Agriculture Secretary William Dar listened to the technical briefing of Dr. Susanta Pikundu, chief operating officer of Excel Industries Limited, during the demonstration of the Rapid Production Facility for Organic Bio-Fertilizer in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur on September 26, 2019.

According to Dr. Pikundu, the facility established at the Agri-Tourism Farmville of the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives, can convert farm waste into compost and enhance microorganism activities to produce nutrients for the soil.

“After processing of farm waste, curing takes about 10-15 days. Thereafter, the organic composts are ready to be applied,” he said.

Experts from Excel Industries stressed that through the facility, non-genetically modified food will be available to everyone, all year round.

According to Secretary Dar, the facility is a good farm investment, as soil continues to degrade.

“May sakit na ang lupa, kaya kailangan ibalik ang organic matter para gumana ang microbes at maibalik din ang micronutrients,” Dar explained.

However, the Secretary noted that aside from organic fertilizer, farmers must practice a balanced nutrient management approach, combining organic and inorganic fertilizer.

“Mahalaga ang organic at inorganic para masagana ang ani ng ating mga magsasaka. Kapag masagana ang ani, mataas ang kita,” he added. ### (Adora Rodriguez, AFID)