ORGANIC FARMING. Some 100 organic farming practitioners from the different provinces in the Caraga Region join the ongoing three-day 8th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress in Butuan City which started on July 4, 2023. The regional Department of Agriculture office said at least 27,382 hectares of farmlands in the Caraga are now devoted to organic farming involving 5,978 farmers and 138 organizations. (Photo courtesy of DA-13)
BUTUAN CITY – At least 27,382 hectares of farms in the region that have been mostly used in rice production are now devoted to organic farming, the Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) said Wednesday.
In a statement, the DA-13 described the figure as a welcome development as it continues to campaign for organic farming practices among local farmers.
On Tuesday, the agency started the three-day 8th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress (ROAC) here participated by more than 100 farmers and stakeholders from different towns in the region.
Bernadette San Juan, the DA's National Organic Agriculture Program director, graced the opening of the activity.
“The ROAC serves as a platform for the presentation of the regional and provincial plans, accomplishments, and initiatives taken by various local government units, including the provinces, aimed at advancing the organic agriculture program in the region, DA-13 said.
Of the total number of hectares devoted to organic farming, 12,570 has. are located in Surigao del Sur; 7,089 has. in Agusan del Sur; 5,905 has. in Agusan del Norte; 1,388. has. in Dinagat Islands; and 428 has. in Surigao del Norte.
Some 5,798 farmers belonging to 138 associations in the region, most of whom coming from the rice sector, are currently practicing organic farming.
In 2022 DA-13 said organic farmers in the region produced some 17,027 metric tons (MT) of various farm products.
Of the total organic farm production last year, 5,222 MT came from Agusan del Norte; 3,413 MT from Agusan del Sur; 1,715 MT from Surigao del Norte; 5,170 MT from Surigao del Sur; and 1,507 MT from Dinagat Islands.
“The three-day ROAC will also recognize the different groups and individuals with outstanding initiatives and successful implementation of organic farming practices,” DA-13 said. (PNA)
