CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO - To educate 29 farmers on the basic knowledge of urban gardening, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA conducted the last batch of the Seminar on Urban Agriculture as a Way to Ensure FAITH (Food Always in the Home) in Brgy. Lalud on October 16, 2024.
Ms. Roseanne D. Nilo, MPS II/NUPAP Point Person, gave lectures on urban agriculture and various planting methods in an urban setting. Through her discussions, the participants learned about basic hydroponics using the Kratky hydroponic system, proper techniques for growing vegetables in the backyard, and setting up gardens at home.
With the activity, the participants realized the issues with their current methods of vegetable-growing practices and agreed to apply what they have learned from this seminar.
“Nalaman namin na mali pala ang nagagawa namin. Halimbawa, sa kamatis at talong, tuwang-tuwa kami dahil malalaki ang bunga at nakalapat sa lupa, pero yun pala, mali ang nagagawa namin. Dapat pala nagpu-pruning. Ngayon, ang mga natutunan namin dito ang aming gagamitin sa aming community garden. Maganda talagang naka-attend kami sa training na ito dahil marami kaming natutunan na maaari naming i-apply sa aming mga tanim," said Ms. Carmencita Belleza, from Calapeñang Kababaihan.
To support their farming venture, each participant received a hydroponic starter kit, including a styrofoam box, hydroponic solution, and seeds. Members of the Calapeñang Kababaihan agreed to consolidate the starter kits they received and set up a hydroponic system in their community garden.
