Farmers in Agusan del Sur are gaining valuable knowledge on soil health management through recent capacity development trainings and a new technology orientation. Two three-day sessions were held in Bayugan City (July 7-9) and San Francisco (July 15-17), led by soil science experts from the Provincial Research Development and Innovation Office (PRDIO). These trainings aim to modernize agricultural practices by transitioning farmers from traditional methods to soil-testing-based fertilization techniques. Farmers, including 81-year-old Edelberta Tanjay and barangay agricultural worker Alma Avila, expressed hope for improved yields through this new approach. Participants learned to interpret soil data using the Biochemistry Laboratory Information Management System (BLIMS), developed by the Provincial Information Management Office, which utilizes QR codes for precise soil sample location coordinates. Experts Maiden Mark Trabado and Razel Paler led the soil analysis module, while live field demonstrations showed farmers how to collect and analyze soil samples. Over 60 farmers participated, gaining both theoretical and practical skills to enhance crop yields. Provincial leaders, including Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. and Rep. Adolph Edward Plaza, emphasized the program’s potential to boost rice and corn production through accurate fertilizer application. Training materials are available in Cebuano to ensure accessibility. Farmers like Junnie Lighadan and Ester Golarte are optimistic about improved harvests, with Golarte aiming to exceed the current yield of 100-110 sacks per hectare. Lanlen Oraiz highlighted the long-overdue need for this technology, which promises to address low yields. This initiative equips farmers with sustainable practices, paving the way for increased agricultural productivity in Agusan del Sur. (Chris V. Panganiban / MindaNews)
