The DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) – National Soil and Water Resources Research and Development Center for Hillyland Pedo-Ecological Zone (NSWRRDC HILLPEZ) made a strong statement on sustainability during its participation in the Tanay Hane Festival Business/Agri-Trade Fair and Exhibit, held on November 8-10, 2024. During the exhibit, the Center showcased cutting edge technologies and practices for sustainable soil and water conservation, aimed at empowering farmers and communities in the hillyland areas.

The 2024 Tanay Hane Festival provided the ideal venue for BSWM-NSWRRDC HILLPEZ to directly highlight its initiatives to the people who deserve to benefit most – farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, and local stakeholders. The Center’s booth featured a range of displays that underscored innovative, eco-friendly solutions suited to hillyland agriculture — a setting that presents unique challenges for soil and water management.

Showcasing Sustainable Solutions

Central to the BSWM-NSWRRDC HILLPEZ’s mission is the dissemination of sustainable practices that ensure both productivity and environmental resilience. Visitors to the Center’s booth were introduced to a variety of strategies and technologies designed to preserve soil health, optimize water use, and promote overall soil conservation and management. By combining research-driven methods with practical applications, the Center demonstrated how local farmers can adapt and thrive amidst changing environmental conditions.

Experts from BSWM-NSWRRDC HILLPEZ were present throughout the three-day event, engaging attendees in discussions about key initiatives. This included detailed presentations on soil conservation measures, water harvesting techniques, and crop management systems for areas under hillyland pedo-ecological zone. Informational leaflets, distributed to booth visitors, provided accessible overviews of these vital techniques and invited further collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Direct Engagement with Farmers and Stakeholders

One of the highlights of BSWM-NSWRRDC HILLPEZ’s participation was its direct engagement with the festival attendees. Representatives from the Center provided advice, answered technical questions, and shared success stories of farmers who have already adopted their recommended practices. This interaction fostered a deeper understanding of how sustainable management of soil and water resources can boost agricultural resilience while safeguarding the environment.

“Education and collaboration are at the core of our efforts,” BSWM-NSWRRDC HILLPEZ Center Chief Mr. Joven P. Espineli emphasized. “We are here to support farmers and ensure that the technologies and methods we develop are accessible and impactful,” he added.

Promoting a Sustainable Future for Hillylands

By participating in the Tanay Hane Festival, the BSWM-NSWRRDC HILLPEZ reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a partner for hillyland communities. The event was a valuable opportunity to emphasize the importance of sustainable soil and water resources conservation and management technologies and practices to strengthen ties with the local community.

As the Center continues its work, its focus remains on equipping farmers with practical, science-based solutions that foster both productivity and environmental conservation and management. With each community engagement initiative, the SWM-NSWRRDC HILLPEZ builds strong connections with the communities, helping pave the way for a resilient and sustainable agricultural future.

(Marco T. Macopia, NSWRRDC HillPEZ)

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