In the Philippines, corn is the second most significant crop, providing a substantial source of income for one-third of farmers. In the Philippines, corn is essential to achieving food self-sufficiency.
Because of its high nutritional content and ability to replace wheat in bread making while increasing its fiber, protein, and mineral content for better staple options.
In this regard, the Agricultural Training Institute in Central Visayas hosted the Mag FFS Tayo: Training of Trainers on Corn Production and Management Phase I and Phase II on March 18-27, 2024 at the ATI-RTC VII Training Complex, Cabawan District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
The 10-day training program brought together 30 farmer-leaders and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from various provinces within region 7, the intensive sessions focused on enhancing their knowledge and skills in corn production and management. Led by expert resource speakers from the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Officer VII (DA-RFO VII), Local Government Unit (LGU), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), and DA-ATI-7, the participants dived into diverse modules covering key aspects of corn farming.
“Very knowledgeable, labaw nga first time nako na mo training sa Corn so daghan kung nakat-onan gayud about Corn production, land preparation hangtod sa pag post-harvest and also sa different insect pests and diseases na mo ataki sa atong kamaisan. Wala koy masulti kundi, good job,” expressed Mhersyevelle B. Doydora, Agricultural Extension Worker (AEW) from Ubay, Bohol.
Throughout the duration of the training, participants engaged with topics such as understanding the current state of the corn industry, effective seed selection processes tailored to corn cultivation, strategies for managing agricultural systems and resources specific to corn production, integrated pest management techniques, and innovative agricultural extension approaches and methodologies. Additionally, sessions were dedicated to exploring the crop ecosystems through Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA), optimizing post-harvest practices, ensuring grain quality management, and developing essential extension skills.
Moreover, participants gained insights into financial management principles relevant to their farming endeavors and explored the latest trends, status, and concerns surrounding biotechnology in corn agriculture.
“Ang 10 ka adlaw nga training sa mais napun-an ang akong kahibalo ilabina kung unsaon pag depensa ang mga mais ug akong nakat-onan akong e share sa akong mga kauban sa among kooperatiba. Tanang mga resource speakers puro mga banggiitan ug experts sa ilang mga topics,” shared Mr. Glen L. Tambajoyot, Farmer-Leader from Siquijor, Siquijor.
This intensive 10-day training served as a preparatory and mandatory requirement established by the LGU for the forthcoming season-long Farmers Field School (FFS) on Corn Production. Scheduled to kick off during the first cropping season, the FFS will extend invitations to 30 farmers from each municipality/city. Through the FFS, participants will engage in various experimental trials, tackle special topics, and participate in hands-on exercises meticulously designed to augment their corn production capabilities. By providing practical skills and knowledge, both the training program and the subsequent FFS aim to empower farmers, ultimately contributing to improved corn yields and agricultural sustainability within the region.
