Following the Phase 1 in April, Dodan-Gaddang Irrigator’s Association, Inc. levels up to Digital Farmers Program (DFP) Learn Phase 2 through the DFP 103 for Rice on May 15-17, 2024 at Brgy. Dodan, Aparri, Cagayan.
Also known as Training on Smart Agriculture Technologies (SATs), the program focused on various SATs that the association members may use in their day-to-day rice farm activities. The training marks the second installment of DFP Farm Learn component as a pre-requisite to DFP Farm Connect on June. Farm Connect component will highlight the advantages of agriculture drone technology.
During the opening program, Ms. Gerthrude Banadero, Senior Agriculturist of the Municipal Agriculture Office of Aparri, Cagayan, stressed the importance of advancing to technology noting: “ang importante madagdagan ang ating kaalaman, kasi kailangan na nating tumalikod sa sinasabi natin ‘lolo’ technology.”
During the 3-day training, the participants learned in-depth discussion and demonstration on different SATs that focus on crop establishment and management; nutrient, pest and disease management; and weather forecasting. Included in the topics were the introduction to smart agriculture and presentation on credit programs of the government.
An agricultural drone technology demonstration was also in place to provide the participants a firsthand experience of the technology. This was in partnership with New Hope Corporation.
Youth participants were part of the program as a continuous effort to include them in the agricultural scene and encourage youth’s appreciation towards farming.
“Sa aming mga kabataan, malaki ang epekto nito sa amin dahil makatutulong na kami sa aming mga magulang sa pagsasaka. Iyong natutunan namin sa training na ito ay maituturo namin sa aming mga magulang para mas mapaganda at mapalago ang kita ng aming mga palayan, kasi advance na ang mga technology na aming gagamitin. Napakalaking tulong para mabawasan ang aming gastusin sa pagsasaka,” said Rochelle Macutay, one of the youth participants.
With the Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Training Institute’s efforts to create a positive impact to farmer’s lives through smart agriculture technologies, it is evident that the future of farming is secured.
