FPA Region 9 promotes BFS and safe use of pesticide at farmer field tour

Written by Dionn Mark M. Bohol  |  Published: 30 September 2022

GUIPOS, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR | September 27, 2022 – Regional Officer (RO) Alex S. Paalisbo and Provincial Officer (PO) Michael P. Tuico discussed the safe use of agricultural pesticides and Balance Fertilization Strategy (BFS) during the Aldiz Incorporated’s Farmer field tour activity in Brgy. Bagong Oroquieta, Guipos, Zamboanga Del Sur last September 27, 2022.

The discussion on the safe and responsible use of agricultural pesticides aimed to minimize serious risk while maximizing its benefits in controlling pests to obtain their desired good and quality harvest.

During the discussion, RO Paalisbo reminded the farmers to properly dispose the empty pesticide container by using the triple rinse technique and not to recycle it as a container for food and water to protect them from any residual effects. Furthermore, he emphasized using PPEs every time they use such crop protection products and observed proper handling during mixing and application to avoid possible hazards that they might acquire.

“Through the proper disposal of your empty container, we can help maintain a sustainable and sound environment,” Mr. Paalisbo added.

Meanwhile, PO Tuico introduced the BFS as they encouraged the farmers to use a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers, including bio-fertilizers, foliar spray fertilizers, and other sources of plant nutrients.

“BFS was a program initiated by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to institutionalize the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and other forms of strategies (i.e. green manuring or cover cropping, individual farm soil fertility maps, diversifying and improving cropping systems, etc.) to attain the maximum potential of farmlands while maintaining soil structure and fertility.

The strategy applies the 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent declining soil fertility and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

Fifty (50) rice farmers attended the seminar, and Aldiz Inc. Area Supervisor Mr. Gary G. Velez and his field technicians also discussed Crop Protection and Nutrition. ###