Farmers groups with MMSU preserve indigenous plants for food security and income

Three farmers' groups in Batac City and Sarrat Municipality are working to preserve indigenous plants used for food and natural medicine.

With support from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), 15 participants from the Adones Integrated Farm, Romaine Organic Agriculture Farm, and Sarrat Farmers' Association are involved in a program to establish community seedbanks of Ilocos genetic resources.

Farm owner Bernadeth Adones emphasized the importance of sustaining heirloom fruits and vegetables for food security, highlighting plants such as alokon, sugod-sugod, kapas-kapas, and pakpako.

The propagation of these indigenous plants in lowland areas requires meticulous care due to their seasonal availability and habitat restrictions.

Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, vice president for research at MMSU, highlighted the market potential of these plants in boosting farmers' incomes and preserving cultural heritage.

MMSU has identified 46 indigenous vegetable species in Ilocos Norte that need preservation to prevent extinction.