Organic Farming Movement Grows with Indigenous Crops in Batac
LAOAG CITY – Three farmers’ groups in Batac City and the town of Sarrat have committed to preserving indigenous food and medicinal plants.
With support from the state-run Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), 15 members from the Adones Integrated Farm,
Romaine Organic Agriculture Farm, and Sarrat Farmers’ Association are now participating in MMSU’s Community Foodscapes and Seedbanks of Ilocos Genetic Resources initiative.
“We value food sustainability and the preservation of heirloom fruits and vegetables,” said Bernadeth Adones, owner of Adones Integrated Farm, expressing her full support for the program.
Among the native plants cultivated at the farm are alokon (birch flower), sugod-sugod (Momordica cochinchinensis), kapas-kapas (Telosma procumbens), and pakpako (edible fern).
John Lei Ganiron, a farmer-engineer at Romaine Farm, noted that many of these plants are seasonal and typically grow in mountainous regions.
Growing them in lowland areas, he said, requires careful attention—especially during dry periods.
“They can be cultivated in greenhouses, but the costs are high,” Ganiron added.
Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, MMSU Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation, explained that because these plants are seasonal and few farmers grow them, they fetch high market prices.
He hopes the program will raise awareness of their cultural and nutritional value, while also enhancing food security and farmers’ incomes.
According to a local MMSU study, there are 46 indigenous vegetable and food plant species in Ilocos Norte that require conservation efforts to prevent their extinction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an Indigenous Food Plant?
Indigenous food plants are native species that have traditionally been grown and consumed by local communities. In Ilocos Norte, examples include pakpako, alokon, and kapas-kapas. These plants are often more resilient to local climate conditions and are rich in nutrients, but risk disappearing due to modernization and changing farming practices.
What is the Community Foodscapes and Seedbanks Program?
This is a program launched by Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in 2025 aimed at conserving local plant biodiversity. It involves the creation of seed banks and food gardens that serve as preservation sites for indigenous plant species, contributing to both cultural heritage and local food security.
Why are Seedbanks Important in Agriculture?
Seedbanks store and conserve seeds of various plant species, especially those at risk of extinction. For regions like Ilocos Norte, seedbanks help preserve heirloom varieties and indigenous crops, ensuring that future generations can access traditional, resilient food sources even amid climate change.
What Role Does MMSU Play in Philippine Agriculture?
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) is a government-run institution known for agricultural research and development. In 2025, it is leading several initiatives to boost food sustainability, such as the conservation of local genetic resources and promoting organic and indigenous farming practices.
What is the Value of Heirloom Crops in 2025?
Heirloom crops are traditional varieties passed down through generations without genetic modification. In 2025, these crops are gaining popularity in niche markets due to their unique flavors, cultural value, and higher prices, especially as consumers seek healthier, organic options.
What is Food Security and Why is it a 2025 Priority?
Food security means having reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. With ongoing climate risks, inflation, and disruptions in global food supply chains, Philippine agricultural institutions are prioritizing programs like indigenous plant conservation to ensure local food sufficiency.
Why Are Indigenous Plants Expensive in the Market?
Indigenous plants command high prices because they are seasonal, difficult to grow in lowlands, and cultivated by only a few farmers. In 2025, consumer interest in native and healthful foods has increased, further driving demand and value in local markets.
How Does Climate Change Affect Indigenous Farming in the Philippines?
Rising temperatures, droughts, and irregular rainfall patterns are affecting traditional farming methods. Indigenous plants often thrive in specific microclimates, so their propagation now requires careful planning, water management, and sometimes greenhouse solutions to survive in lowland and warmer areas.
What Are the Challenges of Growing Indigenous Crops in Lowlands?
Lowland conditions may not match the native habitats of mountain-grown plants. Farmers must manage soil, water, and shade carefully—especially during the dry season. In 2025, rising production costs and water scarcity add to the challenge of lowland cultivation of native species.
How Are Filipino Farmers Promoting Biodiversity in 2025?
Farmers’ groups like those in Batac and Sarrat are partnering with universities to revive the cultivation of traditional crops. By diversifying what they grow, they support ecological balance, enrich diets, and preserve cultural heritage. These practices are part of a wider sustainable farming movement growing across the Philippines in 2025.
