‘I Am Home!’ The Long Journey Always Ends Up Where It Started

In spite of a slight drizzle yesterday, some 100 farmers in Barangay Liboo, Mlang, Cotabato met up with me to listen to the details of an Integrated Farming System (IFS) which I hope would finally lift them up from poverty.
The Integrated Farming System which I had designed addresses the common production problems faced by farmers all over the country, the total sum of knowledge I gained in my long journey as a Food Security Advocate.
Financing, Technology and Market will be provided in the Integrated Farming System as at least four major crops are introduced – Sorghum, Soybeans, Bulb Onion and Garlic.
This is a private sector initiative which I am leading with the help of at least two companies, Southseas Agri-Aqua Ventures, Inc., for Sorghum, and Vetmate Farma Corporation for Soybeans, Bulb Onion and Garlic.
What makes this program unique is the fact that the initial farm operations will be financed by the private sector with the cost of production deducted from the gross income from the farm.
All the activities will also be inter-related with Soybeans serving as a rotational crop to Sorghum, Onion and Garlic to rehabilitate the soil.
On top of these crops, other opportunities such as Large and Small Ruminants raising will be offered because of the availability of Sorghum silage after harvest.
The establishment of a Dairy Farm with the help of the Philippine Carabao Center and the National Dairy Authority is another project that I am considering for the area because of the assurance of sufficient silage materials.
Raising free-range chicken will be another prospective livelihood activity for the families because there will be Soybeans and Sorghum grains rejects during the post-harvest operations.
The Sorghum, Soybeans, Garlic and Onion production will also be bought by the private companies with a guaranteed price thus addressing the age-old problems of farmers of marketing their products.
The IFS will be implemented for the first time anywhere in the country and I have chosen my hometown as the first area to introduce it.
As the old Pilipino saying goes: “Gaano man kahaba ang prosesyon, sa Simbahan pa rin matatapos.”
The Long Journey Always Ends Up Where It All Started – My Hometown And Birthplace, Mlang.
#FarmBoyComesHome!
(Photos by Joey Razonable, Braveheart Farms & Nursery)