April 25, 2016
Philippines
Lukáš Curylo paid a visit to Philippines accompanied by the general secretary, Jakub Líčka, and the head of the department of humanitarian help and development assistance, Lukáš Laube. They visited particularly the parts where Caritas Czech Republic attempts to improve living conditions of local inhabitants that suffered through the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan in November 2013.
The locals were especially glad to show them the volume of crops once they had implemented a so-called “System of Rice Intensification.” Its secret lies in the harvesting of only one plant in a wide area that causes the plant to create richer roots and more productive straws. The roots, being so deeply grown into soil, don’t need regular watering, which cuts down costs on seeding and eases the amount of weeding. The rice becomes more resistant to natural conditions, such as drought or storms, increases the soil productivity, is less time-consuming to maintain, and, since the method includes using domestic bio manure and pesticides, it is even environmentally-friendlier.
The System of Rice Intensification was developed in the 1980’s by Henri de Laulanie in Madagascar. The advantages of such a cultivation method has been proven in more than 50 world countries so far. It can be used for most crop plants including wheat, corn, potatoes, and more.
The Caritas Czech Republic group visited four farms and three organic gardens where farmers learn new manufacturing methods. During such occasions they festively passed on the last farm from the hands of the Caritas Czech Republic to the management of local farmers of Buena Vista village. Consequentially, Lukáš Curylo, Jakub Líčka and Lukáš Laube met with the local working team of the Caritas Czech Republic in their bureau, in Basey, on Samar Island.
More photo in the gallery.
