Reliving the Ancient Treasure

Vermiculture is as ancient as the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, who lived in 384 to 322 B.C. , when he mentioned in his writings the role of  earthworms in maintaining the soil. But the interest of  the lowly earthworms was stirred up by Darwin who published his article on ‘The Formation of Vegetable Mould  Through the Action of Worms.’ Environment degradation caused by heavy use of chemicals is the key factor why nature lovers  continue  to wield to  ancient  organic agriculture which uses mainly earthworms as  natural decomposers.

Creating a lifestyle to go organic is not a difficult task for the DA,  as many health buffs have expressd their willingness to support the idea. Aside from the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture , Proceso J. Alcala,  who authored the Organic  Agriculture Act of 2010 , known as Republic Act 10068 , the four governors of the Central Visayas provinces have as well thrown their hats to go organic.

The Mandaue Experiment Station (MES) showcases the biggest organic facility in Cebu. Seated in a 7.9 hectare area, the facility offers technical assistance to clients from all walks of life.  Adoption of organic agriculture is not  speedy but is steadily rising, Ronnie Jamola, Chief of the MES said.  

 

 

 

 

 

A MES staff explains the nature of African Nightcrawler to students.

The facility is often visited by students who go on a study-tour on organic agriculture. Though organic agriculture is relatively young in the region,   its demand in the market is increasing- the prime reason why   farmers begin to revive the ancient practice of organic farming.

Organic agriculture maybe ancient but it is a great find in the region.