MASBATE, November 17, 2021 – A total of 180 Masbate farmers strengthened their corn production and enterprise skills through the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program’s training.
The training aims to introduce farmers to adapting good agricultural practices, boosting and maximizing their production, and opening opportunities for enterprise development through value-adding activities.
Beneficiaries of corn production belonging to 6 farmers’ associations from Esperanza, Pio V. Corpus, and Balud received the training conducted from August 24 to September 24.
Table 1. Farmer Associations trained on Corn and Cassava Production and Enterprise Development
Gerard D. Rabosa of the Regional Carabao Breeding Center presented the pest and disease management on corn and cassava.
Meanwhile, Teodoro O. Oriola and Elizabeth D. Cabug from the Provincial Agriculture Office, and Arvin A. Nolasco of DA RFO 5 discussed corn and cassava production.
Jenny B. Delmiguez, SAAD RPMSO Research Assistant, and Eden C. Casihan also demonstrated the cooking of various products with the assistance of Marigold P. De Jesus from SAAD Masbate.
The participants prepared corn and cassava-based common Filipino snack products such as corn-rice chicharron, corn yema, cassava espasol, cassava kropek, and cassava de leche.
Some groups will venture into agripreneurship while other farmers will use the techniques and knowledge gained during the training in their existing corn production area.
Prior to the training, the beneficiaries already received corn seeds, fertilizers, and cassava stalks.
The most immediate need that the training addresses is providing an avenue for farmers to earn additional income, improve utilization, and sustain production.
In addition, another three groups are set to undergo training in the province scheduled from November 22 to 26.
The training initiatives amounting to Php 841,320 are part of the DA-SAAD Corn and Cassava Production Project for FY 2021 to cover 156.7 hectares in Masbate. ###
Writers:
Jay A. Ogaya, PPMSO Masbate Information Officer
Angelica A. Blanco, RPMSO Information Officer
Sources: Suzette Dela Rama and PPMSO Masbate
Photo Sources: Dave M. Villanueva and SAAD RPMSO
