends, relatives, walk-in customers, and weekend organic markets..

Rice variety trial. With the traditional and premium rice obtained from PABINHI and other networks, Santi and Mely maintain and conduct variety trials in their farm. Although it is quite tedious, this research had provided them the opportunity to select premium (colored) varieties that are well-adapted to their local condition. The variety trial provides them readily available varieties they use for replacement of varieties that had ‘run out’.

Varietal adaptability trial (VAT) in the ricefields of Carmelfarms.


Also there are herbs, spices, and medicinal plants grown for culinary and medicinal purposes. These crops are used for health drinks such as juices and tea, salads and cooking, medicines for humans and animals, and insect repellents. Grown in the farm are basil (Ocimum basilicum), lemon grass (Andropogon citratus), citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), langkawas (Alpinia galangal), ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), saluyot (Corchorus olitorious), lagundi (Vitex negundo), sambong (Blumea balsamifera), oregano (Origanum vulgare), American lemon (Citrus limon), giant spinach (Spinacia oleracea), stevia (Stevia rebaudiana), malunggay (Moringa oleifera), blue ternate (Clitoria ternatea), and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis).

Trees. Portions of the farm without irrigation and farm boundaries are planted with different trees for fruit, fuel, and wood. Fruit trees are bignay (Antidesma bunius), guyabano (Annona muricata), lemon (Citrus limon), oranges (Citrus sinensis), pili (Canarium ovatum), jack fruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), bread fruit (Artocarpus altilis), star apple (Chrysophyllum cainito), blackberries (Rubus fruticosus), duhat (Syzygium cumini), cacao (Theobroma cacao), santol (Sandoricum koetjape), guava (Psidium guajava), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), lubi-lubi (Ficus pseudopalma), and iba (Averrhoa bilimbi). Fuel and wood trees are ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala), kakawate (Gliricidia sepium), minunga (Macaranga tanarius), and mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). Bamboos (Bambusoideae spp.) are also planted along the creek. The farm has some indigenous trees like narra (Pterocarpus indicus), apitong (Dipterocarpus grandiflorus), and ilang- ilang (Cananga odorata).

Among the fruit trees planted in the farm, Bignay stands out as the most promising. Being rich in antioxidants, the fruit can be processed in various products such as wine, juices, and jam. Currently, about 50 trees are already mature and fruiting and about a hundred new seedlings were planted with feed crops.

Grasses and multi-purpose tree species. The farm also houses major feed sources for dairy cattle such as Thailand Napier Pakchong hybrid napier (Pennisetum purpureum), mulato (Brachiaria spp), seteria (Setaria viridis), (Arachis pintoi), and other local grasses. Grown also in feed gardens and around the farm are mulberry (Morus spp.), trichantera (Trichanthera gigantea), flemengia (Flemingia macrophylla), rensonii (Desmodium rensonii), indigofera (Indigofera spp.), kakawate, and banana. These plants are also sources of green and fermented (‘kimchi’) feeds for free range chicken, domestic wild pigs, and swine.

Diversified vegetable crops in Carmelfarms


Hogs raised at Carmelfarms as a part of livestock integration.

Livestock Components

The dairy cattle farming is one of the farm’s main enterprises that started in 2009. Ten heads of Holstein Shahiwal sourced from the National Dairy Authority are currently raised in the farm, applying recent technologies on pasture development in one hectare pasture area. Milk is sold to a nearby dairy plant operated by the Bicol Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (BFDC), which processes the milk into various dairy products.

Free range native chicken and ducks are also raised for meat, eggs, and income. They roam in the fenced areas and given green feeds and fermented feeds. At times, they are allowed to roam around to feed naturally and help control insects. Native pigs are maintained for family consumption only.

Mini nursery

There is a mini nursery with assorted seedlings of various trees, ornamental plants, herbs, spices, and medicinal plants that provides readily available materials for planting in the farm. planted with assorted seedlings of various. The nursery also generates additional income when visitors buy seedlings.


Trainings at Carmelfarms

Learning facility. The farm has a training hall and sleeping quarters that can accommodate 25-30 participants at any given time. Trainings on organic agriculture, SRI, and dairy farming are conducted here. The couple had already trained more than 1,500 participants consisting of agricultural technicians and extension workers, teachers, NGO staff, farmers, LGU officials, and private persons. Food, some of which are produced in the farm, is provided. The whole farm serves as an organic agriculture learning and techno-demo facility and field research laboratory.

Training and field researches conducted in Carmelfarms


Income source Income (PhP)

Rice* 79000Vegetables and Herbs 24000Seedlings 6000Vermiworm 21000Vermicompost 4500Bignay and other fruits 4960Total (Excluding income from raw milk and fees from training conducted)

139460

*90% are sold as grain, 10% as seeds

Indicative farm income. The indicative farm income of the Carmelfarms shows that diversified and integrated organic agriculture ventures could be very productive (Table 1).

Table 1. Indicative farm income of the Carmelfarms from January to June 2014.

5. Organic Agriculture Technologies and Practices

Systems of Rice Intensification Practices

Rice is produced using the SRI technology with yield ranging from 4.0 - 5.4 tons (80-107 bags) per hectare. SRI is a practice of planting younger (8-12 days-old) seedlings using one seedling per hill at wider spacing of 25 cm x 25 cm (or wider). The soil is kept moist but not flooded where intermittent irrigation or alternate wetting, and drying is practiced. Shallow flooding at 2-3 inches depth is done 2 days before rotary weeding. Flooding is also done during the reproductive phase.

Organic fertilizer (vermicompost) is applied at 20 bags per hectare at land preparation and 5 bags more before the last weeding. Liquid fertilizers such as vermitea, fermented plant juices and IMO are applied weekly until the onset of ripening stage. Calcium phosphate is applied on the onset of reproductive stage or about 45 days after planting for more uniform flowering, more filled and heavier grains. All concoctions are applied later in the afternoon at 30 ml (two tablespoon) per liter of water. They can be used alone or in combination with other solutions such as OHN or other botanicals for pest management.


For crop protection, integrated management that requires continuous monitoring, quick decisions and actions is applied. The following are management practices are practiced in the farm:

- Rotary weeding is done four times before canopy closure. This done both to control weeds and to aerate the soil. Double row weeding is practiced to save time and labor.

- Hand weeding is done whenever necessary

- Weed Management is done by proper water management and planting tall varieties with spreading leaves.

- Golden apple snail management is done by proper timing of irrigation to minimize the damage to young seedlings. Mini canals are made around and across the field to impound water for easy picking of snails.

Other measures used. include: crushing of snail eggs, broadcasting of carbonized rice hull, dry cultivation, and regular monitoring. The collected snails are included in the fermented organic fertilizer.

Insect pests, including birds are seldom a problem in the farm because the traditional cultivars planted are not very attractive to these pests. However, when insect pests are severe, OHN with superhot chilli is used. The varieties maintained in the farm are also highly resistant to tungro.

Seeds are produced and saved for sale and for future use. It is a protocol in the farm that there should always be seeds left for the next cropping season as a climate change adaptation practice. At reproductive stage, a section of the rice field is chosen for seed production. Selection and rouging is done to eliminate unwanted plants. Rice grains in the production and seed production areas are harvested and processed separately.

Organic Agriculture Practices for Vegetables

The major problem in vegetable production is pests especially in eggplant, tomato, and leafy vegetables (pechay, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli). Pests are controlled by; a) planting insect repellent plants such as lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus), basil (Ocimum basilicum), curry tree (Murraya koenigii, locally called “malathion” tree) inside with vegetables; b) diversification of crops planted; c) weekly spraying of OHN with super-hot chilli (“siling diablo”) with perla soap, alternate spraying with kakawate (Gliricidia sepium) fermented liquid concoctions; d) removal of damaged plants and feeding them to native swine; e) bagging of young ampalaya (Momordica charantia) fruits;


hand picking of pests and sometimes washing; f ) use of resistant varieties; and g) protected growing of seedlings in a bamboo green house.

Santi and Mely practice self-seed production of open pollinated vegetable crops that are selected from healthy plants. These seeds are stored and used for the next planting or sold to interested buyers.

Management Practices for Dairy Cattle

Dairy farming is an important component of the farm’s production system. Dairy cattle provides 8 kg manure per day which are gathered daily and used for vermicomposting. The dung is allowed to decompose in vermibeds which are watered weekly with IMO and FPJ.

Dairy farming is tedious, thus, sustaining the enterprise is really a challenge. Regular trained workers are hired to prepare feeds, feed and take care of the cattle, clean the shed, gather and deliver milk, cut and carry feeds within and outside the farm, and develop and maintain the pasture area. Close supervision of farm owners is always critical in overseeing the daily operations and technical needs of cattle. Artificial insemination (AI) and other technical services are provided by technicians from BFDC and the National Dairy Cooperative (NDA). Santi and Mely also sees to it that they, and the farm workers are updated with recent dairy technologies.

Vermicompost Production

Santi and Mely produce all the organic fertilizers used in their farm. They maintain 4-bed composting facility, each bed measures 1 x 8 meters with 0.75 m depth. All the animal waste and plant residues are collected daily and placed in boxes to decompose. Decomposition is hastened by watering with IMO and FPJ at 30 ml (2 tbsp) per liter of water or 1 canful (small sardine can) of each concoction per 16 litre of water (1 tank load) or 1 medium sized pail. Rain water (the farm has rain harvesters) or water from the fishpond is used for watering the substrates since they believe that water from faucets contain chlorine which kills the composting microorganisms. When substrates are ready, vermiworms (African night crawler) are carefully laid on the bed at 1 kg worm per square meter substrate. Continuous watering to maintain proper moisture of substrates is done. Properly moistened substrate is indicated by 5-7 drops of water when substrate is pressed tightly in the palm.

The vermiworms are most active at night and are sensitive to light, low moisture, noise and vibrations. They are also protected from pests (chicken, ducks, lizards, frog, and others) that eat them. Hence, to make the vermiworms always productive, bins are always covered with materials such as banana leaves


Left: Interns chopping the ingredients for making concoctions. Right: Vermibeds full of substrates for the vermiworms to digest.

