DA-12 pushes for use of bio-control agents in rice, corn farming

COTABATO CITY -Agriculture officials today urged farmers in four provinces and five cities to continue using bio-control agents in fighting unfriendly pests that destroy crops. The appeal was made by Amalia Jayag-Datukan, regional executive director of Department of Agriculture (DA-12) during the first ever Biological Control Forum organized by the Regional Crops Protection Center (RPC) of DA-12 attended by about 850 farmer leaders. Zaldy Boloron, OIC regional technical director for operations of DA-12, said Director Datukan was elated how the farmers have been cooperating with the DA program on pest control, like proper use of bio-control agents in destroying pests. Municipal and city and provincial agriculturists were present to back the program of the government that aims to make every farmer productive. RCPC 12 Officer-in-Charge Ludivina Dumaya said the forum was undertaken to instill among farmers the effective means to combat pests that destroy agricultural products. During the forum, the use of bio-control agents like metarhizium, trichogramma and many others for rice and corn farming. andltpandgtDumaya said there are 26 village level bio-con laboratories where production of bio-control agents takes place. National Integrated Pest Management Coordinator Dr. Jess Binamira also urged farmers to reduce the use of chemicals and pesticides in controling pests to improve profits. Speaking in his topic Save and Grow, Binamira said it is important for farmers to plan carefully their planting strategies to avoid losses. To support Binamira's statement, farmer Rey Galagpat from Tulunan, North Cotabato explained how he earned more than other farmers with proper planning and effective use of bio-control agents in rice farming. Cheaper, effective, environment friendly and most of all harmless to humans, Galagpat said of the bio-control agents provided by DA-12. He said organic farming is productive and provides bigger profits among farmers who use bio-control agents. Farmers who would like to avail of bio-control agents may visit the Regional Crops Protection Center in Tacurong City, Dumaya said. The forum, held in Koronadal City, was attended by local and regional officials. DA-12 covers the provinces of North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Saranggani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong and Gen. Santos.