BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — Farmers in the Caraga Region are urged to go on organic agriculture in an effort to increase their production, sustain the health of soils, ecosystem, and people.

Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation, and science to benefit the shared environment, and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.

Officials of the Region 13 office of the Department of Agriculture (DA-13) said that organic agriculture relies on ecological processes, biodiversity, and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects.

Officials made this announcement and encouragement to farmers in Northeastern Mindanao during the 5th “ConsumerNet Meets the Public” forum at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. in this city over the weekend.

Anchored on the theme “Sapat, Ligtas at Abot-kayang Pagkain para sa Lahat,” officials of the DA’s Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (RAFID) oriented the participants of the said forum on the importance of the Organic Agriculture Program (OAP) and urged them to apply in their agricultural farming.

Speakers from the DA-RAFID said that organic farming is also promoted by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements or IFOAM because of its systematic production system, and also sustains the health of soils and balance the ecosystem.

According to the agriculture officials, organic farming is not treated with pesticides.

The DA officials urged the farmers to turn into organic farming due to the apparent harmful effects of chemical-based pesticides.

They said there are mothers whose breast milks are contaminated with DDT, a chemical compound that is present in pesticides that is commonly used in farming.

They (DA officials) said “It is hazardous especially to the health of the infants who are breasted by their mothers.”

As this developed, the DA officials encouraged the farmers to convert the farming system from using inorganic pesticides into organic farming system because of the high cost of chemical-based inputs, high resistance of pest and diseases, low farm income, low soil fertility, groundwater contamination, and health issues.

The DA officials also assured the farmers that their agency is open to train and orient those individuals who are interested in venturing into organic farming system.