The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center 02 (ATI-RTC 02) conducted Training on Good Agricultural Practices for Highland Vegetable Production for the highland vegetable cluster leaders and members.
Thirty highland vegetable cluster leaders and members from various barangays of Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya on June 19-21, 2024 participated in the said training. The participants were equipped with knowledge and skills on good agricultural practices (GAP) for highland vegetable production, including the requirements for compliance and certification.
Participants were also engaged in hands-on activities on pesticide residue analysis, showing pesticide remnants on their produce and explaining the maximum allowable limits in the Philippines. They also performed an inspection in one of the farms in Pinayag, Kayapa, observing the current conditions in the field and recommending further actions to comply with the PNS - Code of GAP for Fruits and Vegetable Farming.
Ms. Josie L. Bay-an, a member of Pinayag Upland Vegetable Growers Association said that she learned the proper use of pesticide and other chemicals. “I have learned how to use the pesticide like herbicide and bactericide. Para sa akin, dahil sa training na ito ay maaaring dumami ang aming kita at maaari ring humaba pa ang ating buhay,” she said.
Ms. Minda H. Molintac also a member of the same association said that she learned various good agricultural practices, “Ang natutunan ko sa training na ito ay ang Good Agricultural Practices na kailangan nating gumawa ng mga basurahan sa farm, washing area and storage room. Natutunan ko din ang tamang gamit sa pag-ispray ng pestisidyo, yun ay ang gloves, boots, mask at hat,”she said.
The 3-day training also involved participants to engage in lectures and field demonstrations facilitated by experts in highland vegetable production and management. The topics covered included Status of the Highland Vegetable Industry in Region 2, Proper Handling and Safe Use of Pesticides and Fertilizers, Technology Package on GAP Vegetables, Soil Sampling and Analysis, Plant Pest and Disease Management, RA 10611 - Food Safety Act of 2013, GAP Principles and Concepts, Philippine National Standard (PNS) - Code of GAP for Fruits and Vegetable Farming, GAP Certification Guidelines and Requirements.