6. Future Plans

The Carmelfarms has been certified organic since 2007 by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP) as a satellite farm of Pecuaria Development Cooperative, Inc. (PDCI). Despite this Santi and Mely still have plans for the farm and they are looking forward to:

a. Increase sustainability and resiliency. The Cervantes’ plans to further increase the farm’s biodiversity and sustain production and income. The area for feed crops sources will be increased and intensified by planting highly productive feed crops. Animals will be maintained to continuously supply the substrates for organic fertilizer. Production, training, and accommodation facilities shall be improved to withstand typhoons that are frequent in the area.

b. Strengthening of OA-based enterprises. The owners intend to pursue promising OA-based farm enterprises such as bignay organic concentrate, vermiculture and composting, colored rice production and organic seed production. Production and marketing of concentrated bignay juice in the

and bracts, coconut leaves, plywood, old sacks, and nets to simulate darkness throughout the day, and to protect the worms from heat, pests, and loss of moisture. The facility is also protected from unnecessary noise from machines, humans, and animals. Worms are handled very carefully by allowing them to be transferred to adjacent bins with new substrates for easy harvesting of vermicasts and composts.

14 ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PBORGANIC AGRICULTURE

next two years shall be pursued. Assistance from BFAD and DTI shall be sought in developing the product.

c. Vermicomposting is a vital component of the farm and will be upgraded with the construction of more vermicomposting beds. Research for better substrate combinations shall be done to produce higher quality vermicompost fertilizer materials that will pass the standards for organic fertilizer. Vermiworms and cast will be sold for added income.

d. Production of colored rice cultivars. Continuous collection of colored rice cultivars and conduct of adaptability trials shall be done to identify better ones for farm and market.

e. Production of organic seeds. Continuous collection and adaptation trials of open pollinated rice and vegetable varieties shall be done to identify varieties most suitable for organic farming. In the next two years, appropriate facilities and market linkage will be established for organic seed enterprise. Also, a nursery for seedling production of rare and important plants and trees shall be developed.

f. The Cervantes’ intends to further strengthen and improve the farm as an organic agriculture learning and Agri-tourism destination.

g. When more funds are available, training, accommodation, restrooms, and kitchen facilities will be improved. Walkways, themed gardens, and stations will be developed; gates and boundaries will be secured by reinforcing the permanent structures.

h. Farm house construction. In the next three years, the couple plans to establish their permanent residence in the farm so that they will have more time for supervision of farm activities. The couple were determined to have the organic farm because it will be their home after retirement and vacation destination of their children, and their families. They wanted a place of peace, with sufficient supply of variety of healthy food, and natural environment. They wanted the farm to be a showcase of sustainable practices, a destination of people who wanted to go organic, and a testimony that OA is a fulfilling enterprise.

i. Reaching out to more needy farmers. Funds shall be generated from engagements with partners to be used to reach out to resource-limited farmers and communities with interest on organic farming. With the leadership of Santi in the local people’s council and influence in the Bottom-Up-Budget(BUB) Program, organic agriculture and dairy production shall be in the menu list of the local government.


II. The Salvador and Emeteria Aquino (SEA) Farm Showcasing Diversified, Integrated and Organic Farming SystemCarlito P. Aquino1 and Carmelita N. Cervantes2

1. Farmer’s Profile

Mr. Carlito P. Aquino, a 54 year old college graduate, is married to Aileen Aquino and they have one child. Mr. Aquino owns the Salvador and Emeteria (SEA) Farm, named after his parents, which is located in Cagmanaba, Ocampo, Camarines Sur. The farm is 3 hectares and was converted to organic agricultrue on February 2009. It is a diversified and integrated farm divided into six (6) production areas namely: 1) Rice production (1 hectare); 2) Pasture (0.5 hectare); 3) Vegetables (0.5 hectare); 4) Livestock area (0.25 hectare); 5) Dairy housing, organic fertilizer production (0.25 hectare); and 6) Bamboo and fruit trees (0.5 hectare).

1Farmer Scientist from Cagmanaba, Ocampo Camarines Sur2Extension Director, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Pili, Camarines Sur,E-mail: [email protected]

Mr. Carlito Aquino tending his organic vegetable-fish garden.


2. Motivation and Facilitating Factors for Conversion to Organic Agriculture

Mr. Aquino’s main motivation for conversion to organic agriculture is his commitment to produce healthy organic products for his family. He is a Farmer Scientist chosen by the PCAARRD through Central Bicol Sate University of Agriculture (CBSUA). As such, he is exposed to seminars conducted by government (e.g., Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Unit 5, CBSUA, Agriculture Training Institute (DA-ATI), and Department of Trade and Industry) and private institutions, where he learned organic agriculture technologies and systems. After his conversion, he started advocating for organic agriculture. He organized the CAANDUYOG Inc. Farmers Group. Mr. Aquino is currently the secretary general of the Camarines Sur Organic Agriculture & Industry Development Inc. (CAMSOID), an organization of 12 organic agriculture organizations, farmers’ cooperatives, and associations in Camarines Sur that started and organized the Bicol Organic Congress now being supported and adapted by the Department of Agriculture RFU-5. In recognition of his success in organic agriculture, he was invited to be a member of the Regional Advisory Committee for Luzon of the Foundation for Philippine Environment, Chair of the Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council (MAFC) in his town, and was elected as Committee Chair on Organic of the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) for Region V.

As one of the main advocates for organic agriculture, diversification, and sustainable agriculture, Mr. Aquino is the anchorman of a regular local radio program which he uses as venue to share his experiences on sustainable organic agriculture. His being a Farmer Scientist is more than just a label. Mr. Aquino always conducts research in his farm, which he considers his research station.

The Farmer Scientist conducting research in his farm.


Mr. Aquino is also an inventor. To support his adoption of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) he invented a motorized weeder out of junk materials. Based on his tests, the weeder requires one man-day and consumes one (1) Li of gasoline per hour of operation to weed one (1) hectare of rice area. The Department of Agriculture RFU-5 is now supporting the production of his motorized weeder.

Testing of the motorized rotary weeder developed from junk materials


3. Description of the Salvador and Emeteria Aquino (SEA) FarmThe soil in the SEA farm is Tigaon clay with good water-holding capacity and

good drainage. He has a shallow tube well (STW) that provides irrigation water during the dry months. Supplementary water could also be obtained by pumping water from the pond.

Crop Components

Rice-based farming system. A hectare of the SEA farm is planted to several rice varieties at any given time using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI3) . The other rice-based components in the system include:

a) Rice-duck system ; b) Rice variety trial; and c) Seed production area.

Organic vegetable-fish system. The organic vegetable-fish system was designed by Mr. Aquino himself with the following objectives:

a) To maximize space and resources;b) To create a balanced agro-ecosystem; c) To satisfy needs for organic vegetables and fish; d) To showcase the technology/system; and e) To demonstrate art in agriculture.

Mr. Aquino commits to produce different organic vegetables to meet the needs of his household and community. Some vegetables are grown in a greenhouse to maintain supply throughout the year. The main vegetables planted are cucumber (Cucumis sativus), bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), squash (Cucurbita maxima), hot pepper (Capsicum frutescens), string beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), radish (Raphanus sativus), and others. He also grows high value cash crops such as papaya (Carica papaya) which has high demand and commands high price.

3The System of Rice Intensification (SRI), a rice production system derived from empirical work started in the 1960s in Madagascar by a French priest — Fr. Henri de Laulanié, is a set of principles for a more efficient interaction among plants, soil, water and nutrients; creating a congenial environment for the healthy growth of plants and realizing their best potential productive capacity. Briefly, it involves: careful planting of single, young seedlings per hill at wider spacing than conventional system, keeping soil moist but well-drained and aerated, and use of compost or other organic materials as nutrient sources. Reported yield increase were 50– 100% or more, with reduced plant populations by 80– 90%, and less water use by 25 -50%. (See: http://sri.ciifad.cornell.edu/countries/bangladesh/BD_Natl_SRI_Workshop_2010.pdf; http://www.pm22100.net/docs/pdf/agriculture/01_SRI/SRI-PHOTO_final%20FORMATTED.pdf )



Mr. Aquino raises dairy cows for organic milk production, which is sold to the Bicol Dairy Federation of Cooperative (BFDC) for processing and marketing. The dairy cow production is also his source of manure for vermicompost production. Dairy cattle is fed with rice straw silage and chopped banana trunk. Ducks, which are integrated with his SRI rice production, is a source of meat and eggs for food, and income. Mr. Aquino is also into upgrading the native Camarines chicken breed grown free range for his source of meat and eggs.

Organic rice and organic vegetable-fish system in the farm of Mr. Aquino


Nutrient Management

To provide the needed nutrients to his diverse crops, Mr. Aquino uses vermicompost, fermented fruit juice (FFJ), indigenous microorganisms (IMO), calcium phosphate (from duck eggshell), and vermitea.

Preparation of indigenous microorganisms (IMO) using rice and muscovado

Preparation of fermented fruit juice (FFJ) using papaya

Free-range chicken and dairy cattle being raised by Mr. Carlito P. Aquino for additional income.


Preparation of fermented plant juice (FPJ) using indian mango

Preparation of calcuim phosphate (from duck eggshell)

4. Future Plans

Mr. Aquino is intent on continuing his advocacy for sustainable organic agriculture. This includes diversification and integration of different farm components, which he has proven to be effective in his farm. He plans to further develop his farm into an agri-tourism destination in Bicol. He will continue his variety rice trials and seed production. He plans to expand his greenhouse area to produce more off-season crops. He intends to train and reach out to more farmers to convert and mainstream them to organic agriculture. With the success of his motorized weeder, he aims to develop and produce more innovative farm machineries for more income, and to create more jobs.



III. The Medtech ‘Healing’ the Land with Organic AgricultureBernardo Calilung1 and Cielito A. Beltran2

Mr. Bernardo Calilung, a ‘Magsasaka Siyentista’ and a medical technologist by profession, is from Brgy. Amucao, Tarlac, Tarlac. He is married to Amelia Calilung and they have two children who are also in health-related fields.

Mr. Calilung was the Chair of the Tarlac Seed Grower Cooperative in October 2009 and is a member of Amucao Seed Grower’s Agro Industrial Cooperative. He is a ‘Harvest of Heroes’ awardee of the Land Bank of the Philippines.

1Farmer, Brgy. Amucao, Tarlac, Tarlac 2Dean, Institute of Agriculture, Tarlac College of Agriculture, Malacampa, Camiling, Tarlac; E-mail: [email protected]

Mr. Bernardo Calilung sharing experiences as an organic farmer.


