Serving as a convergence activity in providing avenues for disseminating technologies, the 8th farmers technology forum and 2nd Agri-clinic was realized on September 3, 2024, at the ATI-RTC-CAR, La Trinidad, Benguet implemented by the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-ATI-CAR, the Cordillera Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Resources Research and Development (CorCAARRD), and DA-CAR Regional Office.
The farmersโ forum is a part of the sustained activity among the collaborating agencies in aiming to disseminate research results, technologies, farming practices, and success stories of farmers and research institutions for possible adoption by the farmers. The Agri-clinic meanwhile, serves as an avenue to provide expert services and advice to farmers on cropping practices, fishery, crop protection from pests and diseases, and clinical services for animal and soil health.
The Center Director of ATI-RTC-CAR, Mr. Charlie C. Sagudan shared that, โthe challenge today is the Research Development (RDE) Continuum and cascading of agri-fishery technologies.ย The words โKita you pati youโ are hindering this. There is a need to upscale competitiveness, and I would like to extend my appreciation to the LSAs and MSs scattered in the six Provinces of Cordillera as they are the key players ahead in the extension. I would also like to point out the increasing population of the country as one of the key challenges on food sustainability. We, in the Department of Agriculture are very aggressive in the promotion of Agriculture endeavors and hope to attain food security and sustainability.โ
Mr. Edel M. Dondonila, the Acting Director II of the PhilFIDA also shared the programs, projects and activities of the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority to boost the fiber sector in the country. One of which is the promotion of sisal and BT cotton production, for which he included the incentive programs to be provided for those willing to partake in the production of these commodities.
For the presentation of research results, discussion focused on the:ย New Rice Varieties for Integrated Lowland Ecosystem in CAR by Ms. Veronica F. Fangasan from DA-CIARC; Aeroponics System for the Production of Quality Purple Yam Planting Material by Ms. Vanessa Mae E. Kalinggan from the NPRCTC-BSU; and Potato Quality Planting Material Production by Mr. Gabby K. Dao-ines of NPRCTC- BSU.
The project sites on the aeroponics systems on the production of yam and potato planting materials at the NPRCRTC -BSU was also visited.
Mr. Erio Tinoyan, Magsasaka Siyentista of BSU (as PMA) shared grafting techniques through a demo-to the participants. This provided insights to the participants on the basics of grafting of seedling as planting materials.
During the Agri-clinic, participants were able to refer their concerns to the invited technical experts on crop science and protection, soil science, fishery, animal health.ย The farmers who brought their specimens had discussions with the experts on the reason for the pest and diseases of their crops. Nutrient recommendations based from the result of the soil test analysis were also provided to the participants with soil samples.
On her message, Dr.ย Janet Pablo, CorCAARRD Consortium Director, pointed out the farmerโs attitude of โKita you, pati youโ or can be โwhat you see is what you shareโ- encouraging the group to share the learnings from the activity from the presentations, site visits to aeroponics and demo on grafting. She also mentioned on the issue on the RDE continuum- that it is yet to be realized. The practices (sharing) done by Mr. Erio Tinoyan is one of the examples of the RDE continuum- that those are science and research-based. She encouraged the participants to get in touch with Crop experts on pests and diseases, to get their contact details for consultation (due the limited time allotted), and for continued partnership and collaboration.
A total of 110 participants representing Magsasaka Siyentista, Learning Site on Agriculture (LSA) owners, farmer partners from the different LGUs, researchers, extensionists, and experts/specialists from the Benguet State University. The activity is also one of the regular for the collaborative implementation of the Techno Gabay Program in CAR.
