Farmers and AEWs of Lanao Norte and CdeO Muslim communities training on Halal Farming System with the aim of expanding such farming system in Region 10.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To expand Halal farming in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) conducted a training on Halal Farming System to the farmers and agricultural extension workers of Lanao del Norte, and CdeO Muslim communities, here in the city on July 11-12, 2022.

Spearheaded by the department’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the two-day capabuild highlighted the benefits of organic farming, which is one of the requirements for a farm to be accredited Halal.

With the expertise of the Municipal Agriculture’s Office (MAO) of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, the participants learned on the different organic farm practices, such as Vermiculture, Bokashi and Biodynamic Composting.

DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, reportedly, the Halal industry has flourished, since 11 percent of the country’s population are Muslims, which is also seen to multiply in 2030 worldwide.

The Halal Food Industry Development Program is a flagship program of the department, which was launched in April 2018.

“This training is important since it is in line with the anticipated potential of the Halal industry that is around P5 billion due to its demand in the local and international market. Aside from this, the Department of Tourism has been promoting Halal products and services for the visiting Muslim and even non-Muslim countries, who prefer clean and organic foods,” said DA-10 AMAD Asst. Division Chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe.

During the training, the participants also had their workshop in coming up with a proposal on having an organic diversified farm, which may include having a potable water source, and an area where Muslim farmers can pray or perform any rituals.

DA-NorMin LDN Provincial Operations Center Chief and the program alternate focal Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo explained, the activity will equip the farmers with the proper setup of the farm following the Halal ways, which eventually they can put up in their respective areas and have them certified as Halal farms.

He shared, that the group will also undertake another training on value-adding and marketing to thoroughly enhance their skills as they engage into a bigger market.# (EMB)