Mr. Calilung started as a conventional farmer in 1998 and shifted to organic farming in 2010 with the assistance of Tarlac College of Agriculture through the implementation of Science and Technology-Based Farm (STBF) project funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). Since then, he was already convinced that organic farming is a way of giving back to nature what was taken from it. He believes that enriching the soil by increasing the population of beneficial microorganisms will ensure crop resilience to withstand climate change and still produce high quality yield. Moreover, he understands the importance of producing safe and healthy food not only for his family but for others as well.

2. Shifting from Conventional to Organic Agriculture

3. Farm Description

Mr. Calilung owns a 19.48-hectare NIA-irrigated farm located in Amucao, La Paz, Tarlac where he engages in organic rice production and rice seed production. The farm is flat and the soil ranges from clay loam to sandy loam. His cropping system is two (2) rice crops followed by mungbean to improve soil fertility. He also has livestock in the farm including a carabao, 50 chickens and 20 ducks. Mr. Calilung sells his produce to the farmers’ cooperative and through the local government of La Paz.

4. Farm Practices

3In the dapog method of rice seedling preparation, pre-germinated seeds incubated for 36 to 48 hours are broadcasted uniformly over plastic or banana leaves at three (3) kg per square meter. Seeds are packed to make a uniform layer of three seeds thick. Water is then sprinkled gently three to four times a day up to four days to keep the seedbed wet. Thereafter, the seed mat is covered with one to two cm of water. The seeds are pressed lightly once a day until the fourth day and protected from birds. Dapog seedlings are ready for transplanting within 11 to 14 days of sowing. The seedlings thus raised can be rolled like a carpet with roots facing outside and carried to the transplanting site. The interlocked roots are loosened carefully before transplanting.

Land Preparation and Nutrient Management

A 4-wheel drive hand tractor is used for plowing and harrowing the field. For nutrient management, 12 bags per hectare of vermicompost is applied at land preparation. Vermitea plus Effective Microorganism Activated Solution (EMAS) is sprayed to hasten decomposition of plant residues. Dapog method3 is practiced for seedling production.


Land Preparation and Planting

Land preparation in Mr. Calilung’s rice farm consists of one passing using a 4-wheel tractor and two harrowing using a hand tractor. He practices straight row rice planting with 1-2 seedlings per hill at a distance of 30 cm x 12 cm using a mechanical rice transplanter.

Harrowing using hand tractor

Straight row planting at 30 cm x 12 cm


Pest Management

Mr. Calilung found out that the vermitea does not only serve as a foliar organic fertilizer but also acts as natural pest control with its insecticidal and fungicidal properties4 . The vermitea is sprayed from transplanting to panicle initiation at biweekly intervals at 200 ml per 16 liters of water. Spraying is done early in the morning before 9:00 am or late in the afternoon after 4:00 pm. He knows chlorine as an anti-microbial agent so he does not use chlorinated water to dilute the vermitea5 .

As an organic agriculture trainer, Mr. Calilung demonstrates the procedures in the production and use of vermicompost and vermitea. He also distributes samples of vermicompost to other interested farmers.

Harvesting and Postharvest Operations

Rice is harvested at 80-85% maturity when rice grains turn yellow. Harvested grains are sundried to 14% moisture.

4Microorganisms from the vermicomposting process produce chitinase, which is a good insect repellent. Chitinase break down chitin; an organic substance that is present in the cell walls of fungi and in the exoskeleton of insects (Subha et al., 2010. Members of Gammaproteobacteria and Bacilli represent the culturable diversity of chitinolytic bacteria in chitin-enriched soils. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 26(10): 1875-1881). Chitinase can also function as an insect repellent when vermitea is used as a foliar spray. Some of the microbes contained in vermicompost have also been shown to have disease suppressant properties that can give some protection to crops from various root and foliar pathogens. It is important that when making vermitea, only fully processed/mature vermicomposts are used. (see: http://www.sierra-worm-compost.com/worm-tea.html)

5Standing the water in a container for 24 hours or boiling the water for 15 minutes could dissipate (remove) the chlorine in chlorinated water into the environment.

Loading of vermitea in the knapsack sprayer


5. Observed Benefits of Using Vermicompost and Vermitea

• Increased tiller production to 20.8 tillers per plant that was 7% higher than in conventional farmer’s practice.

• Less incidence of pollen abortion in organic farming than conventional farmer’s practice.

• Increased grain weight by 4 kg per cavan because of heavier and more filled grains than in the conventional farmer’s practice.

• Increased grain yield by 29% at 62.7 cavans per half (0.5) hectare than conventional farmer’s practice at 48.8 cavans.

Standing crop of palay under organic practice using vermicompost and vermitea

Standing crop of palay under conventional practice using agrochemicals

Harvested grains in organic practice using vermicompost and vermitea

Harvested grains in conventional practice using agrochemicals


Threshing of organic rice in Mr. Calilung’s farm

6. Diffusion Effect of Mr. Calilung’s Conversion to Organic Farming

Mr. Calilung’s experience in organic farming has convinced neighbouring rice farmers to try organic farming. Just like Mr. Calilung, adopters also observed higher yield from organic than conventional practices due to increased tillering and reduced pollen abortion. Moreover, the water holding capacity of the soil was improved due to build-up of organic matter. Pest incidence was also reduced due to healthier plants. In general, the communities have increased their knowledge and understanding of the beneficial effects of organic farming to the whole agroecological system.

As a result of these experiences, the Provincial Government of Tarlac is undertaking a province-wide technology promotion and adoption of vermicomposting. There is now an increase in the number of farmer adopters in Tarlac producing their own vermicompost to share or sell to fellow farmers. The Central Azucarera de Tarlac and sugarcane farmers were provided an additional livelihood opportunity in producing sugarcane-based vermicompost and vermicompost tea.

7. Future Plans

Mr. Calilung’s success in organic rice farming strengthens his resolve to continue adopting other organic farming technologies. He plans to promote and disseminate organic agriculture practices that he has tried and tested on his own farm to other farmers. He would still carry on the sustainable production of vermicompost in his farm.


IV. Diversified and Integrated Organic Agriculture in a Rainfed Farm in TarlacJoel Galleon1 and Cielito Beltran2


1Farmer from Barangay David, San Jose, Tarlac2Dean, Institute of Agriculture, Tarlac College of Agriculture, Malacampa, Camiling, Tarlac E-mail: [email protected]

Mr. Joel Galleon, 39 years old, married to Josie Galleon and with two children, is from David, San Jose, Tarlac. He is a graduate of the 2-year Forest Ranger program and a 2-year course of Animal Technology at Tarlac College of Agriculture. His farm is located in Barangay David, San Jose, Tarlac with geographical coordinates of 15.4667 N and 120.5833 E. His farm has a total land area of 2.2 ha, 2 ha of which is planted with rice, and 0.2 ha is planted with different vegetables. The farm is a rainfed upland area with slightly undulating topography with Luisita sandy loam soil type.

Mr. Joel Galleon in his rice field with organically grown rice


Mr. Galleon developed his interest in organic agriculture after participating in the Farmers Field School conducted by the Municipality of San Jose, Tarlac in the Year 2010-2011. He converted to organic agriculture after being convinced that it has positive impacts on the income and food safety of farmers like him, and their families.

His transition to organic agriculure took almost 3 years and was difficult because of limited financial capability. However, due to his continuous training, innovations, and hard work, he managed to develop his farm to become one of the vegetable and rice production demonstration farms of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in Tarlac. He also initiated the establishment of the Barangay David Organic Association (BDOA). Mr. Galleon further enriched his knowledge on organic farming through his involvement in the following: (1) Association of Tarlac Organic Producer (ATOP); (2) Organic Demo Farm of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) as farmer co-operator on vegetable and rice; (3) Department of Agriculture-Central Luzon Integrated Agricultural Research Center (DA-CLIARC), Regional Field Office (RFO)-III as farmer cooperator on peanut production, climate smart seed system, and Organic Agriculture Validation; and 4) Trainings and seminars on organic farming.

3Mungbean is a good rotation crop for rice. Agronomists describe the beneficial effects of the system as the "Rotation Effect". Mungbean is a legume with nitrogen fixing properties which is beneficial for rice. The system maximizes land use and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers that can be expensive. Rice+Mungbean increases soil organic matter (SOM), improves soil structure and tilth, and the chemical and biological soil properties of the soil. With more SOM, water infiltration and retention is improved, providing increased drought resistance, and reduced erosion. Soil aggregation is increased, allowing greater nutrient retention and utilization. Soil microorganisms also improve nutrient availability, and decrease pathogen and pest activity through competition. The rotation breaks the life cycle of rice pests in the field because the change of crops in a sequence decreases the population pests, which are crop-specific. Crops grown in rotation result to about 10-25% increased yields compared to monocropping. (See: https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-good-rotation-crop-for-a-rice-farm).

2. Farm Description

Crop Components

Organic rice (1.5 hectares) is the main crop in Joel’s farm. The farm is rainfed, rice is planted in July and harvested in November, and is rotated with mungbean (Vigna radiata). The organic vegetable crops planted are eggplant (Solanum melongena), string beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), and hot peppers (Capsicum annuum). Joel practices multiple/mix cropping and crop rotation. Crops produced are being sold to the organic market day at the DA-RFO III in Tarlac.


Crop components of Mr. Joel Galleon’s organic farm


With the help of his wife, Mr. Joel Galleon raises 40 native chickens, 15 native ducks, 10 native pigs, and goats for food and income. They have 3 cattles and 2 carabaos as work animals and as sources of income. The animals are also sources of manure which he uses as fertilizer and as substrate for vermicomposting.

Carabao, ducks, goat and pigs as additional sources of income


Farm Practices

Seedling Management. Joel maintains 10 m x 12 m net house which he uses as a nursery for vegetable seedlings preparation before field transplanting. Bokashi and Effective Microorganisms (EM 5) are sprayed at seedling preparation.

Nutrient Management. Joel has three (3) beds to produce the vermicompost that he needs to supply the nutrient needs of his crops. In addition, he also prepares and uses aerobic bokashi (Figure 1) and fermented plant/fruit juices (FPJ/FFJ) (Figure 2) as additional sources of plant nutrients.

