I learn that Samy has been
aggressively farming since the last 25 years. “In the … Cordilleras, one
farmer’s journey reflects the transformative power of dedication, innovation,
and support, “ writes Miss Alyssa,
“a seasoned farmer…Today, he is not just a farmer but a mentor and advocate for
sustainable agricultural practices, making a significant impact on his
community and beyond.” I note especially: “advocate for sustainable
agricultural practices.” Much thanks, Samy!
Miss
Alyssa says, “Samy Lang-ay’s journey shows the power of learning, sharing, and
using the right tools. With his dedication to sustainable farming, Samy is
leading the way for a better future for farmers.”
Samy’s
farm, located at Sto Tomas, Baguio City, produces an impressive variety of
crops: broccoli, cucumbers, Sultan peppers, California Peppers, celery, and
strawberries. Ms Alyssa says, “His diverse crop choices are an indication (of) his
adaptability.” I say, in addition, “Lang-ay’s variety of crops helps reduce
pest infestation by reducing pest population because of food competition” among
the pests.
Moreover,
he practices crop rotation to avoid pest and disease infestations and prevent
issues like clubroot, ensuring the health and productivity of the soil.
“One
of the key factors that have helped Samy improve his farming practices is the
support from the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the farmer’s
association he leads. Over the years, Samy has received via DA multiple
interventions that have significantly improved his farming. One is the
greenhouse.” This has “allowed him to control the environment for his crops.”
There is also an irrigation tank. There is also a tractor, shared with the San
Andreas Strawberry Growers Association.
“It’s
the eco-friendly pest control interventions that Samy speaks most highly of,
the Lacewings and Metarhizium.
Lacewings, often referred to as “the farmer’s friend,” are a natural predator
of pests, feeding on aphids, mites, and other harmful insects. These flying
insects belong to the family Chrysopidae and have proven to be incredibly
effective in controlling pest populations in a non-toxic, organic manner.
Meanwhile,
Metarhizium, a genus of fungi, is
another biocontrol agent that has shown promising results in killing pests,
particularly harmful insects. Both of these natural solutions have reduced
Samy’s reliance on harmful chemicals, ensuring his crops are healthier and his
farm more sustainable.
Samy
emphasizes the importance of promoting Lacewings and Metarhizium to other farmers, urging them to consider alternatives
to harmful chemical pesticides.
“Many
farmers don’t know about lacewings or Metarhizium
(organisms that) are much safer and more effective than using insecticides,”
Samy explains.
Ms
Alyssa says, “Samy Lang-ay’s journey shows the power of learning, sharing, and
using the right tools. With his dedication to sustainable farming, Samy is
leading the way for a better future for farmers.” I agree. Not only in the
Cordilleras, but elsewhere in the Philippines where you have mountainous areas
being farmed.@517
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