LOS ANGELES, Butuan City - The Career Development and Management Section (CDMS) of the Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center 13 (ATI-RTC 13) conducted a training program entitled "Training on Rice Pests and Diseases Management with Field Diagnosis for Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs) Batch 1” on August 8-11, 2023 at the Golden Tara Hall of ATI-RTC 13.
There will be four batches of this training with a total of 84 LFT participants. The remaining batches are scheduled as follows: August 15 - 18 (Batch 2), August 22 – 25 (Batch 3), and August 29 - September 1 (Batch 4). The training program aims to address the pressing issues faced by rice farmers in the Philippines.
Rice, being a staple crop and a crucial economic contributor, sustains the livelihoods of 11.5 million farmers and their families. Despite the Philippines being the world's eighth-largest rice producer, challenges such as emerging strains of pests and diseases have contributed to declining production after the mid-1980s.
The training is chunked in three modules. Module one is about the rice program updates that include the rice industry situationer in Caraga region, status of pests and diseases in the locality, and the National Rice Program Advisory. The second module focuses on honing participants' skills in identifying and managing rice insect pests. While the third module focuses on rice diseases, offering participants the tools to identify and address diseases that could potentially jeopardize crop yields. This knowledge equips farmers to safeguard their crops and implement preventive measures.
The training program adopts a diverse range of methodologies to ensure comprehensive learning. Lectures and participatory discussions foster an interactive learning environment, encouraging participants to exchange insights and experiences. Practical workshops provide a hands-on learning experience, allowing farmers to directly apply their newly-acquired knowledge. Field activities and demonstrations enable participants to see real-world scenarios. By combining theories with practical applications, ATI-RTC 13 endeavors to achieve resilience and sustainable rice production in the region.