Vermicompost beds

Bagged vermicompost ready for use


Figure 2. Preparation of Fermented Plant and Fruit Juice (FPJ & FFJ)

Figure 1. Preparation of Bokashi by Mr. Joel Galleon

• 100kg rice hull• 10kg rice bran• 5 kg dried chicken manure• 30-40 liters of pure Effective

Microorganisms Activated Solution (EMAS)

Seal container and ferment for at least two weeks

Apply directly to the soil

Materials

Process

Application

Chop plant/fruit materials Add water and molasses

Mix and ferment in covered container


Pest Management

To control crop pests and diseases, Mr. Galleon prepares and applies a bio-pesticide he calls EM 5 (Figure 3).

Materials

• 2 Li Molasses

• 2 Li Tuba (coconut wine)

• 2 Li Lambanog

• 2 Li EMAS

• 1 kg neem tree leaves

• 3 bulbs garlic

• 50 kg chili (hot pepper)

• Non-chlorinated water

Preparation

Step 1. Dissolve molasses in water

Step 2. Add tuba, lambanog and EMAS. Mix it well.

Step 3. Add the chopped neem leaves, garlic and hot pepper.

Step 4. Ferment the solution for 30 days. Release the gas every 4 days to prevent bottle from deformity. Use EM 5 within 3 months.

Note: Once EM 5 is diluted with water, it should be used within a day.

Figure 3. Preparation of EM5 by Mr. Joel Galleon

3. Future Plans

Mr Galleon will continue to learn, research, innovate, and practice organic agriculture technologies that are adapted in circumstances and his farming system. He will continue to share information to other farmers as a local trainer on organic agriculture in Tarlac. He intends to expand the production of vermicompost as additional source of income. He also planned to increase his organic vegetable production in response to the increasing demand of the organic market.

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4


V. Making the Planet Organic Before We Become Organic

Mr. Tirso Martirez is from Balatan, Camarines Sur. He is a founding member and officer of the Rinconada Movement for Environment and Sustainable Agriculture (RINCOMESA), a producer of organic fertilizers, and a trainer on organic/sustainable agriculture. He was introduced to organic agriculture while he was an active member of RINCOMESA.


2. Shifting from Conventional to Organic Agriculture Mr. Martirez shifted to organic agriculture in 2000 after attending a training on

agroforestry production and post-production system conducted by the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM). Since then, he had attended several trainings on organic agriculture where he learned more about sustainable farming strategies that he applied in his own farm. The training courses also include Business Organizational Management, Simple Financial Management and Bookkeeping. He believes that equipping himself with these knowledge would not only make him an effective organic farmer but also a successful agri-preneur. He is now a trainer on different sustainable agriculture approaches in the Philippines. He was a participant in a six-month organic agriculture exchange program organized by the Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA), which was held in Okoyama, Japan. Mr. Martirez envisions himself developing agro-forestry models and establishing community-based sustainable livelihood enterprises.

1 Farmer, Balatan, Camarines Sur2 Extension Director, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), Pili, Camarines Sur, E-mail: [email protected]

Tirso Martirez1 and Carmelita N. Cervantes2

Mr. Tirso Martirez


3. Farm Description Mr. Tirso Martirez owns a 4-hectare farm in Balatan, Camarines Sur. More

than half (60%) of his farm is alloted to Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) and planted diverse crops. His farm has four (4) major components.

The first component is mango-based cropping system. Planted along the contours are diverse feed, fruit, root and tuber, and other crops (Table 1). Raising free-range chickens is also part of this component.

Table 1. List of crops planted in Mr. Martirez’s farm, Balatan, Camarines Sur

Classification Crops

Feed crops

Rensonii (Desmodium rensonii) Flemingia (Flemingia macrophylla) Indigo (Indigofera spp.) Trichanthera (Trichanthera gigantea) Ipil ipil (Leucaena leucocephala), Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum)Guatemala grass (Tripsacum andersonii)

Root and tuber crops

Ube (Dioscorea alata)Gabi (Colocasia esculenta)Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea)Ginger (Zingiber officinale)‘Burot’ (Dioscorea numularia)

Fruit trees

Mango (Mangifera indica)Coconut (Cocos nucifera)Cacao (Theobroma cacao)Lanzones (Lansium domesticum)Chico (Achras zapota)Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) Longan (Dimocarpus longan) Avocado (Persea americana)Santol (Sandoricum koetjape)Guava (Psidium guajava)Balimbing (Averrhoa carambola)Kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi)Banana (Musa spp)

OthersStrawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)Grapes (Vitis vinifera)Bamboo (Bambusa spp.)


The second component is a watershed development and aquaculture area where he grows different kind of fruit trees and maintains a tilapia pond.

Mr. Tirso Martirez tilapia pond as part of his aquaculture development.

The third component is coconut-based which he uses for the expansion of his feed crop production.

Coconuts in the farm of Mr. Martirez as a source of income and feeds for his livestock.


4. Farm Practices

Nutrient management.

Mr. Martirez uses self-produced vermicompost and EM-based fertilizers as nutrient sources. In the preparation of EM-based fertilizer, he uses dried leaves from the farm, and experimented on different additives as food sources for the microrganims. Among those he had experimented on are honey, molasses, cocoa powder, papaya, and other materials available in the farm. In all his trials, he uses spring water to ensure that the water is not chlorinated.

Mr. Martirez’s vermicompost was subjected to routine analysis by the DA-RFU V, Regional Soils Laboratory and was found to contain 8.28% total NPK (0.71%N, 6.76% P and 0.81% K). As additional source of income, he sells excess vermicast at PhP 300 per 50 kg sack. Mr. Martirez shared that basal application of macro and micro nutrients depends on the crops and soil condition.

The fourth component is a multi-livelihood system, including raising native hogs, goats, and turkeys as well as processing of agroforestry by-products.

Turkeys are also raised in the farm of Mr. Martirez for aditional income.


Table 2. Utilization of liquid EM at Mr. Martirez’s Farm, Balatan, Camarines Sur

EM Formulation Purpose

15 mL EM: 1 Li water To hasten composting process

1 Li EM: 10 kg pulverized sweet potato tubers Starter feed for piglets

215 mL EM: 1 Li water Liquid fertilizer and growth enhancer for plants and seedlings

5. Mr. Martirez’s Organic Agribusiness Venture

Mr. Martirez’s dream of an agriculture enterprise is now becoming a reality. Step by step he is taking actions towards the realization of his goals. He had already registered his business name “JGSH-V MENU AGRO-FORESTRY PRODUCTION” at the Department of Trade and Industry in Bicol. Moreover, he had also secured a Mayor’s Permit and BIR registration for the legitimization of his agribusiness. In order to sustain his enterprise, Mr. Martirez employs business strategies, based on his experiences, such as simplified sustainable operation by making the business a family enterprise, farm management operation cycle, and farm maintenance through communal labor sharing or “bayanihan”. To strengthen his market linkages and sell his organic products, he is actively involved in networking, linkaging, collaboration with stakeholders, and forging partnerships with farmers through mentoring and sharing his actual farming testimonies. He also participates in sustainable development campaigns as part of his personal advocacy.

With his experience in organic farming enterprise, he was able to learn how to maximize farm resources as source of livelihood thus gradually reducing income leakage. He has also proven that with determination, his agri-based enterprise is actually simple and attainable. Similarly, he believes that by making his farm diverse and integrated, he is doing his share to help mitigate climate change impacts while his farming approaches serve as a disaster risk reduction model.


Tirso Martirez and his mangoes for home consumption and additional source of income.

6. Facilitating and Constraining Factors for Organic Agriculture FarmersAccording to Mr. Martirez, there is

now an increasing demand for organic products. However, due to limited size of the farm, he cannot produce enough to supply the demand. Moreover, the system of organic certification, is also a constraining factor. The organic certification system makes it more difficult for small-scale producers like him to mainstream without organic certification. Organic certification is demanding and expensive for a small-scale producer like him who lacks capital, assets, equipment, and resources for expansion. He shared that he has to further improve his record keeping and financial know-how. He also needs support to improve branding, packaging and labeling. Despite his many years in organic agriculture, other farmers and groups still discourage him.

7. Future Plans

Mr. Martirez has grand plans in the future for his farm. He plans to collect more indigenous plants, not only as farm resource but also as learning specimens for future generations who might not be able to see them in their natural environments. He also wants to expand and further develop his farm to make it an agro-ecotourism destination and a sustainable agriculture learning center in Bicol. Mr. Martirez also wants to explore local energy development in his farm as source of sustainable renewable energy. In terms of product marketing, he is preparing to improve the branding and packaging of his products. As a whole, he sees his plans would be able to generate local jobs and he could help his fellow Bicolanos the best way he can.


VI. From ‘Magsasako’ to ‘Magsasaka’ through Organic AgricultureBernardino Nunez1 and Dinah Marie C. Dayag2

1Farmer, Brgy. Dagat-dagatan, San Rafael, Bulacan 2OIC, VP-RET/Director, RDM, Bulacan Agriculture State College, San Ildefonso, Bulacan, E-mail: [email protected]


Mr. Bernardino Nunez, also known as Ka Bernie is from San Rafael, Bulacan. He is married to Victoria Nunez and they are gifted with four (4) children. Mr. Nuñez has 37 years of extensive farming experience and learned about organic agriculture by attending training courses conducted by the Central Luzon Organic Farmers’ Association (CLORFA) and by the Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC). He is a member of the Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council (MAFC), Palayamanan Farmers Association, Organic Farmers Association of Bulacan, and CLORFA where he was able to attend trainings on proper crop and animal management, as well as share meaningful discussions with his fellow farmers.

Ka Bernie has been awarded several recognitions on organic farming including Dangal ng Lipi ng Bulacan and National Gawad Saka Award (Farm Family Category) both in 2012. In 2013 he was awarded as the Best Farmer Cooperator by BASC.

Mr. Bernardino Nunez, a multi- awarded farmer in his farm.



Ka Bernie started farming in 1978 and was a heavy chemical user until 2008. He noticed that the chemical inputs he had been using for 30 years had adversely affected his health. He was very thin and gets easily exhausted all the time. Also at that time, instead of referring to himself as “magsasaka”, Ka Bernie considers himself a “magsasako” referring to the “sako” or container bags of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. He borrows money to buy these costly inputs and after harvest, he pays-off his debts from creditors with bags of paddy rice.

Through the knowledge he gained from the training he attended, the realization of putting his family’s health at risk, and the negative effects to the environment, he decided to shift to organic farming. With his determination to change his conventional farming ways, he did not just aim for profit and high productivity, but he became more concerned with caring for people’s health and that of the environment.

3. Farm Description

Ka Bernie owns a 2.5 ha diversified and integrated farm with crop and animal components located at Brgy. Dagat-dagatan, San Rafael, Bulacan. The farm is relatively flat with a heavy clay soil type which is ideal for rice production. His farm depends on rain and water pumped from a deep well for its water requirement. Ka Bernie is a certified rice seed producer. Rice is usually produced during the wet season (July-November) and dry season (December-April). Vegetable crops like pole sitao (Vigna unguiculata subsp. Sesquipedalis), bittergourd (Momordica charantia), bottlegourd (Lagenaria siceraria), finger and hot peppers (Capsicum spp.), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) are simultaneously planted with rice (Figure 1).

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Upo/kamatis/patola/sili Ampalaya/sili/kamatis

Kamatis/sitao/patola

Palay (WS at DS)

Figure 1. Cropping calendar of Bernardino Nunez of San Rafael, Bulacan


The diversified vegetable crops are cultivated in a 3,000 m2 lot and is rotated within the farm. Ka Bernie’s choice of vegetables is based on the ease of crop management and income derived, which he uses as capital for his rice production. He believes that crop diversification helps in the control of pests in the farm and it augments his income if other crops are marketed at a low price. Ka Bernie’s produced rice seeds are purchased by other rice farmers in their area and by the Municipal Agricultural Office (MAO) of San Rafael. On the other hand, the vegetables are collected by traders, and are sold at the Balintawak and Oriental markets.

Ka Bernie also raises animals for their manure which serves as fertilizer in the farm. He raises 60 native chickens, 30 native ducks, 10 mallard ducks, 2 native pigs, 3 cattles, and 2 carabaos.

4. Farm Practices

Nutrient management for rice

During land preparation, the field is applied with 50 bags of composted chicken manure (50 kg per bag) and 15 bags of vermicast per hectare (Figure 2). In addition, the rice crop is sprayed weekly with fermented plant juice (FPJ) made from kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica) and molasses (ratio of 2:1) at 300 mL per 16-Li knapsack sprayer from seedling stage until flowering. Vermitea is prepared by mixing 6 kg vermicompost, 2 Li water and 1 kg molasses.

Figure 2. Nutrient Management for Rice

• Chicken manure (50 bags per hectare) and Vermicast

• (15 bags per hectare) during land preparation

• Fermented Plant Juice = 2 kg kangkong + 1 kg molasses

• 300 mL of FPJ per knapsack (16 Li of water) sprayed weekly

• Vermitea (6 kg vermicompost + 2 Li water + 1 kg molasses)

• 300 mL of vermitea per knapsacksprayed at weekly interval


Pest Management

To control pests, Ka Bernie sprays fermented makabuhay (Tinospora rumphii), serpentina (Rauvolfia serpentina) or neem tree (Azadirachta indica) leaves mixed with water, and molasses (Figure 3). He uses 100 ml of this concoction per 16 Li of water, spraying only as needed.

Figure 3. Pest management

5. Positive Outcomes of Ka Bernie’s Decision to Shift to Organic Farming

Ka Bernie observed that over time, the soil condition of his farm had improved. The soil became more fertile, friable, and the soil’s water holding capacity increased. This was unlike when he was still practicing conventional (chemical) farming, wherein the field should be prepared a day before transplanting to retain the puddled condition. He also noticed the soil is easier to plow even if left fallow (unplanted) for sometime after land preparation.

With time, his organic rice yield gradually increased. Recently he was able to harvest 6.35 tons per hectare. His successful transformation from conventional farming was made known to other farmers whenever he is invited in training courses to testify about his experiences on organic farming. His exposure as resource person had boosted his confidence such that he was able to influence several farmers to engage in organic farming.

6 kg neem tree leaves/ Serpentina/ Makabuhay + 6 Li water + 1-2 kg molasses

7 days fermentation

• 100 mL of fermented leaf juice + 16 Li water• Apply as needed

Materials

Process

Application


Ka Bernie in his vegetable farm in Bulacan

6. Future Plans Ka Bernie still wants to expand his knowledge on organic agriculture and he

wants to venture into organic animal raising. He also plans to apply for organic certification of his farm with assistance from the Department of Agriculture. Ka Bernie will still continue to encourage other farmers to engage in organic farming by sharing his knowledge and experiences and be a living testimony on what organic farming can do.

His farm income enabled him to send all his children to school and finish college. He considers this an achievement and source of pride since he only finished elementary schooling. Although his children are all gainfully employed in jobs related to their college degrees, they are all aware of the benefits of organic farming and are all involved in it, following the footsteps of Ka Bernie. Their organic farm, which is now a family endeavour, was the basis for the National Gawad Saka Farm Family award that was given by the Department of Agriculture in 2012.


VII. Organic Agriculture: Consumer and Family Welfare First Before ProfitReynaldo Quilicot1 and Licinia S. Saniel2


Mr. Reynaldo Quilicot, or “Nong Olong”, for people who know him, is from Brgy. Yanaya, Carmen, Bohol. He is 46 years old and married to Marcela Quilicot of La Paz, Carmen, Bohol. They have five (5) children, 3 already have college degrees. Their eldest (Roy, 28 years old), finished Associate in Computer Science, their second (Nora, 25 years old) graduated with a degree on Agricultural Technology and the third (Patrick, 23 years old) finished BS Entrepreneurship. The youngest two are still studying, (Reynaldo Jr., 20 years old) is taking up BS IT-Automotive and the youngest, Razel, (16 years old) is studying BS Computer Science. Nong Olong, who only reached elementary level is very proud that he

1Farmer from Brgy. Yanaya, Carmen, Bohol2Dean, College of Agriculture, Bohol Island State University, Bilar Campus. E-mail: [email protected]

Mr. Reynaldo andMs. Marcela Quilicot in their chillifarm


was able to send all his children to school from the earnings of his 0.5 hectare organic farm and vermicast production. Farming is the family’s sole source of income that provides them their basic needs such as food, shelter, and education for the children.

Nong Olong is an active member of the Carmen Tilapia Growers Association (CTGA), Carmen Multi-purpose Cooperative (CMCP), Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative, La Paz Vegetable Growers, and Bol-anong Mag uugma. With the success of his organic agriculture enterprise, he was awarded the Municipal Level Grand Winner of the Best Organic Vegetable Garden for the Utanon sa Tugkaran Alang sa Kabataan (UTAK) Program. He was a finalist for the provincial-wide search for the Best Bahay Kubo FAITH Garden in 2010, Outstanding Vegetable Grower in 2008 (Barangay Level), 2nd Place for the “O My Gulay sa Barangay” Program (Provincial Level), and 2010 Gawad Saka Awardee as Outstanding High Value Commercial Crop (HVCC) Farmer.


Nong Olong was an on and off family driver and a rice mill worker/operator before he became a full time farmer in 2008. His primary reason in adopting organic agriculture is to provide safe food for his family and for other people. He decided to go into organic agriculture after attending a training on organic vegetable production at their Municipal Agriculture Office. Armed with the new learnings he had acquired, he utilized his tenanted 0.5 hectare land into an integrated and diversified farm which used to be a conventional farm using agrochemicals that was supplied by the landowner. In the initial stage of the conversion process, Nong Olong experienced financial losses due to the significant decrease in yield. But that experience did not deter him to continue organic farming because he believes that in the long run the soil will be in good condition again.

His knowledge and skills on organic farming were further enhanced from the trainings he had taken as a member of different organizations that pursue organic agriculture. He was also influenced to pursue organic agriculture by his daughter who was then a student taking up Agricultural Technology at the Bohol Island State University. It was his daughter who first brought him a handful of African night crawler that he had multiplied and used in his vermicompost. He was not only able to learn the scientific side of farming but also its management.


A portion of Mr. Quilicot’s farm planted with pechay

3. Farm Description

The Quilicot farm is located in Sitio San Miguel Dos, Brgy. La Paz, Carmen, Bohol where the famous Chocolate Hills can be found. The farm has a flat elevation and the soil is Sevilla clay. It is 58 kilometers away from the city proper but is only 4 kilometers away from the Carmen Public Market. Nong Olong’s farm is diversified and integrated Nong Olong uses his self-produced vermicast, vermitea, carbonized rice hull (CRH)3, compost tea, and employs Natural Farming Technology Systems (NFTS) in growing his crops. He also raises pigs organically, ducks, and native chicken as sources of additional income, and cultures tilapia for home consumption. The water in the farm comes from a family-owned deep well. All family members participate in the farm activities.

3Mr. Quilicot believes that the use of carbonized rice hull (CRH) in his farm is one of the keys for his success in organic agriculture. The soil type of his farm is heavy (Sevilla clay). In the production of CRH, the non-carbon materials from rice hull are removed from the material. This leaves a structure that is honeycombed with tiny pores and high adsorption capacity. The cumulative surface area of this is immense, providing a home for billions of beneficial bacteria and other micro-organisms. These in turn release minerals from the soil for plant use, fix nitrogen in the soil, and add to the biomass of the soil. The more organisms in soil environment, the more stable it becomes. This is the reason why soils with CRH have reduced major pest problems, improved soil texture especially of clay soils, and more nutritious crops than soils applied with a chemical fertilizer, and much better than those sprayed with pesticides. (See: http://japanhomestead.blogspot.com/2010/03/rice-hull-charcoal-making-and-using-it.html


4. Farm Practices

Crop Components

Vegetables. The vegetable crops planted include eggplant (Solanum melongena), pechay (Brassica rapa), pole sitao (Vigna unquiculata sesquipedalis), sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum), baguio beans (Phaseolus compessus), squash (Curcubita maxima), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), chayote (Sechium edule), papaya (Carica papaya), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Among these vegetables, the eggplant occupies the largest production area because of preference by the farmer due to high profitability, ie. high market demand and better selling price. Also, he does not need to buy seeds to establish new seedlings because he saves seeds4 from selected fruits of the previous cropping season which he plants in the next cropping. On the other hand, sweet pepper is not planted on a regular basis and pechay has the smallest production area.

