A SIMPLE yet innovative farming technology is expected to boost the local flour industry, benefiting small farmers in Negros Occidental as well as other provinces in the country.
According to Kabankalan City-based Central Philippines State University (CPSU) President Dr. Aladino C. Moraca, this life-changing technology dubbed “Green Mining” intends to increase production and food security, which can help the small farmers during these most difficult times.
This development came through a collective effort and advocacy to help the small farmers in the countryside, where Moraca together with CPSU Research and Development head Dr. Angelie Rose Lumba and university instructor and farm manager Rhaprap Tondo developed a new approach of planting sweet potato or kamote, which is commonly known as the “poor man’s crop.”
Moraca says the simple but very promising approach called “Green Mining Method” covers soil analysis, land preparation, plot layout, and proper harvesting of sweet potato cuttings.
“The implementation and realization of this method starts with intricate but practical processes and procedures to ensure an abundant supply of raw materials for the local production of flour,” Moraca explained.
With the recent development and launching of its own flour mill, the CPSU is now capable of producing its flour requirements as well as for the residents of nearby areas.
The milling equipment enabled the CPSU to produce green, golden, black and lavender flours, which were made from indigenous crops, such as banana, taro, cassava, camote, ube, biga or Alocasia macrorrhiza, and squash.
“This initiative is now being pursued since sweet potato is among the main ingredients for the local production of flour,” Moraca stressed.
The method utilized by the CPSU in planting sweet potato is different from the usual farmer’s practice, where the soil on the plot is now mounded to about 70 millimeters.
Moraca explained that the method of elevating the soil will prevent erosion, particularly during the rainy season.
The design is cost effective and energy efficient since it only requires “one-time” preparation.
Following some four months after propagation, each mound is expected to yield approximately four kilograms of sweet potato.
After each harvest, the mounds can be utilized for the succeeding cropping cycles, making it economical, time-saving, and practical for the small farmers.
According to Moraca, this practical technology jibes well with another initiative of the CPSU which is called “Conservation Agriculture,” a new approach that increases yield while enhancing the soil.
Currently, the Green Mining method is being implemented in all the 10 campuses of the CPSU in the province of Negros Occidental, where the university is willing to share this innovation to the various communities, stakeholders, and other people who may want to learn about this process.
This will eventually improve the life of the local farmers, as well as uplift the rural economy through environmentally-sound, economically-viable, practical and socially responsive technologies, and relevant agri-related farming practices.
“With agriculture being dubbed ‘wealth generator emerging from the soil,’ this method ensures sustainability, food security and economic development, particularly amid this most trying times,” Moraca said./PN
