Date: 26 June 2011 (Sunday)
Time: 10.00am
Location: Phii Dong's Farm

We managed to contact the owner of an organic farm who was kind enough to allow us to work in the field for a day to experience the life/work of a farmer.



Before we start, the owner introduced to us the importance of using organic fertiliser as oppose to chemical fertiliser as it ensure sustainability with better and more fertile soil in the long run. As the owner mentioned, it is hard work to educate the people the use of organic fertiliser over chemical ones as most people are looking for short-term gains most of the time. However, as much as I understand, people are slowly adopting organic farming. If not, they are reducing the amount of chemical fertiliser by 20-30% while increasing the dosage of organic ones.
Fertilisers of various animals' manure and they are made in order to attain certain conditions so that the plants grow well and healthy.



Our task for the day was to help prepare the field for planting. For instance, we were asked sprinkle fertilisers, loosen the soil, lay hays, and sow seeds (of Chinese Kale). To be frank, it was hard work for us; however, it is indeed a good experience and teaches us to appreciate the food we eat from now on.
Let's thank the farmers for their hard work!

With our farm work completed for the day, we decided to check out the cockfighting den that is within the farm.



The moment we were in the area we could feel the tension among the crowd as people were shouting and cheering. In fact, I was glad to see that cockfighting over here is not as violent, cruel and fierce as some other places in SEA since they do not use any sharp blades during the match.