4Doing self seed production in effect is direct selection within an organic system. In doing this, farmers practicing organic agriculture will be better able to realize higher yield because the seeds planted are more adapted to organic production systems. (See: Murphy et al. 2006. Evidence of varietal adaptation to organic farming systems. Field Crops Research.102(3): 172-177)

Root Crops. Nong Olong plants ube (Dioscorea alata) and taro (Colocasia esculenta) in his farm, the common rootcrops in the province. He prefers these rootcrops because they do not need any fertilizer or pesticide and they are easy to manage. He visits this crop only when they need weeding and at harvest. Nong Olong does not plant cassava because he believes that it is a heavy nutrient feeder and it could deplete the soil nutrient reserves very quickly.

Herbal (Medicinal) Plants. The family of Nong Olong maintains an area planted with medicinal plants (Figure 2) like peppermint (Herba Buena; Mentha arvensis), oregano (Origanum vulgare), turmeric (Curcuma longa), lagundi (Vitex negundo), gabon or sambong (Blumea balsamifera), menthol (Mentha piperita), aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), hanlilika or katakataka (Kalanchoe pinnata), mayana (Coleus blumei), guava(Psidium guajara), lubi-lubi (Solanum nigrum), guyabano (Annona muricata), malunggay (Moringa oleifera), and bitter gourd (Momordica charantia). These plants are used to cure minor illnesses like cough, cold, headache, stomach ache, and treatment for wounds and cuts. The medicinal plants are mostly used for minor illnesses and as first aid. In addition to his family, his neighbours also benefit from these medicinal crops. These plants are also used by Nong Olong as additional materials for his fermented plant juice and for pest management.


Figure 2. Some herbal/medicinal plants in the farm of Mr. Reynaldo Quilicot which are also used as ingredients in the preparation of fermented plant juice in the farm.

Menthol(Mentha piperita)

Sambong(Blumea balsamifera)

Herba buena(Mentha arvensis)

Fruits and other crops. Fruit trees like papaya, guyabano, cacao (Theobroma cacao), orange (Citrus sinesis), banana (Musa spp.), lanzones (Lansium domesticum), and pomelo (Citrus grandis) are planted in the whole farm. Tree management practices only includes pruning and thinning which is done only as needed. Coconut (Cocos nucifera) and corn (Zea mays) are also planted in his farm which also provide additional income.

Nutrient Management

In growing vegetables, Nong Olong uses the Natural Farming Technology System (NFTS), compost tea brew (vermitea), and vermicast to supply the nutrient requirements of the crops. He applies one (1) kilogram vermicast per hill before planting.

Nong Olong’s own trials resulted to concoctions that best fit his needs in the farm. He developed variations of Oriental Herbal Nutrient (OHN), FFJ, FPJ, and his own mix of compost tea brew which are the sources of nutrients for his crops (Table 2). He claims that his compost tea brew with goat manure is very effective as insect repellent. Below are the tried and tested organic fertilizers and botanical pesticides that Nong Olong made.


Table 2. Concoctions adapted and used by Mr. Reynaldo Quilicot in his farm in Brgy. La Paz, Carmen, Bohol.

Organic Fertilizer and

Botanical Pesticides

Materials Needed

How to Make How to Apply When to Apply

OHN

1 kg crushed garlic or onion bulb or ginger or turmeric

1 kg muscovado sugar

2 Li coconut vinegar

1 bottle gin

Mix the first 3 ingredients in a large container and cover.

After 4-5 days, add gin then seal the container..

After 7 days, strain to obtain the liquid part which is ready for use.

Keep the liquid OHN in a clean empty bottle.

Mix 30 ml of OHN with 1 Li of water

Start spraying one week after planting until last harvest

Spray at 7-10 days interval late in the afternoon (about 4 pm)

FPJ

1 kg ripe banana or papaya


Mix the ingredients in a large container and cover.

After 7 days, strain to obtain the liquid part which is ready for use. Keep the liquid in a clean empty bottle.

Spray at flower emergence


Organic Fertilizer and

Botanical Pesticides

Materials Needed

How to Make How to Apply When to Apply

FFJ

500 g oregano

500 g sambong

500 g herba buena

500 g menthol leaves



After 7 days, strain to obtain the liquid part which is ready for use. Keep the liquid in a clean empty bottle.

Compost tea


1 kg goat manure

1 kg vermicast

30 Li water


After 7 days, strain to obtain the liquid part which is ready for use.

Keep the liquid in a clean empty bottle

Table 2. Continued..


Pest Management

Nong Olong uses simple and safe methods in pest management. He does not use chemical pesticides because he believes that insects will develop pesticide resistance which would make them more difficult to control. Instead, he practices handpicking and crushing of insect pests early in the morning and late in the afternoon. He also sprays OHN and compost tea brew as part of his pest management approach. He practices multiple cropping and crop rotation in any given part of the farm, and fallowing to prevent severe pest infestation.

Handpicking, crushing and spraying with OHN for pest management in vegetables

Water Management

Water management in Nong Olong’s farm is done manually using a water hose, and hand-held water sprinkler. This is done around 7 to 10 in the morning. When there is a heavy rainfall, Nong Olong does not water his plants until the soil is dry. But during sunny days, Nong Olong waters his crops twice daily, early in the morning and late in the afternoon. His water source is from a deep well in the farm.


Animal Components

Nong Olong raises a carabao, native chickens, organic pigs, goats, and ducks. The animals are for sale and for family consumption. The carabao is mainly used for plowing and together with other animals, provides manure for vermicomposting. He chose these animals because they are easy to manage. Nong Olong’s livestock are bought mostly by his friends and neighbors.

Fisheries Component

Nong Olong has a small fishpond surrounded by papaya where he raises tilapia. At present, the tilapia is mainly for home consumption but he plans to expand his fishpond and maximize tilapia production for the market.

Vermicomposting Component

Nong Olong has a covered shed where he has several elevated beds made out of coco lumber lined with plastic for vermicomposting. He produces at least 100 bags of vermicompost per month in excess of his requirements. He sells them at PhP 200 per bag. Although he is aware that he can sell the compost for a higher price, he still sells them at a low price to enable the other farmers to experience the benefit of vermicompost and organic agriculture, and hopefully to start their own vermicompost production.

Vermicompost production in beds made of local available materials in the farm of Mr. Reynaldo Quilicot.


A tricycle for transporting the produce, a knapsack sprayer for spraying concoctions and a water pump to provide water as prizes for accomplishments as a successful organic agriculture farmer.

6. Future Plans One of Nong Olong’s plans as his personal advocacy is to encourage more

farmers to produce organically grown food for a healthier community. Even if he is an agri-entrepreneur, he believes that consumer welfare should come first before profit. Being a tenant, he knows the difficulty of decision making when it comes to the concerns of the farm. Hence, he also plans to buy a farm of his own where he can be free to do anything whatever he wants without the landlord’s consent. He will still continue to plant different varieties of vegetables and add more in the future to provide for the needs of the local market in Bohol. Nong Olong was once a supplier of lettuce in one grocery store in Bohol but he was unable to produce enough to meet the demand. It is Nong Olong’s aspiration that farmers across the country would adopt organic farming and that locally organic produce could compete in the global market.

5. Incentives Received by Practicing and Promoting Organic Farming With the numerous recognitions from different organizations and institutions

that Nong Olong received for his practices in organic farming, he was also able to obtain various rewards that help him further improve his farm production. These include tools and equipment such as water pump, knapsack sprayer, seedling trays, carts for harvest and a tricycle unit for transporting his produce. Indeed, Nong Olong had gone a long way from being a part time driver to a full time organic farmer.


VIII. Organic Agriculture for Safe and Healthy Food for the FamilyBenito Santos1 and Dinah Marie C. Dayag2

1. Farmer’s Profile Mr. Benito Santos, a college graduate, is from San Rafael, Bulacan. He is

married to Nida Santos and they have one child. He has been farming for 20 years and had attended numerous trainings on organic agriculture. He was able to share his learning and experiences on organic agriculture to a larger audience after he was tapped by the Municipal Agriculture Office as a resource person in trainings.

As a member of different groups and organizations, he is actively involved in the Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council (MAFC), Central Luzon Organic Agriculture Farmers’ Association (CLORFA), and Nutritional Farming Association. With his passion in agriculture, Mr. Santos was awarded the Outstanding Local Farmer Technician of Central Luzon in 2015 during the National Convention of Local Farmer Technician.

1Farmer from Brgy San Roque, San Rafael, Bulacan2OIC, VP-RET/Director, RDM, Bulacan Agriculture State College, San Ildefonso, Bulacan, E-mail: [email protected]

Mr. Benito Santos in his rice field in San Rafael, Bulacan.



Mr. Santos started as a conventional farmer in 1995. But in 2003, because of his exposure to organic agriculture after attending seminars and symposia, he decided to eventually apply the practices he learned from CLORFA and MASIPAG. In 2007, he gradually converted his farm to organic agriculture from 30:70 (organic: conventional), to 40:60, 50:50, 75:25 until he reached 100% full organic conversion in 20103. His motivation in shifting to organic agriculture is to provide safe and healthy food for his family. He believes that synthetic chemical farming is harmful to the environment.

3. Farm Description

3This is the horizontal approach to conversion, i.e., a portion of the farm is completely converted to organic while the remaining is still conventional. The size of the farm converted to organic is increased with time until the whole farm is converted to organic. Another approach is called vertical conversion. In this approach, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are gradually reduced in the whole farm using substitutes such as organic concoctions every cropping season until no more chemicals are used in the whole farm. (See: Zamora, O.B., et al. 2006. Principles and Practices of Sustainable Agriculture. CBCP-NASSA and UPLB-College of Agriculture. 160 pages.

Mr. Santos owns a 1.5 ha diversified and integrated farm which is rice-based with vegetables, livestock and poultry. His farm is largely rainfed with limited irrigation from his man-made irrigation system. He markets his produce through the Sabariaga Rice Mill and sells vegetables to neighbors, friends, and interested consumers. Eggs and free-range chicken are sold at the 8 Waves Waterpark, a local resort.

