BANGA, Aklan – ATI Region 6 launched a training program to empower young farmers in the Western Visayas region. The training, titled "Scaling Up Youth in Agriculture: Training on Integrated Farming System for Aspiring Young Farmers," was held at the ATI-RTC VI, ASU Compound in Banga, Aklan.
The program took two batches, with the first batch running from May to June 2024 and the second from July to August 2024. Each batch consisted of five young participants who were college graduates and non-degree holders, selected according to existing criteria and their interest in pursuing careers in agriculture. These aspiring farmers, addressed as ‘interns,’ were introduced to the Integrated Farming System (IFS), a holistic approach to farming that combines different agricultural practices to maximize productivity and ensure long-term sustainability.
The primary objective of the training was to equip the young participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement the IFS model and venture into agricultural enterprises.
The interns were introduced to the Integrated Farming System and its various components. They learned how different farming practices, such as crop production, livestock raising, and aquaculture, can be integrated to create a balanced and sustainable farming system.
The training program also employed hands-on experiences, practical exercises, site visits, and benchmarking to help them understand how to efficiently manage resources, improve soil health, and increase farm productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
As a culmination of their training, participants were guided in developing sustainable agribusiness proposals. These proposals were designed to be feasible, scalable, and aligned with the principles of the Integrated Farming System, ensuring that the participants could apply their newfound knowledge in real-world farming scenarios.
During the pitching session with panelists, some of the proposed projects include Mallard Duck Production and Balut Processing, an upscaled, ‘Agri Cycle Ranch’, and Mulberry Production and processing of its by-products.
“I learned plenty in this training because it is not just focused on one commodity. This training is complete, and I know I will be able to apply and share this, especially as a 4-H Member who is active in supporting community efforts. I was updated with new technologies and innovative practices, and I am glad I was exposed to them, aside from what we can learn on social media and YouTube. This training is a big help. Thank you to ATI and all involved,” expressed Dexter C. Rude, batch 1 intern from Cabatuan, Iloilo.
"Farming is a profession of hope, and you are our hope! We hope you apply yourselves and what you have learned here at ATI," recognized CDMS Chief Eraldgen Bernaldo as she delivered the Closing Message on behalf of the ATI management for the second batch.
Completing this training marks a significant step towards building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural community in the region. As these young farmers return to their communities, they bring with them the tools and confidence to implement innovative farming practices that could transform the agricultural landscape of Western Visayas.
