As part of our celebration of the 3rd High Value Crops Week, the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center 02 conducted a Training of Trainers (TOT) on Pineapple-based farming system on April 17-21, 2023.
The TOT was participated by 20 agricultural extension workers (AEWs) from different parts of Region 02. The training aims to empower the AEWs in providing agricultural extension and advisory services to pineapple growers in the region.
The training focused on how to improved the quantity and quality of pineapple in the region. Experts from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 02, DA Regional Crop Pest Management Center, Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, Department of trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology and Isabela state University- Echague Campus shared their technical know-how in addressing issues faced by the industry.
Among the topics that were discussed include Good Agricultural Practices, Integrated Pest Management, Fertilizer Application and Handling, Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices, Postharvest and Processing, Packaging and labelling, and Entrepreneurship.
Pineapple is one of the major high value crops grown in Cagayan Valley Region. In 2022, the region produced 44,228.88 metric tons of pineapple.
"Sa Pamplona po ay may isang barangay na na-accredit na po siya as association so good thing po na napunta po ako dito dahil talagang mahirap pong mag-implement sa amin lalo at konti lang po yung knowledge namin pagdating sa pineapple production. Nagpapasalamat po ako dahil may maiuuwi po akong aral na siyang i-share ko rin sa iba upang sa ganun ay sure thing na magiging maunlad din ang pineapple growers association sa amin," said Kathleen Joy G. Jadraque of Pamplona, Cagayan.
