GRADUATES of the MMSU school-on-the-air (SOA) program were trained recently on the latest organic fertilizer production technology. Held in Brgy. Sulbec, Pasuquin, the training was conceptualized after Crisner Lagazo, 4H Club President and one of the graduates, sent a letter to the university expressing his group’s interest to enhance their skills in making organic fertilizers. 

According to Lagazo, members of his group had tried producing organic fertilizers but this was not sustained because their production area was destroyed by typhoons. Moreover, they had insufficient sources of materials for production. “We realize the many benefits of using organic fertilizer in our farms and as a profitable source of income,” he said.

SOA coordinator Lorena Torda decided to include other SOA graduates from Brgys. Dilavo and Salpad in Pasuquin which totalled to 30 participants.  The MMSU’s SOA was also instrumental in providing salient information to farmers on the latest technologies on garlic production. When asked about the benefits derived from the program, Victoriano Benedicto Castillo Jr., president of the Narvaan Zanjera Association of Dilavo, said his garlic production has improved significantly.

Meanwhile, Dr. Floramante Pastor, in-charge of the university’s organic fertilizer production project  served as lecturer and trainer.  He discussed, among other things, the importance of using organic fertilizer, and how to make solid and liquid organic fertilizers from wastes through vermicomposting.  Dr. Pastor gave the trainees 1kg each of African Night Crawler for the initial stock of their vermicompost. 

At the close of the training, the participants expressed their desire for a shredder in the production of organic fertilizer. MMSU and the Local Government Unit of Pasuquin have also assured financial assistance to them, while the trainees have agreed to help these agencies establish demonstration areas for future organic fertilizer production projects. (By Mercy R. Gaño)