Rep. Plaza Urges Support for Soil Health Development
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur – Rep. Adolph Edward Plaza of Agusan del Sur’s 2nd District has called on his fellow lawmakers to prioritize soil health development as a vital strategy to increase agricultural yields. He emphasized this during his privilege speech, highlighting the urgent need to help farmers facing the harsh realities of climate change.
Plaza stressed that soil health development is crucial not only for enhancing crop production but also for securing the future of Filipino farmers and the nation’s food security. “A comprehensive, science-based, and collaborative national soil health strategy can rehabilitate our soils, reverse degradation, and improve the productivity of our farmers,” he said.
Innovative Farming Practices and Soil Testing
The lawmaker underscored the importance of adopting innovative soil-test-based fertilization methods and sustainable farming practices. These approaches equip farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to maintain fertile soils, increase yields, and adapt to climate challenges effectively.
He presented compelling data from five model rice fields in Agusan del Sur showing a 263 percent increase in net income. These fields produced an average of 6.6 tons per hectare, far exceeding the national average of 4 tons per hectare. Additionally, fertilization costs dropped by up to 45 percent, demonstrating cost-efficiency alongside productivity gains.
Addressing Climate Change Through Healthy Soils
Plaza highlighted that about 70 percent of Philippine farmlands suffer from soil acidity, a serious factor undermining agricultural productivity amid climate change. He explained, “To mitigate climate change, we need to safeguard a healthy ecosystem. Soils rich in organic matter support plant growth, filter water, and sequester carbon.”
“The clock is ticking. Soil degradation not only undermines agricultural productivity but also threatens the livelihoods of our smallholder farmers,” he added, urging swift action to protect and restore soil health.
Provincial Initiatives Supporting Soil Health
Local leaders reported that the provincial government of Agusan del Sur has committed to advancing soil health development by establishing a P400-million Soils Research Laboratory. This state-of-the-art facility is staffed by experts from the Provincial Research Development and Innovation Office, aiming to support farmers with scientific insights and innovations.
This laboratory is part of the provincial government’s flagship program, the Upland Sustainable Agriforestry Development (USAD). Community members noted that USAD has already begun transforming the lives of farmers, especially the Lumad communities dwelling in remote upland areas, by promoting sustainable agriculture and improved soil management.
Moving Forward for Agricultural Prosperity
With climate change posing increasing threats to agriculture, soil health development remains a critical pathway to resilience. Officials reported that integrating science-based soil health strategies with government support can help Filipino farmers adapt, increase productivity, and ensure food security for the nation.
For more news and updates on soil health development, visit Filipinokami.com.