Portion of Mr. Benito Santos farm planted with organically grown tomatoes


Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

Rice Rice

Patola Sigarillas Pole Sitao

Papaya

4. Farm Practices

Crop Components

During the wet season (August-November) and dry season (December-March), one hectare of his land is planted with rice and 0.5 hectare is planted with diverse vegetables (Figure 1). The choice of vegetables he plants depends on their ease of management, their market demand, and value. Patola (Luffa aegyptiaca) is planted from December to March, sigarillas (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) in May to August, and pole sitao (Vigna unguiculata sesquipedalis) from September to November. In addition, Mr. Santos also plants papaya (Carica papaya), bittergourd (Momordica charantia), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum).

Figure 1. Cropping Calendar of Mr. Benito Santos, San Roque, San Rafael, Bulacan

Nutrient management

During land preparation, Mr. Santos applies 40 bags of animal manure, 60 bags of rice hull, 10 bags of vermicast per hectare, and rice straw from the previous crop harvest is spread in the field. In addition, other organic fertilizers (Table 1) made from available local resources are applied. He recommends using malunggay leaves in making fermented plant juice because he contends that it has high nutritional content. Fresh leaves of Malunggay (gram for gram) has 7x more vitamin C of oranges, 4x more vitamin A than carrot, 3x more potassium of banana, 4x more calcium of milk and 2x the protein of yoghurt3.

3Compared to equivalent amounts (in weight) of other foods, malunggay has seven times more Vitamin C than orange, four times more calcuim and two times more protien than milk, four times more vitamin A than camote and three times more potasium than bananas. (see:www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph)


Organic fertilizer

Main ingredients(No. of days of fermentation)

How and when to apply

Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ)

20 kg kangkong

10 kg molasses

300 ml FPJ per 16 Li knapsack sprayer + 200 ml of molasses

Sprayed weekly after 15 DAT

20 kg malunggay leaves

10 kg molasses



Fermented Fruit Juice (FPJ)

20 kg banana fruits (Butuan-type)

10 kg molasses

(fermented for 7 days)



Fish Amino Acid/Kuhol Amino Acid

1:1 fish innards/fish:molasses (fermented for 21 days)



Table 1. Supplemental sources of nutrients applied in the rice farm of Mr. Benito Santos, San Roque, San Rafael, Bulacan


Pest Management

For pest management, Mr. Santos prepares a mixture of four (4) kg neem tree leaves, makabuhay, chilli (Capsicum spp.) and four (4) Li water which he ferments for 3 to 5 days. The dilution ratio for spraying is one (1) Li of the concoction mixed with 16 Li of water or 1 knapsack sprayer (Figure 2). This botanical spray is used only as needed. He also plants tubli (Derris elliptica) and kakawate (Gliricidia sepium) around the farm for their insecticidal properties.

Figure 2. Pest Management (Mr. Benito Santos)

1 L of fermented juice + 16 Li water

Spray as needed

4 kg Neem tree leaves/ Makabuhay/ Sili tare + 4 Li water

3-5 days fermentation

Animal components

Mr. Santos owns carabaos which are used as draft animals, 50 free-range chickens, and 12 ducks that provide food and income from their eggs and meat.

Carabaos and free range chicken used as draft power and additional source of income.


6. Future Plans

Now that Mr. Santos is in full swing on organic farming, he plans to apply for organic certification to assure his buyers that his produce are free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and thus boost his marketing strategy. He also plans to continue conducting research on new organic farming technologies to further improve his farm production in a sustainable manner. Likewise, he will continue extending help to other farmers by sharing knowledge and lessons he learned from organic farming.

Mr. Benito Santos sharing his knowledge and experiences on organic farming.

5. Problems and Challenges The main challenge for Mr. Santos is the lack of market for his organic

produce. He finds it difficult to compete in the existing market when he adds a price premium of PhP 1.00 per kg of his organic produce. For his organic products to have wider market reach and to get higher price, he plans to obtain organic certification. However, he thinks that the adjacent farms using agrochemicals may contaminate his farm that would pose a problem for the certification of his farm.


IX. Success in Organic Agriculture Through Technology Development and InnovationMario Urtal1, Indihra B. Dimaporo-Tawantawan2 , Anita B. Ministerio3, Eddie S. Ministerio, Sr.4 and Amalhaya D. Omar-Macmod5

1. Farmer’s profile

Mr. Mario Urtal is an organic practitioner and innovator from Brgy. Pandanan, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte. He is 40 years old, married to Victoriana Urtal, and with 2 children. At present, he is the president-elect of the Parents-Teachers Association in Pandanan Elementary School and Public Information Officer of the Sustainable Agriculture Practitioners’ Organization of Lanao, Inc. (SAPOL).

Mr. Urtal owns two parcels of land approximately 5,000 m2 and 9,000 m2 located in Brgy. Kauswagan, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte. The farm is 10 km away from the market. Mr. Mario Urtal in his

vegetable farm.

1Farmer from Brgy. Pandanan, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte2Director, Research and Extension, Mindanao State University – Lanao del Norte Agricultural College (MSU-LNAC) E-mail: [email protected] Research Coordinator, Agronomy Department, MSU-LNAC4 Extension Coordinator, Agronomy Department, MSU-LNAC5 Coordinator, Agricultural Education Department, MSU-LNAC


2. Reasons for Conversion to Organic AgricultureMr. Urtal was a conventional farmer for 10 years, from 1999-2009. In 2009, he

converted to organic farming for safe food sources and to lessen farm production expenses.

3. The Farm Description

Crop Components

The major crops planted by Mr. Urtal are bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), eggplant (Solanum melongena), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), pole sitao (Phaseolus vulgaris), and pepper (Capsicum annuum) or atsal. He also occasionally plants okra (Abelmoschus esculemtum), peanut (Arachis hypogea), upo (Lagenaria siceraria), cassava (Manihot esculenta), gabi (Colocasia esculenta), luya (Zingiber officinale), and corn (Zea mays). These vegetables are preferred because they are well adapted to his location, they are short duration crops, and they are easy to market. He plants atsal (Green bell pepper) in time to be harvested between the months of October to January when the demand and price are very high.

Also planted in Mr. Urtal’s two (2) parcels of land are trees/fruit trees such as mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), gmelina (Gmelina arborea), coconut (Cocos nucifera), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), santol (Sandoricum koetjape), lansones (Lansium domesticum), avocado (Persea Americana), makopa (Syzygium samarangense), banana (Musa spp.), and papaya (Carica papaya).

Nutrient Management

Fertilizer management practices include the use of fermented seaweeds6, locally called guso (Eucheuma alvarezii) and samo (Sargassum fluitans) (Table 1), Fermented Effective Microorganisms (FEM) (Figure 1), Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO), CalPhos, Fermented Amino Acid (FAA), and Fermented Fruit Juice (FFJ). The IMO is used as a plant/soil drench. CalPhos is ‘burnt’ eggshells7 fermented in vinegar that

6Seaweeds-based fertilizers have many benefits. They provide natural hormones and many nutrients not found in other forms/types of fertilizer. The alginates in seaweeds act as soil conditioners. It reacts with the nutrients in the soil and form long and cross-linked polymers that improve the crumbing in the soil, swell up when wet, and retain moisture for long periods. (See: http://hubpages.com/living/The-Benefits-of-Using-Liquid-Seaweed-Fertilizer)

7Eggshells are primarily made out of calcium carbonate (93%). It also contains about 1% nitrogen, an essential nutrient. In addition, eggshells contain other trace minerals like phosphoric acid that are beneficial to plant growth and health. (See: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/homemade-eggshell-plant-fertilizer-42947.html).


Figure 1. Preparation of Farmer's Effective Microorganism (FEM) by Mr. Mario Urtal

• 3 kg each of finely chopped banana, papaya and squash• 5 pieces of fresh eggs• 3 kg of molasses• 10 Li water

• Put chopped materials in container or drum• Add 10 Li of water, fresh eggs and molasses• Cover the container, ferment and mix every 10days for 30 days• After 30 days, mix daily until 45 days

• Mix 1-2 cups of FEM per 16 Li in knapsack sprayer and spray before sunrise or between 4:00-6:00pm

MATERIALS

PROCESS

APPLICATION

Farmer’s Effective Microorganism (FEM)

provides Calcium, phosphorus, and some micronutrients. In his farm, fermented guso increases vegetable and fruit production, and produce heavier rice grains. The use of fermented effective microorganism (FEM) on the other hand, resulted to vigorous growth in vegetables and reduced fruit drop.


1.Materials:

2 kg ‘guso’ (Euchema alvarezii);

1 kg ‘samo’ (Sargassum fluitans)

2 Li molasses

2. Boil 2 Li of water in a clay pot

3. Put the 2 kg chopped ‘guso’; then mix 1 kg of ‘samo’ in 2 L molasses

4. Bring to boil in 45 minutes; mix in 20 Li of water

5. Strain and store in a container or drum

Usage - Mix 1-2 cups of fermented guso in 16 Li water and spray or drench vegetables every 10 days.

Table 1. Preparation and use of fermented ‘guso’ (Mr. Mario Urtal)


Pest Management

Mr. Urtal practices crop rotation, i.e., he plants sweet pepper (atsal) on July-August, followed by eggplant, tomato then ampalaya. The rotation system is done both in time and space. He observed that this system over time is very effective in reducing pest incidence in his farm.

In cases of severe pest infestation, Mr. Urtal uses several concoctions. These are:

(1) PANTASI which is a mixture of panyawan or makabuhay (Tinospora rumphii), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and hot pepper (C. frutescens, sili);

(2) KUTASI which is the acronym for the mixture of kubong (Dioscorea hispida), tobacco and sili; and

PANTASI (Panyawan - Tabako - Sili)

(3) “MARVIC’ is a concoction that Mr.Urtal developed and tested by himself. He used to call this concoction ‘Bulay-Bulay’ but later renamed it ‘MARVIC’ after his name and his wife Victoriana. The following are the ingredients in the preparation of MARVIC: garlic (Allium sativum), ginger, red onion (A. sepa), hot pepper (sili), and bark of kalachuchi (Plumeria spp.), vinegar, and coconut milk (gata) (Figure 2). Because of the efficacy of this concoction in Mario’s farm for pest control, e.g., as insect repellant and fungal diseases in crops, some of his co-farmers encouraged him to produce more to be sold to them.

