Assessing an area for project viability is one of the requirements needed in the implementation and establishment of an agri project.

A team of technical staff from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) and DA-Central Visayas (DA7) conducted a site validation in Brgy. Mahanlud, Jimalalud Negros Oriental for the establishment of a Small Scale Composting Facility (SSCF), identifying the Jimalalud Cacao, Coconut and Coffee Association as beneficiaries.

The association has 69 members and an total area of 110 hectares.

An SSCF is one of the projects of DA given to an association, following the validation and assessment, with the aim to help the farmer-beneficiaries reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilizers, improve the soil health of the farm and promote sustainable waste management by turning organic waste into valuable soil amendments.

Joemar Delgado, 52, the association president, said that the project is truly beneficial in their organic practices and in coping fertilizer cost.

“Dako gyud kaayo namong pasalamat nga kami ang napiling hatagan niining maong pasilidad kay gamit gyud kaayo ni namu sa among pagpanguma kay kung gikinahanglan na namong mu-abono sa among mga tanom anaa ra dayun among makuha. Dili na mi kinahanglang mogasto pa og dako, ug gawas niini makatabang usab kini aron mahibalik ang nutrina sa among yuta, nga sa dugay’ng panahon nawala tungod sa pag-gamit (mga inorganic nga abono) nga walay ugma nga gihuna-huna,” Delgado ended.

Loren Emily Cinches, one member of the team from the DA-BSWM, shared that the project facility include 1 unit shredder (7 horse power), 2 vermi tea brewer, 15 kilograms of African Night Crawlers (ANC) and training. With their assessment, she disclosed that the area is feasible and that the association is potential.