Malaybalay City, Bukidnon---An intensive 10-day Training of Trainers (TOT) on Corn Production and Management for batch 2 kicked off recently at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Thirty participants from the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon actively took part in the activity. Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) were paired with Farmer Leaders to undergo the said activity. This included lectures, workshops, and field visits, covering crucial topics such as field lay-outing, land preparation, planting, AESA, practicum on Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT), and silage making, which will help equip them for the future implementation of Farmer Field Schools in their respective Local Government Units (LGUs).
The training participants had the opportunity to explore the Biological Control Agent (BCA) Labs at the Regional Crop Protection Center-10 (RCPC-10), where they learned about the use of BCAs to effectively manage pests below the threshold. Additionally, participants were given pheromone lures. This tool monitors the presence and prevalence of Fall Army Worms.
Representatives from the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X), Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), NMACLRC, RCPC-10, the Provincial Agriculture Office of Bukidnon, GreenMinds Inc., and the Bureau of Plant Industry - National Seed Quality and Control Services (BPI-NSQCS) collaborated from May 6-15, 2024, ensuring high-quality training experience.
A microteaching workshop was conducted after the topics were covered. This activity is essential in producing a strong group of exceptional trainers.
This training was aimed at enhancing the corn industry in the region and offers sustainable solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change, poor soil health, and emerging pests through extension services. (submitted by Karlo Jayvert Cardente, Technical Support Staff)
