Agricultural Training Institute XI leads the 45 representatives from Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur, including local government officials, employees, farmer associations, and Rural Improvement Club (RIC) members, participated in a two-day benchmarking activity on August 28-29, 2024. Led by Municipal Agricultural Officer Mr. Jonathan A. Conejos, the initiative aimed to gather insights and best practices from exemplary agricultural sites that could be applied in their local community.
The first day of the tour took the group to the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation Inc. and Lao Integrated Farm, both of which are celebrated for their sustainable and integrated farming systems. At MBRLC, participants were introduced to soil conservation techniques and agroforestry, which are crucial for maintaining long-term agricultural productivity. Meanwhile, Lao Integrated Farm showcased its organic farming approach, which combines crop and livestock production with renewable energy use, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in agriculture.
On the second day, the group visited Belviz Durian Farms, where they explored the commercial aspects of durian farming. Though not an official Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA), the farm provided valuable insights into the business side of agriculture, particularly in marketing and production. The final stop was at Macatabo Farm, a certified LSA, where participants observed modern farming techniques and the benefits of crop diversification, which further inspired them to consider similar innovations in their own farming practices.
The benchmarking activity proved to be a valuable experience, equipping the participants with new knowledge and practical strategies to implement in Josefina. Mr. Conejos expressed confidence that the insights gained from the visits would play a significant role in advancing sustainable agriculture in their municipality, marking a positive step toward a more resilient and innovative agricultural sector in Zamboanga del Sur.
