MASBATE, May 6, 2022 – The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program conducted a series of training on rice and corn production and enterprise development with the goal to improve the farmers’ management of production, and open opportunities for enterprise development through value-adding activities.

The training was conducted in three batches benefitting a total of 90 participants from three FAs.

Rice Training

Thirty (30) members of Barangay Pajo Farmers’ Association in Pajo, Balud participated in the training on March 29-30, 2022 at Barangay Pajo Plaza.

Moreover, another 30 participants from Dayao Farmers’ Association in Brgy. Dayao, Mandaon and Cabitan Farmers’ Association in Brgy. Cabitan, Mandaon underwent the same training from March 31 to April 1, 2022 conducted in Brgy. Nailaban, Mandaon.

Mr. Ulysses Cabrera from the Provincial Agriculturist Office discussed topics on rice production and management practices while Mr. Emman Aguilar of the same office discussed rice pest and disease management. Farmers were able to acquire knowledge on nutrients, as well as pest management for their rice production.

They also actively engaged in a cooking demo conducted by SAAD Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO) staff, Ms. Jenny Delmiguez, and were able to produce various rice-based products such as suman moron, putobao, puto calasiao, and rice kropek.

Corn Training

Meanwhile, 30 members of the San Pedro Rice and Corn Farmers’ Association in Brgy. San Pedro, San Pascual participated in the Corn Production and Enterprise Development Training on March 30-31, 2022.

Mr. Arvin A. Nolasco of the DA Regional Field Office discussed topics on corn and cassava production, and management while topics on integrated pest management were discussed by Ms. Ma. Cristina P. Solomon of the Regional Crop Protection Center.

The topics helped the participants acquire knowledge on managing their corn and cassava production in case of a pest or disease infestation. Also, a cooking demo was conducted by Ms. Honey Leah Cantoria of SAAD RPMSO who demonstrated various corn-based products like suman mais, cassava cheese roll, corn dog, cassava yema and cassava sesame ball.

The most immediate need that the training addressed was to provide an avenue for farmers to earn additional income, improve utilization, and sustain their production.

The specialized training under different commodities is part of the Food Production and Livelihood Component of the SAAD Program which aims to capacitate farmers in managing the livelihood projects, transform farming practices towards developing sustainable community enterprises.

Finally, more groups are scheduled to undergo training in the province this year. ###

Writer:

Jay A. Ogaya, PPMSO Masbate Information Officer

Sources: PPMSO Masbate

Photo Sources:

Jay A. Ogaya, PPMSO Masbate Information Officer

Suzette D. Dela Rama, SAAD RPMSO