To encourage agripreneurs to engage in urban agriculture and to entice urban settlers and youth to enter the agricultural industry for both business and personal food security, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA through the National Urban and Peri Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) conducted Training on Urban Agriculture through Soilless Crop Production on March 19-21, 2024 at Hotel Marinduque, Boac, Marinduque.
Through lectures by Ms. Roseanne Nilo, NUPAP Point Person, and Engr. Karen T. Vicente, NUPAP Alternate Point Person from ATI MIMAROPA, the participants learned the basic concepts of hydroponics technology and the differences between traditional gardening and soilless crop production.
They also learned the step-by-step procedure for planting and setting up hydroponics through actual demonstration. Moreover, they gained an understanding of the cost and return analysis associated with hydroponics.
The participants expressed their sincere appreciation for the training and planned to organize a group of hydroponic farmers in their municipality.
“Marami po akong natutunan sa pagsasanay na ito. Masaya po ako dahil may pagkakakitaan na ako na hindi ko na kailangang pagdaanan ang hirap ng aking trabaho sa tradisyunal na pagtatanim. Naiinspire po ako dahil tayo po ang magsisimula ng hydroponics dito sa bayan ng Boac at isa din sa mga magiging supplier ng mataas na kalidad ng gulay. Na-appreciate ko po ang actual na pagtatanim, paghahalo ng nutrient solution, at ang pagpupunla na ating ginawa,” Ms. Eleonor L. Leonida of the Tumapon Farmers Association shared.
To show their support, Ms. Ederlinda Jasmin, Municipal Agriculturist of Boac, and Ms. Susana Uy, Assistant Provincial Agriculturist of Marinduque, graced the said training. In their message, they expressed the full support of the local and provincial government units and discussed the set of programs awaiting the farmers.
As part of the after-training support, 30 participants composed of farmers from the Municipality of Boac were provided with starter kits, which included styroboxes, nutrient solutions, vegetable seeds, and coco peat.
