The Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center I (DA-ATI-RTC I) conducted the second phase of the Digital Farmers Program Farm Learn or DFP 103 for Rice on July 17-19, 2024, at the LG Agri-Tourism TVET & Assessment Center, Inc. in Rosario, La Union.
The training course was completed by 30 farmer leaders and youth from various municipalities in La Union and Pangasinan, the same set of participants who finished the first phase of the DFP Farm Learn.
The DFP 103 for Rice aimed to educate farmers on the importance of Smart Agriculture Technologies (SATs) and demonstrate how these technologies can be applied throughout the farming process. The Kasanayan Kabuhayan Kaunlaran Training Development Center, Inc. (3K TDCI), a farmer association in Agoo, La Union, was among those who benefited, particularly from the fertilized rice fields.
During the first and second days of the training, the participants were introduced to various agricultural applications, with a specific focus on rice-related technologies. On the third day, they witnessed the use of drone technology in farming activities, particularly for fertilizer application in rice fields. The hands-on experience highlighted the potential of drones and precision farming techniques to increase production and profitability by minimizing labor and production costs while enhancing production volume and quality.
True to its purpose, this training program sought to address various challenges in rice farming in the region, equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools to improve their farming practices and outcomes.
