MANILA, Feb. 6, 2013— A sustainable agriculture program using organic farming of the Caritas Philippines has introduced farmers to alternative and improved methods of caring for the earth.
With the help of Caritas Española, the agency had been advocating for a switch to organic farming from the conventional method that encourages heavy use of chemical fertilizers for increasing farm outputs.
Caritas Philippines, also known as the National Secretariat for Social Action (Nassa), have been training farmers in bio-farming techniques to increase productivity, conserve the environment and reduce poverty.
Ronelio Barsatan, Nassa’s Sustainable National Program coordinator, said they are hoping that the program will be communicated to farmers throughout the country.
Nassa’s sustainable agriculture program has been ongoing in at least four municipalities in the Diocese of Iba in Zambales province.
Iba Diocesan Social Action Program Coordinator Luis Arueza said that the program is also alternative in the highly commercialized farming system.
“We are very eager to do away with chemicals (conventional farming) which negate soil fertility and pollute land,” Arueza said.
“At the same time, natural farming will not only reduce costs but will also ensure the safety of food and prevent the adverse effects of chemicals on farms,” he said. (CBCPNews)
