LOS ANGELES, Butuan City- To capacitate agricultural extension workers (AEWs) with the updated information and technologies in the agriculture sector, and for them to be more reliable in assisting farmers in modifying their farming decisions and practices, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center XIII conducted the Training of Trainers (TOT) on lowland Vegetable Production on March 21-24, 2022 at ATI RTC XIII Training Center, Los Angeles, Butuan City.
The four-day training, with 26 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units, was attended by 23 AEWs, who are newly designated as High Value Crop Development Program (HVCDP) Coordinators from the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.
The first topic was about the vegetable industry situation and its priority agenda and directions in the region discussed by Romer Amante, Technical staff from Department of Agriculture – Caraga Region.
Crishelo M. Cabillo helped the participants understand the crop requirements of lowland vegetables, seed selection, treatments, and seedling production, crop establishment, water management, and the harvesting and post-harvest handling and storage of the products. They also got additional knowledge and updates on soils nutrient and management from the lectures of Reuben James C. Rollion.
Moreover, Joanne Langres delivered a thorough discussion on the major diseases in vegetables caused by bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and fungi. The participants were able to understand the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) likewise, the principles and components of Integrated Weed Management. Ms. Langres, together with Mr. Cabillo and Mr. Rollion, were the resource persons from Caraga State University (CSU).
Aside from the lectures and workshops, the participants also visited Guias Integrated Diversified Farm, one of the Learning Sites of the ATI venturing vegetable production located at Brgy. Nongnong, Butuan City.
Mary Jane A. Gonzaga, project officer of the said training and HVCDP point person, presented the synthesis showing the activities of the four-day training during the closing program.
