On October 22, 2024, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) conducted a site visit to the innovative Technology Demonstration Project for Vegetables and High-Value Crops located at the OPA Extension Office in Barangay Osorio, Trece Martires City. Spearheaded by Mr. Mario Rotairo, Agriculturist II, the project stands as a model for sustainable and productive agriculture on sloping terrain through the use of Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT).
The project features a diverse range of vegetables and high-value crops cultivated organically, including cucumber, eggplant, okra, papaya and ginger, demonstrating that sustainable farming can thrive even on challenging landscapes. Vermicast is used as the primary fertilizer, while wood vinegar and Effective Microorganisms (EM) serve as the supplementary treatments to promote plant health and act as natural insect repellents. This organic approach not only enhances soil fertility but also reduces the dependency on chemical inputs, fostering a more environmentally-friendly approach to farming.
Through Mr. Rotairo’s efforts and the OPA’s commitment to sustainable practices, the demonstration site has become a valuable resource for local farmers. It showcases practical, eco-friendly methods that can increase productivity and support food security across Cavite, inspiring more communities to adopt resilient agricultural practices. (R. Dones)