The Agricultural Training Institute - Central Luzon, in partnership with Central Luzon State University (CLSU), organized a Training of Trainers on Lowland Vegetable Production held at the CLSU R&E Conference Room in Science City of Muรฑoz, Nueva Ecija from April 24-28 this year.
The training was attended by 22 participants, consisting of agricultural extension workers from Tarlac and Nueva Ecija. Its objective was to sharpen and expand the knowledge and skills of Agricultural Extension Workers in vegetable production, using modern technology, and to enable them to effectively transfer the technology to their target clients.
The participants also had a chance to visit the technology demonstration farm of Mikai Agri Trading, showcasing tower gardens and hydroponically grown high-value crops. They engaged in hands-on activities on planting using the Kratky system and transplanting on tower gardens.
Ms. Ana Liza S. Orcino from San Clemente, Tarlac, emphasized the importance of collaboration and communication among farmers, stating that "New technologies and ideas gained, learning by doing principle, always consider farmer as experts, consider their beliefs in farming, guide and assist the farmers."
Meanwhile, Ms. Marigen Mejia from Tarlac City expressed enthusiasm about having this kind of seminar or training in their community to apply the lessons she learned and encourage families in her community to plant. She said, "I will apply the knowledge I've learned in this seminar by planting and encouraging my family and my community to plant as well as imparting my knowledge. And also, to the farmers, I will conduct seminars/training in order for them to refresh and adopt new technologies."
Additionally, the participants visited different technology centers in CLSU, such as the PREDICT Center, RM CARES, College of Agriculture Vegetable Production Area, Mushroom Center, Small Ruminant Area, and the showcase of technologies in the KAMALIG Center.
The said training was facilitated by Ms. Krizzell Galang, Training Specialist I. Meanwhile, Ms. Babelyn Lopez, Training Specialist II; Mr. Rolando Pagaduan Jr., Science Research Analyst; Mr. Nestor Pagaduan, Farm Superintendent II; Ms. Princess Perez, Instructor I; Ms. Airene Otanes, Instructor I; Ms. Roan Beronilla, Manager of Mikai Agri Trading; and Dr. Fernan Fiegelan served as resource speakers.
The five-day training for trainers concluded with a closing ceremony graced by Dr. Eugenia Baltazar, Director of Extension Program CLSU, where participants received certificates of completion. (JSambrano)
