To capacitate coconut farmers in the province of Marinduque on coconut farm integration, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA successfully conducted a Farmer-Level Training on Native Chicken Production from March 19-22, 2024, with 22 coconut farmer graduates, at the Municipal Hall, Torrijos, Marinduque.
Throughout the training, the participants gained a thorough understanding of the economic opportunities associated with integrating native chicken production with coconut farming, including the current trends and status of the poultry industry in the Philippines.
They also learned the importance of effective breeding management for improving the quality and productivity of native chickens, utilizing coconut by-products in feed formulation to reduce feed costs and promote sustainability. Moreover, the participants grasped knowledge of appropriate feeds and feeding management techniques for different growth stages of native chickens to ensure optimal nutrition.
Similarly, understanding housing requirements, maintaining basic records, and conducting simple cost analysis are other essential skills that the participants acquired during the training.
The key takeaway of the training was that the participants applied their learnings through the preparation of a comprehensive farm layout integrating native chickens into their existing coconut farm setup, wherein they incorporated elements such as proper spacing, efficient housing, and strategic placement of resources.
With their commitment to providing continuous support to farmers, the ATI MIMAROPA and its partners from the municipalities of Torrijos and Buenavista are optimistic that the said training will positively impact the province's native chicken industry.
