Disease, diagnostic lab fulfills sustainable agriculture
By NORA C. LANUZA
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga recently opened the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RDDL) in Barangay Taguibo, Butuan City.
As Caraga’s first, this facility is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and free services for farmers, livestock raisers, and other key players in agriculture in the region and nearby towns and areas.
Dr. Esther Cardeño, chief of integrated laboratories of DA – Caraga said, “Through the laboratory’s cutting-edge techniques and diagnostic tools in pathology, virology, bacteriology, parasitology, and serology, it can provide timely and prompt detection and control of various plant and animal diseases, thus safeguarding the livelihood of our farmers who are engaged in integrated farming and diversified agriculture.”
The local government units, stakeholders, and farmers in the region will greatly benefit from the different services of the laboratory, such as the case of the African Swine Fever (ASF), which will allow the LGU to timely address the problem and prevent spread and further contamination.
“We, in the LGU, and our farmers have benefited a lot from the different services of the laboratory, especially the African Swine Fever (ASF) testing. We were able to immediately address the problem. We don’t need to go to other regions for the laboratory testing and wait that long. We are lucky that we can have the testing in our region, and we can even wait for the result depending on the volume of our specimen submitted for examination,” Dr. Zeny Gambe, veterinarian of Tandag City in Surigao del Sur said.
With this facility made available and visible in the region, the DA and its attached agencies can collaborate well and timely to ensure the safety of the livestock and agricultural resources, most especially the stability of the livelihoods of the farmers.
“The efficient delivery of laboratory testing and results has helped us a lot, especially in coming up with objective and sound decisions and business contingency action items, especially for the local chief executives and the concerned offices to consider and formulate,” added Dr. Gambe.
The laboratory also offered a special service on comprehensive soil testing, as revealed by Dr. Cardeño.
“We conduct soil, water, plant, and fertilizer analysis and research. The comprehensive soil testing provides invaluable insights such as soil chemical analysis, testing of organic fertilizers or conditioners, plant tissue chemical analysis, and qualitative analysis of soils,” she said.
It examines feed samples with accuracy and focuses on quality control that conforms to the internationally accepted standards, ensuring a nutritionally safe feed and a robust agriculture industry. It will analyze animal feeds and feed ingredients to ensure the quality, safety, and nutritional value of feeds used by farmers for livestock and poultry production.
Moreover, Dr. Cardeño added the provision of precise insights into soil fertility, nutrient content, PH levels, and recommendations for appropriate fertilization and soil management practices as part of the capabilities of the laboratory.
Dr. Marilou Chiong, provincial veterinarian of Agusan del Norte, expressed gratitude to the government, saying, “The province of Agusan del Norte is thankful for the government through the DA for providing this facility and services to the region so we can better help our farmers and clientele, especially in our fight against ASF and avian influenza that continues to affect the animal industry in the country.”
The commitment of the government to food security reaches even the scope of disease surveillance and research, among others, in which the laboratory plays a vital role in securing the livelihood of farmers and maintaining a healthy agriculture in the country. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)
