DIPOLOG CITY – The Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Dipolog City held a two-day technical training on Natural Farming Systems for the SAPAT sa DIWAN Project last July 11-12, 2017 at Sitio Upper Diwan and Sungkilaw Falls, Bgy. Diwan, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

The SAAD Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) of ZANORTE, through Area Coordinator Cecille La Plana, along with City Agriculturist Engr. Kerr Porlas, spearheaded the said activity. About 300 project beneficiaries, who were further subdivided into three batches, were oriented and trained in the various methods of natural farming.

With the use of a chalkboard and manila paper as a visual aid, the trainers passionately shared some insights on the natural means of planting vegetables. Natural Farming, also called “Fukuoka Method,” is a manner of growing plants without the use of any manufactured inputs and tools (including fertilizers and tillers).

Aside from lectures, a hands-on training/demonstration was made to fully educate the local farmers on natural farming technologies. This training aims to capacitate the SAAD Program beneficiaries in order for them to be more productive and skilled in preparation for their respective Vegetable Farming Projects.

Zamboanga del Norte is among the top ten Priority Provinces of the SAAD Program. The said flagship program of the Department of Agriculture was formally launched in Dipolog City in the said province last June 13, 2017. ###

Writer: Crystal Alviela

Source: DA-SAAD ZANORTE PPMSO