DILIMAN, Quezon City—The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) has kicked off the month-long celebration of the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) and the 9th Organic Agriculture Month at the Central Office, highlighting the importance of supporting local farmers and promoting organic agricultural practices.
With “Be RICEponsible” as theme, the celebration of NRAM seeks for the involvement of the public to reduce food wastage and become more responsible in consuming rice. This is to help uplift the local rice industry and achieve rice sufficiency in the country.
On the other hand, the OA Month highlights the economic benefits of organic farming as the government promotes organic agriculture enterprises among the youth and farmers’ cooperatives and associations, under the theme “Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OA!”.
During the kick-off activity, Director Remelyn Recoter led other officials and employees at the ATI Central Office in reciting and signing the pledge of commitment to support all programs, projects, and related initiatives of the NRAM and OA Month.
A food-tasting event was also held which offered the attendees the opportunity to experience and savor the benefits of locally produced rice and vegetable dish.
For November, the ATI has lined up various activities to raise public awareness about the significance of NRAM and OA Month. These are also intended to address critical issues such as malnutrition, poverty, and food insecurity, underlining the crucial role of rice and organic farming in combating these challenges.
The ATI’s Regional Training Centers are also scheduled to launch NRAM and OA Month locally. Contests, webinars, and other events will be held as part of the regional celebrations.
