DA to pilot India's soil technology in Zamboanga Sibugay

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture (DA) launched in the city India’s technology to rejuvenate the fertility of rainfed farmlands in the country, which aims to increase the yields of crops, an agriculture official said.

City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacad said the agriculture technology that was applied in Kharnataka, India’s second largest rainfed or dry land state, is called ‘Bhoochetana’ which means reviving the soil.

“Our soil is exposed to different kinds of elements such as chemicals and the dry spell, so it’s like bringing back the health of the soil that’s why we have to correct it,” Palacad said.

The program was launched Wednesday in this city but the pilot area will be in R.T Lim town in Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Palacad said the DA and the Bureau of Agriculture Research (BAR) have selected at least three pilot sites for the implementation of the program. One in Quezon, Luzon; Samar, Visayas; and RT Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay.

He said the Department Agriculture will develop and introduce the ‘Bhoochetana’ just like how India adapted to boost farming in its 30 districts in Kharnataka and increase its productivity by 20 percent in four years.

BAR said the project specifically identifies best options for soil, crop and water management, and  improves farming to enhance productivity of the selective crops.

Palacad said the DA will be inviting the agriculture technicians from the neighboring areas of the selected pilot provinces and farmer-stakeholders to observe and apply to their localities. - Roel Pareño