Participants doing grafting on cacao inside a nursery
UBAY, BOHOL - “There is money in seeds and seedling production”, said Rufina Artiaga after she attended the 5-day Training of Trainers on Plant Nursery Establishment, Management and Accreditation. ATI Central Visayas conducted this training as there is a need for farmers and agricultural extension workers (AEWs) to understand the techniques and importance of plant propagation, and appropriate production protocol. The training aims to capacitate the LGU-owned and private nursery operators in plant nursery establishment, management and accreditation.
“Aside from producing good quality seeds and planting material, it (nursery establishment) generates income. Scion, bud stick and seedlings can be sold”, said Janice Estoras.
“After this training, I am aiming to establish our own nursery, will secure parent trees, collect different seeds of fruit trees and apply the skills and knowledge of the training,” said Jose Labonite.
The said TOT was held in Pacheco's Inn, Poblacion, Ubay, Bohol on February 20 – 24, 2023. It was participated by 23 participants from municipalities/cities of Calape, Garcia Hernandez, Loay, Pilar, Sagbayan, San Miguel, Ubay, and Valencia in Bohol province; Alcantara, Asturias, Dumanjug, Mandaue City, and Toledo City in Cebu province; and Ayungon, Basay, City of Bayawan, La Libertad, Santa Catalina and Sibulan in Negros Oriental province.
The participants are farmers who have existing nurseries aspiring to establish their nurseries, agricultural extension workers and teachers from senior high schools offering agriculture courses which also have school nurseries. Certificate of training is also one of the requirements for nursery accreditation and renewal.
Going forth, the Department of Agriculture, through the support of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) through the National Seed Quality Control Services (NSQCS), aspires to accredit more nurseries for the production and distribution of quality planting materials from accredited plant nurseries.
