DAVAO CITY (July 27)- The Department of Agriculture (DA) will embark on a nationwide vegetable farmers’ training program.  The participants will be provided with technical support on agricultural technology, inputs and other post-training assistance such as farm tools and farm equipment.
In a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), Agriculture Secretary Manny F. Piñol, said that under the agreement, 50 farmer-participants will undergo 12 sessions of hands-on training to be conducted by SMFI’s service providers.
DA Regional Field Offices’ High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) will lead in the coordination meeting with host LGUs and identify 5,000 square meters for rural areas and 1,000 square meters for urban areas to serve as training farms.
“The proposed areas should be accessible, secured, flat but not prone to flooding during rainy season, and fertile. Areas that have existing irrigation pumps or canals, training room and storage shelter for supplies and produce will be prioritized,” report from the DA indicated.
The service providers under SMFI will provide a comprehensive project plan to include, among others, the details on the crops to be planted, cost and benefit, technology application, course outline and calendar of activities.
It is anticipated that 20 crops will be planted nationwide. Farmers will also be assisted in terms of direct input such as seeds, plastic mulching film, seedling trays, growing medium, trellis net and other materials, as well as fertilizers, pests and diseases control supplies.
The HVCDP is one of the banner programs of the Department of Agriculture created to help address food security, poverty alleviation and sustainable growth. It helps to promote the production, processing, marketing and distribution of high value crops. (NewsLine with DA report)
