ATI Region 6 conducted a 3-day training on Integrated Rice-Based Farming System for Barangay Camindangan Upland Development Farmers Association (BACUDFA). This training is in response of the Department of Agriculture to the request of the Local Government Unit of Cauayan, Negros Occidental.
Eduardo T. Tresico, trainer and learning site cooperator, discussed several topics on integrated farming systems (IFS). These include; the palayamanan system, sloping agricultural land technology (SALT), and effective conservation, utilization, and recycling of crop residues and livestock wastes in improving soil fertility and crop productivity.
Meanwhile, Rodel R. Leyson, project officer and Training Specialist II, discussed the rice industry situationer in Western Visayas.
A practicum where participants were able to establish contour using the A-frame and green manuring are some of the highlights of the activity.
During the closing program, starter kits which included rake, hoe and cane cutter were distributed to the participants.
The 30 completers expressed excitement over establishing their own farm and the future practice of IFS.
“We are very grateful for the presence and efforts of ATI to reach our area. We are thankful for all the new ideas and learnings. I hope that we will be able to apply and sustain all of this in our association,” shared Mary Ann Lirazan, one of the 30 participants.
Further, they hoped that the training would be a catalyst for progress for their rural community.
This endeavor is part of the implementation of the 18 key strategies under the One DA Agenda which includes farm diversification. Under the strategy, farmers, particularly those involved in the production of rice, corn, and coconut, are encouraged and supported to diversify into other commodities such as vegetables and other high-value seasonal crops to boost their incomes.
This training was held last June 22-24, 2022 at Brgy. Camindangan, Cauayan, Negros Occidental.
