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PROMOTING ORGANIC AGRICULTURE AMIDST NATURAL DISASTERS
REFLECTION
Shieramea E. Llevares
Organic agriculture is an important practice that helps sustain both the environment and
farmers' livelihoods. It allows crops to grow naturally without harmful chemicals, ensuring
healthier food and better soil quality. However, in a country like the Philippines, where typhoons
and El Nino frequently occur, promoting organic farming becomes more challenging. These
natural disasters can delay crop production, making it difficult for farmers to sustain their
income.
From what I have learned, organic farming requires patience and commitment. Farmers
must wait for the soil to regain its nutrients before they can have a full harvest. Unlike
conventional farming, where chemical fertilizers can speed up growth, organic farming relies on
natural compost and other organic inputs, which take time to develop. This slow process,
combined with the unpredictable weather conditions in the Philippines, makes it difficult for
many farmers to fully transition to organic agriculture.
Despite these challenges, organic farming has long-term benefits. The farmers in the
video provided in the Google classroom, shows how organic methods improve soil health,
allowing it to retain more moisture and nutrients. This can be especially useful during dry
seasons like El Nino when water supply is limited. By improving soil quality, organic farming
helps plants become more resilient to extreme weather conditions. Additionally, organic farmers
use natural pest repellents, such as planting insect-repelling crops around their fields, which
helps reduce crop loss even after storms.
Another major concern is the financial burden of organic certification. Many small-scale
farmers struggle with the high costs and strict regulations. Because of this, promoting organic
farming should not only focus on encouraging farmers to switch but also on creating policies
that provide financial and technical support. The government and agricultural organizations
should help by offering subsidies or alternative certification methods that are more affordable
for small farmers.
One of the biggest advantages of organic farming is its ability to build strong farming
communities. The farmers emphasized how they work together by sharing knowledge and
resources. This collaboration is essential, especially after disasters, as it allows farmers to help
each other recover faster. Organic farming should be promoted not just as a way to produce
healthier food but also as a way to strengthen community resilience.
To promote organic farming despite these challenges, we need to focus on education,
financial support, and disaster preparedness. Farmers should receive proper training on how to
protect their crops from extreme weather conditions. More research should also be done to
develop organic farming techniques that can withstand typhoons and droughts.
Excellence | Service | Leadership and Good Governance | Innovation | Social Responsibility | Integrity | Professionalism | Spirituality
In conclusion, while organic farming in the Philippines faces many difficulties due to
natural disasters, it remains a sustainable and beneficial agricultural practice. By improving soil
quality, strengthening farming communities, and providing financial and technical support,
organic farming can still thrive. We must continue to promote and develop better strategies to
help farmers overcome these challenges and ensure a stable and sustainable food supply.
