The City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO) Urban Agriculture Division reported progress in the Hydroponics Technology Demonstration Project at the Baguio City Eco-park in Irisan barangay.
“The (demo farm being managed by the CVAO) continues to thrive as it enters its second production cycle. The current cycle features the cultivation of bokchoy pechay and green ice lettuce, showcasing the potential of soilless farming in the city,” Supervising Agriculturist Marcelina Tabelin said.
The demo farm is the smaller of the two hydroponic greenhouse production facilities put up at the eco-park and managed by the CVAO. The bigger one costing P1.4 million is now under construction.
Both are intended for the production of leafy vegetable crops like lettuce, pechay, mustard and the like.
Still another bigger facility — a smart agricultural greenhouse complete with drip irrigation system accessories, dosing pumps, solar power system as alternative energy source and growing paraphernalia – is being worked out for construction at the eco-park in collaboration with the Dept. of Science and Technology (DOST).
It will serve as a greenhouse for fruit crops and at the same time a hydroponic greenhouse.
Tabelin said the CVAO also conducted trainings for the residents of four barangays recently awarded with hydroponics greenhouses namely the Slaughterhouse Compound, Imelda Marcos, Kabayanihan and Outlook Drive to equip them with technical know-how in managing their greenhouses.
There were six greenhouse facilities that were constructed starting January this year, four of which are located in said barangays while the other two were set up at the Irisan eco-park and at the City Hall’s smoke-free park.
These facilities will serve as models for replication in all of the 128 barangays.
“These greenhouses serve as technology demonstration hubs, highlighting cutting-edge urban farming techniques designed to boost efficiency, productivity, and sustainability,” Tabelin said.
Last month, Mayor Benjamin Magalong announced that the city has secured a P10 million additional funding from the national government to finance similar facilities to benefit not only the barangays but also district health centers and public schools.
“This is to fulfill the city’s commitment to promoting smart farming practices, optimizing limited resources, and leveraging modern technology to ensure sustainable agricultural productivity,” the mayor said. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
