To address improper fertilizer application and cultivation practices among corn farmers, the Agricultural Training Institute in MIMAROPA, through its Partnership and Accreditation Section, conducted training on “Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM)” on May 14-16, 2024, at Lola’s Healthy Farm in Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro.
The training aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of participants on site specific nutrient management for maize production and use the Nutrient Expert® for Maize Philippines (NEMPh) application.
NEMPh is a decision support software that employs the principles of site-specific nutrient management, enabling farm advisors to develop fertilizer recommendations tailored to specific fields or growing environments.
The three-day training consisted of four modules. Module 1 introduced the concept of digital agriculture, emphasizing its role in modern farming practices. Module 2 focused on SSNM, providing participants with techniques to enhance crop nutrition. Meanwhile, Module 3 addressed fertilizer application and seed selection, covering a range from open-pollinated varieties to hybrids and traditional seeds. Finally, Module 4 introduced the NEMPh, a cutting-edge tool designed for precision agriculture.
During the training, the participants appreciated the hands-on activities, which included actual field interviews with corn farmers, as well as inputting information into the NEMPh application.
They also prepared and submitted re-entry plans to ensure their commitment to conducting the same training in their respective localities.
Leslie D. Aroc, Agricultural Technologist from the Provincial Agriculture Office in Occidental Mindoro, expressed gratitude and commitment to sharing the new knowledge she gained with her fellow farmers.
“Ang SSNM, napakalaking tulong sa mga magsasaka. Sa isang click lang, agad kang makakakuha ng rekomendasyon at resulta. Sa aming training, marami kaming na-encounter na problema sa paggamit ng app, kaya kapag na-improve ito, magiging malaking tulong talaga,” she expressed.
The said training equipped 21 Agricultural Extension Workers and 10 farmer leaders across the province.
