Farmers encouraged to go back to organic farming

By June 23, 2014Business, News

STA. MARIA–The provincial government of Pangasinan urged farmers to return to organic farming as it distributed farm inputs on June 17 in the 6th District.

“First, we want to teach them to go back to organic farming and second, we want them to feel that we, in the provincial government, support their industry,” remarked Governor Amado Espino Jr. as he led the distribution of seeds and fertilizers.

A total of 1,000 bags of certified palay seed, 2,000 bags of urea fertilizer, 2,000 bags of complete (14-14-14) fertilizer, and 10,000 bags of organic fertilizer were apportioned among the beneficiary towns under the provincial government’s agricultural technology enhancement subsidy and loan assistance program (ATESLAP).

According to Dalisay Moya, officer-in-charge at the provincial agriculturalist (OPAg), 50% of the total cost of the farm inputs estimated at P8,060 per hectare is covered by a subsidy from the provincial government and the other half will be given as loan with an interest rate of 1.5% per month payable in five months.

The governor then urged the farmers to pay their loans on time for the provincial government to be able to help more farmers in other parts of the province.

ATESLAP was first implemented in Bugallon in 2012, covering 600 hectares of flood-affected farmlands; and in Alaminos City, Bani and Burgos in 2013 that covered 1,100 hectares.

Espino said the program is being sustained because it led to improved production and subsequently earned for the province the Rice Achiever’s Award from the Department of Agriculture.

The provincial government also distributed 10,000 tilapia fingerlings and 200 seedlings each to the district’s 10 towns on the same day.– Johanne R. Macob

Back to Homepage

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments