PRIETO DIAZ, SORSOGON – The Department of Agriculture (DA), through its Integrated Laboratory Division and the Regional Soils Laboratory, successfully held the last training session on Trichoderma harzianum as a Compost Fungus Activator (CFA) for farmer organizations in Brgy. Calao this town on October 16-17, 2024.
This event was part of a series of regional training sessions aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices across Bicol. Other sessions were held in different provinces including Paracale, Camarines Norte (April 24-25, 2024), Sta. Magdalena, Sorsogon (May 2-3, 2024), Caramoan, Camarines Sur (May 22-23, 2024), Gigmoto, Catanduanes (June 19-20, 2024), and Esperanza, Masbate (September 25-26, 2024). The training sessions are a significant part of the DA’s ongoing efforts to enhance soil health and reduce farmers’ dependence on chemical fertilizers.
Ailene C. Babelonia, Agriculturist II explained that Trichoderma harzianum is a beneficial fungus that accelerates the decomposition of organic materials such as rice straw, dried leaves, and other agricultural residues. “This natural process transforms the materials into nutrient-rich organic matter that plants can easily absorb, enhancing soil fertility, improving soil structure, and boosting crop productivity. By incorporating Trichoderma harzianum into their practices, farmers can create a more resilient agricultural ecosystem and reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilizers,” she added.
The October 16-17 session in Prieto Diaz was attended by 30 farmers of Calao-San Fernando-Ulag Farmers Irrigators Association (CASUFIA), led by the Association President Jay D. Eva. “We are deeply grateful to the Department of Agriculture for offering training programs like this,” Eva said. “It has expanded our knowledge and empowered us to improve our farming practices. We now understand how to use Trichoderma harzianum to enhance soil health and reduce our dependence on chemical inputs.”
Local agricultural leaders, including Teresa Babejes, John Marl D. Deticio, and Christian Daryl Blanqueza, Agricultural Technologists from Prieto Diaz, also participated in the training, providing technical support and ensuring that the sessions addressed the needs of the local farming community.
Prieto Diaz Municipal Agriculturist, Melanie P. Sol, expressed her gratitude for the continued support of the DA. “We are thankful for the continuous support from the Department of Agriculture and the Regional Soils Laboratory,” Sol remarked. “This program has opened up new opportunities for our farmers to adopt innovative, eco-friendly farming practices that will improve crop yields and promote long-term sustainability,” she said.
The training included hands-on demonstrations and discussions on the proper usage, application and best practices for integrating Trichoderma harzianum into composting and soil management that was presented by Gaila Faye B. Velasco from Regional Soils Laboratory to provide practical advice and answer questions, ensuring that farmers went home with the skills and confidence to apply the techniques in their own farms.
The DA’s introduction of Trichoderma harzianum aligns with its broader goal of promoting organic farming and climate-smart agriculture, reducing the environmental impact of conventional farming. By adopting these natural alternatives, farmers can expect improved soil health, better water retention, and enhanced biodiversity while reducing their reliance on harmful chemical inputs.
Through initiatives like this, the Department of Agriculture aims to empower farmers to become stewards of their land, improving both their livelihoods and the environment. As more farmers adopt sustainable practices, it is expected that these efforts will contribute to greater food security, more robust local economies, and a healthier agricultural ecosystem in Sorsogon and across the Bicol Region. (Angela Mae Lafuente – RAFIS 5)