22/07/2026
ITBAYAT, BATANES — Despite the challenges posed by strong sea breeze and prolonged drought, the Department of Agriculture – Batanes Experiment Station (DA-BES), through its Research for Development (R4D) Team, continues to bring sustainable agricultural solutions directly to farming communities.
The R4D Team conducted site monitoring of the established farm sites under the Village-Level Integrated Farming System cm Organic Nutrient and Ecological Pest Management Strategies project in the rural communities of Itbayat, Batanes. The activity aimed to assess the current condition of the project sites, monitor crop performance, identify field challenges, and provide technical assistance to participating farmer-cooperators.
Field observations revealed that several farms have been significantly affected by prolonged drought and persistent sea breeze, resulting in reduced crop vigor and productivity. In addition, symptoms of nitrogen deficiency were observed in several corn fields, highlighting the need to strengthen soil fertility management and promote sustainable nutrient management practices.
As part of the project's continuing extension activities, the R4D Team conducted a Capacity Building Activity on July 17, 2026, equipping farmer-cooperators with practical knowledge and skills on climate-resilient and sustainable farming technologies. The session covered soil analysis and nutrient management, vermicomposting, composting, preparation and application of natural fermented inputs such as Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ), Fermented Fruit Juice (FFJ), and Fish Amino Acid (FAA), as well as companion cropping and organic pesticide production for ecological pest management.
The training fostered an interactive learning environment where farmers actively shared their experiences, discussed field challenges, and sought practical solutions on improving soil health, crop productivity, and environmentally friendly pest management practices.
To further encourage the adoption of ecological farming technologies, the team distributed biological control agents, including Metarhizium and earwigs, along with vegetable seeds to support crop diversification, ecological pest management, and continuous farm production.
Through sustained field monitoring, technical assistance, and capacity development, the station continues to empower farming communities with innovative and sustainable technologies that enhance farm productivity, improve soil health, strengthen climate resilience, and contribute to long-term food security in the province.
Together, DA-BES and the farming communities of Itbayat continue to cultivate resilient farms, healthier soils, and a more sustainable future for Batanes.
