The Local Government Unit of Jagna headed by Mayor Joseph Rañola (see photo), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 7, organized the Launching of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy Project. It also included the ceremonial turnover of Seeds and Fertilizer Assistance, as well as the provision of LGU Free Organic Fertilizer for the 2023 Wet Season Cropping. The event took place on May 13, 2023, at the Jagna Business Center’s Atrium. During the previous Wet Cropping season in 2022, the Municipality of Jagna conducted a field trial on the Balanced Fertilization Strategy. The season-long training involved 41 farmers from 4 associations of irrigators. This initiative aimed to offer farmers alternative, cost-effective farming technologies to address the rising prices of commercial fertilizers. Known as “abonong swak,” the field trial enabled farmers to observe the growth and yield performance of rice crops under various combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The study’s results demonstrated the process proving that incorporating dagami and processed chicken dung, along with reduced levels of
chemical fertilizer, could still yield significant harvests at minimal cost. Encouraged by these findings, the LGU allocated funds to purchase organic fertilizer for the mass adoption of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy across 500 hectares of rice production areas in Jagna. This implementation is scheduled for the upcoming 2023 Wet Season Cropping. Additionally, the seed and fertilizer assistance program provided by the Department of Agriculture will
complement this initiative, ensuring its successful and sustainable implementation. The event also serves as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of partner national agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, in uplifting the economic conditions of Jagnaanon farmers through various development programs through the office of the Municipal Agriculture led by Wendy Galero. Contributed photo