Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU trains Pinili farmers on vermicomposting for sustainable farming

By Criztalene Victorio

Continuing its efforts to support community extension initiatives, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) through its Extension Directorate and the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) conducted the training about “Vermicomposting and Organic Waste Management for Sustainable Community Farming” on August 27-28 at Barangay Aglipay, Pinili, Ilocos Norte.

Led by Brgy. Captain Aldreds Lucero Edmalin, the training brought together farmers and community officials who learned how to convert locally available biodegradable materials such vegetable and fruit scraps, dried leaves, crop residues into useful agricultural inputs for their crops. 

During the lectures, Floramante Pastor, CAFSD faculty member, discussed the concept of vermicomposting, the use of vermicompost in farming, and practical strategies for promoting and sustaining organic waste management in the community. 

Following the lectures, participants visited the MMSU-CAFSD vermicomposting facility to gain first hand experience in operating production equipment, organic waste shredders, mechanical sieves, and processing machinery. This was followed by an action-planning session led by Ms. Abegel Agonoy Joson and Brgy. Captain Edmalin to help participants to draft plans and strategies to integrate organic waste management practices in Aglipay. 

The participants expressed their gratitude to MMSU for bringing the training to their community and sharing organic practices that will help them sustain their farm production. 

“It is an eye-opening experience for me that instead of burning or discarding animal waste and dried foliage, this can turn into productive organic material that is beneficial to us,” Ms. Dolores Dagiumol, one of the participants said. 

Concluding the training, Dr. Marlowe Aquino, Director for Extension challenged the participants to put their learning into practice, noting that this knowledge will practically sustain their crop lands in a cost-effective way.