Excessive use of chemical fertilizers in the Dominican Republic has led to degradation of the soil. The objective of the project is to shift to an agriculture model incorporating environmental conservation in La Vega Province while increasing their income.
Under this project, the development of technology for agriculture using an environmental conservation model will be demonstrated for such crops as Asian vegetables, sweet potatoes and cassava. Small-scale farmers without market competitiveness will be targeted to spread the model. A system will also be established for the distribution of the farmers’crops.
Agriculture extension officers for the project are providing instruction to farmers in such areas as soil fertilizer management, crop disease and harmful insect control, and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers.