As part of the initiative to enhance corn farmers’ capabilities on crop production and management, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA successfully conducted three batches of the Farmer Field School (FFS) on Corn Production and Post-Harvest Management at the Family Arrange the Resources and Managed Multi-purpose Cooperative (Farm MPC) in Brgy. Tuban, Sablayan; and in Brgy. Fatima, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro on April 6-August 14; April 7- August 14; and April 6-August 13, 2024, respectively.
These FFS aimed to broaden the farmers’ knowledge, skills, and decision-making abilities related to corn production, management, and other agricultural practices through comprehensive lessons in entrepreneurship, business planning, and post-harvest management.
The participants engaged in hands-on activities for Agro-Ecosystem Analysis, implemented two weeks after seed sowing and two weeks before harvesting. They also practiced observing and analyzing field data to develop further recommendations.
Another highlight of the FFS was the fertilizer experiment trials set up on 1,000 square meters at each municipality’s Participatory Technology Development (PTD) site, which identified the best practices for increasing the crop yield and improving crop quality.
Moreover, the season-long training educated the participants on the proper application of fertilizer using the 4Rs (Right Source/fertilizer, Right Amount, Right Place, and Right Timing) to maximize the sufficient nutrient management.
As each FFS concluded, the participants expressed their gratitude for their newfound knowledge and promised to share their learnings with their fellow farmers to help them as well.
“Ang FFS ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagtuturo ng teknikal na aspeto ng pagsasaka, kundi tungkol din sa pagpapatibay ng koneksyon ng mga magsasaka sa isa’t isa. Ang mga group activities at diskusyon ay nagpatibay ng aming samahan bilang komunidad ng mga magsasaka. Dahil dito, napagtanto ko ang halaga ng pagkakaisa at ang pagbabahagi ng kaalaman para sa ikauunlad ng lahat,” said Ms. Alma Meaynette P. Cabato, one of the graduates from Farm MPC.
A total of 85 farmers graduated from the program, 30 of whom were from the municipality of Sablayan and 55 from the municipality of Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro.