He also uses a yellow box coated with a mixture of oil, ‘tuba’ and ‘kinugay’ (dried muscovado) inside. The yellow color, tuba, and kinugay are insect attractants, while the oil acts as stickers that ‘traps’ the insects.


Figure 2. Preparation and use of "MARVIC" for pest management by Mr. Urtal.

4. Problems encountered

The main problem that Mr. Urtal encountered in his shift to organic agriculture is insect pest infestation. Since he does use pesticides because of health issues and cost, he experimented on many concoctions for insect management using materials readily available to him. His soil is compacted and although he has not submitted his soil for analyses, he thinks his soil is acidic. He sprays IMO to soften the soil and use CalPhos to correct soil acidity. His other problem is low income and profit, and water scarcity.

5. Future Plans

Mr. Urtal wants to develop his own vermicompost and demo farm. He is also currently conducting experiments to compare if there is any difference in plant response to fermented ‘guso’ that is boiled and unboiled. He plans to acquire some farm equipment such as power sprayer, knapsack sprayer, and a carbonizer.

• 3 kg each of finely chopped ginger, onion, garlic, and bark of kalachuchi

• 2 cups of hot pepper• 20 Li of vinegar• Coconut milk from 3 nuts

• Put chopped materials in a drum• Add 10 Li of sour vinegar; add the coconut milk (gata)• Cover/seal container and ferment for 10-15 days

• Mix 200 ml of MARVIC in 16 Li water in knapsack sprayer and spray before sunrise or between 4:00-6:00 pm every 7-10 days

MATERIALS

PROCESS

APPLICATION


Organic Heirloom Rice Cultivation Ms. Rowena Gonnay1 , Ferdinand L. Ganotice2 and Anne Gale C. Vallez3

1. Farmer Profile

Ms. Rowena Gonnay, 41 years old, is married to Mr. Randy Gonnay, and is blessed with 5 children. She has been an organic farmer since 1990 in Brgy. Dangtalan, Pasil, Kalinga. She graduated with BS Agribusiness and Management degree at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University in La Union.

She is a farmer-leader of the Kalinga Rice Terraces Farmers’ Cooperative (KRFTC) and an active member of Unoy-Pasil Terraces Association (UPTA). Being a practicing farmer genuinely concerned with conserving heirloom rice farming, she conscientiously performs her work as Farm Superintendent II in her hometown of Pasil. Ms. Rowena became a National and Regional Awardee as the Best Organic Rice Producer in Kalinga and the 2014 National Organic Agriculture Achievers Award - (NOAAA) Agricultural Extension Worker awardee.

Ms. Rowena Gonnay showing one of her awards

1Farmer from Brgy. Dangtalan, Pasil, Kalinga2Program Chair and Researcher, Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Kalinga-Apayao State College, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga. E-mail: [email protected] Research Associate, University of the Philippines-Los Baños


2. Heirloom Varieties and Organic Agriculture

Rice planting in Pasil, Kalinga is generally organic. Ms. Gonnay maintains and organically grows many traditional heirloom rice varieties in her farm. With the incursion of conventional rice farming technologies, Ms. Gonnay believes that the heirloom rice varieties must be conserved and protected. She is continuously developing her organic farm, and learning new techniques to increase her knowledge that she disseminates to her village. She serves as inspiration to other farmers in the area who are in transition back to organic farming. Through her efforts their cooperative is currently exporting organic rice to Montana, USA and Italy.

3. Farm Description

Crop Components

Ms. Gonnay’s farm is planted with rice and vegetables. Since the farm has a hilly terrain, rice is planted in terraces while vegetables are planted in the alleys and borders of the rice plots. The rice fields are at least 300 m2 to 2,000 m2. The common rice varieties planted are Unoy3 and Ogak. Unoy is the generic term for medium-grained rice variety, which is not aromatic, red or white in color, and with good eating quality. Some of these varieties are ulikan, chong-ak, alig, napoy, and chekot. The rice variety they export is red rice called chong-ak, which is aromatic and medium-sized grain. Ogak on the other hand, is a rice variety commonly planted during wet season.

3The famed ‘unoy’ rices of Kalinga are heirloom rice varieties that have established niche export markets in the United States and Europe. (See: http://www.philstar.com/agriculture/711337/disease-ravages-famed-unoy-rice). Traditionally, the red Unoy is always served during festivals and ceremonies to please the Kalinga God “Kabunyan”. (See: http://www.heirloomrice.com/pdfs/Rice_Organic_Renaissance.pdf)

Seed samples of traditional/heirloom rice varieties being maintained and planted by Rowena Gonnay and Pasil farmers.


Selection of varieties to be planted is based on the farmer’s preferences. Some of the selection criteria being used are long panicles, resistance to drought, good eating quality (soft and aromatic), and high tillering capacity (e.g., more than 10 tillers per hill).

Rice is planted twice a year. The first cropping is from July to August, which is harvested from November to December. The second cropping is from December to January and harvesting is from May to June. Crops planted in higher elevation generally have longer maturity period (6 months) while in lower elevations it takes only 4-5 months before crops can be harvested. The mean rice harvest during dry season (3.5 per hectare) is higher than during wet season (2.9 tons per hectare). Mean grain yield in the area is 3.5 to 4 tons per hectare.

Vegetables are planted for home consumption. Crops planted are squash (Cucurbita sp.), string beans (Vigna unguiculata), white beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), and mungbean (Vigna radiata). The area allotted for vegetables and fruit trees is approximately more than 100 square meters. To rest and maintain the natural productivity of the soil, Ms. Gonnay practices pailongon or allowing the soil to rest or fallow for 2-3 years.

Rice seedling preparation. Good quality seeds are selected for better harvest. Ms. Gonnay has two methods of rice seedling preparation. In the first method, the panicles are sown directly in the rice paddy. In the second method, rice seeds are soaked in water with Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO) for 24 hours. According to her, this practice results to the production of more vigorous seedlings. The seeds are germinated in a piece of cloth and incubated by keeping it covered by sack to build some heat. This is important in the high elevation mountainous village of Pasil.

The cultured IMO is diluted with water and sprayed to the seedbed. During the first cropping in July to August with warmer days, seedlings are grown to 25 days old before transplanting. However, in the colder months of the second cropping in December to January, seedlings are grown up to 30 days old before transplanting.

Weeding is done during booting to flowering stage. Spraying of fermented liquid organic fertilizers is done before dough stage to flowering. Ms. Gonnay encountered problems on low seed germination and zinc (Zn) deficiency.

Nutrient Management

Wild sunflower, rice hull, IMO, rice straw, cogon (Imperata cylindrica) and kakawate (Gliricidia sepium) are incorporated in the soil during land preparation. Azolla as source of nitrogen is added 14 days after transplanting, while eggshells as source of calcium is incorporated 45-50 days after transplanting. She uses vermicompost produced using sunflower, banana trunks, shredded weeds, and pig manure as substrates.


She sprays fermented plant juices (FPJ) weekly starting at 14 DAT at 480 mL (32 tbsp) per 16 Li of water. She has limited production of FPJ because of the availability of sugar and molasses. When sprayer is not available, she applies FPJ through an improvised drip irrigation system.

Pest Management

Common pests observed in her farm are rats, stem borer, rice bug, birds, earthworms, and snails. Rats are managed by using traps with coconut as baits. Snails are controlled by hand picking or by luring the snails to feed on papaya and gabi leaves. The leaves with snails are removed and crushed to ferment to become liquid plant supplements.


The animals being raised in the farm are carabaos, native chickens, and native pigs. The native pigs are fed with leftover rice, rice bran, and sweet potato. Animal manures are used for vermicomposting.

5. Future Plans

Ms. Gonnay’s passion is to share her organic agriculture knowledge and technologies with the other farmers in her town and in nearby communities. Hence, she intends to learn more about organic agriculture so she can be more effective in conducting training courses and seminars to interested farmers. She intends to find a solution to the zinc deficiency of her farm, She will also continue developing her organic farm so she can show that organic agriculture really works.

About this Publication

This publication is one of the outputs of the recently concluded project entitled “National Validation and Documentation of Organic Production Systems for Rice and Vegetables”, which was funded by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) and implemented by the Crop Science and Agriculture Systems Clusters of the UPLB-College of Agriculture. The project was implemented nationwide in 23 sites involving project partners from the ten (10) Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Centers (RIARCs), 12 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and the Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) of Batanes. Among others, one of the specific objectives of the project is, “To document local farmers’ current organic and conventional practices for rice and vegetable production in various locations in the country”.

In the field monitoring visits, the members of UPLB-based project management team were able to interact with many organic farmers who had developed or adapted organic agriculture technologies and systems. What is remarkable that these farmers were very willing to freely share to others the technologies and systems that they are already using in their farms. In consultation with local project leaders, 10 farmers were selected and were invited to present their experiences in a forum held on 5-6, November 2015 at UP Los Baños. Invited audience were other farmers, university students, faculty members, researchers, and others who are interested in organic agriculture.

The farmers conducted experimentation by themselves out of curiosity, necessity, interest, or altruistic reasons, e.g., provide safe food for the consumers and help other farmers. The organic agriculture technologies and systems in this publication therefore are informal innovations and adaptation, and are results of systematic observations under their specific conditions and circumstances.

This publication is a contribution to communicate the outputs of these notable farmers to a wider audience; hopefully to benefit a greater number of farmers and organic agriculture advocates and practitioners. Finally, this publication does not intend to be recommendatory or prescriptive; those who are interested in the technologies and systems contained herein are encouraged to experiment on, and adapt them in their farms. Further information, clarification or details of technology or system in any section may be obtained by sending an email to the second author of each section

The University of the Philippines Los Baños-College of Agriculture is a premier institution of higher learning in agriculture and food sciences promoting the development of a robust agriculture sector and industry that meets the challenges of food security and safety, poverty, climate change and environmental sustainability.

The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) is one of the staff bureaus of the Department of Agriculture (DA) which was established to lead and coordinate the national agriculture and fisheries research and development (R&D) in the country. BAR is committed to consolidate, strengthen, and develop the agriculture and fisheries R&D system for the purpose of improving its effectiveness and efficiency by ensuring customer satisfaction and continuous improvement through work excellence, teamwork and networking, accountability and innovation.

Cover design, layout and edits by Winster T. Abasolo, Aleli M. Caraan, Anacorita Oliquino-Abasolo

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