Jaro, Leyte - ATI RTC 8 continues to level-up the knowledge and skills of AEWs in the field of rice production, specifically in identification and management of various rice pests and diseases. Through the training Capacitating the AEWs on Rice Pests Management and Field Diagnosis, participants learned about assessing pest and disease damage, conducting Agro-ecosystem Analysis (AESA), and applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Moreover, to be one with the advances in agriculture, participants also learned about various diagnostic tool applications for the industry. They familiarized themselves with SPIDTECH, Rice Doctor Beta and e-Damuhan Apps. They also discussed the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) as decision support tools in rice farming.
Ms. Antonette M. Asplico, a new AT of Kawayan, Biliran, shared, “As new AT and young farmer, my knowledge on rice pests and management is very limited. Through this 5-day training, I learned a lot. To have successful rice farming, you need to use not just one control practices but you should have more options to consider such as integrating other cultural activities given the existing conditions in your field; from pests and natural enemies identification and its recommended management control.”
Ms Jessa G. Samarillo, also a new AT from Dagami, Leyte agreed with Ms. Asplico by saying, “I learned that before we recommend to our farmers any pests control measures, we should consider many factors and analyze it well to come up with a better decision. The correct identification of pests and understanding the biology of pests and the morphology of the crops will help us find the best options to control pests problems, thus leading to increase in rice production.”
Thirty-three (33) AEWs attended the 5-day training at Villaconzoilo Farm in Jaro , Leyte on April 4-8, 2022. Participants prepared and submitted a re-entry plan related to rice pests management and field diagnosis activities in their respective municipalities. This will be monitored 6 months after the conduct of the training.
