BSU launches ‘climate-Smart’ agriculture center

By Jen Sabado-Tabangcura

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The Climate-Smart Agriculture Center or CSAC, was launched here Oct. 30 at Talingguroy, Wangal where its office, techno-demo and experiment area is also located.

It is the eighth Research Institute of the Benguet State University.

           

The center has four divisions, the Forest and Watershed Management Systems headed by Dr. Kenneth A. Laruan, the Animal Production Systems headed by Dr. Sonwright B. Maddul, the Crop Production Systems headed by Prof. Janet P. Pablo and the Agricultural Ecosystems headed by Prof. Alexander W. Fagyan. 

           

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) as defined by the FAO is an agriculture that seeks to increase sustainable productivity, strengthen farmer’s resilience, reduce agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration. The CSA approach involves the direct incorporation of climate change adaptation and mitigation into agricultural development planning and investment strategies.

           

Dr. Carlito P. Laurean, the center’s director echoed the climate change situation as presented by CHED Commissioner, Dr. William Medrano in 2008. This is to explain the establishment of the BSU-CSAC.

           

Dr. Laurean showed that agriculture is one among the highest contributors of greenhouse gases which includes Nitrous Oxide and Methane. Nitrous Oxide accounts for 7% of global warming effects and it is emitted from the production and use of fertilizers and pesticides and the combustion of fossil fuels. Methane accounts for 20% of the warming effect and is emitted by, among many human activities, rice production.

           

Combined, agriculture and forestry/land-use change is responsible for 31% of world-wide greenhouse gas emissions  generated from soil management, enteric fermentation, biomass burning, rice production and manure management.

           

“Agriculture is the most vulnerable to climate change but it is also one of the major causes of Climate Change,” he said.

           

BSU-CSAC initially aims to spearhead the development, dissemination and utilization of climate-smart agriculture systems and technologies in order for highland farming communities to be able to adapt to climate change. 

           

“Rice is one of the highest emitters of methane. Ngem eny ati un-unaen tayo, daytoy ti yantayo wenno daytoy problema ti klima?” he asked.

           

He went on to say that agriculture is also the answer, climate-smart agriculture, that is.

           

He shared a few ideas for prospect BSU-CSAC researches such as the processing of animal manure before application to reduce gas emissions and proper reforestation techniques to avoid landslides and to sequester carbon dioxide.

           

In addition to that, the center will also focus on capacity building and institutional development of stakeholders through IEC materials development for the AFNR sector, building up of integrated climate change information system, and innovative technology transfer modalities.

           

 The DA-CAR through Regional Executive Director Marilyn V. Sta. Catalina committed initial funding for the center. Dr. Percival B. Alipit and BSU President, Dr. Ben D. Ladilad were instrumental in pursuing the establishment of the center.