SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) – Thirty (30) corn farmers from Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro graduated from the Department of Agriculture (DA) MIMAROPA’s Farmers Field School (FFS) recently, held at Brgy. Malpalon, Calintaan.
The activity recognizes the farmers’ completion of a 16-week learning, which started in November 2022, led by the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), and DA MIMAROPA Corn Program.
The recent FFS focuses on yellow corn production, using a knowledge and learning-based approach which aims to help the farmers learn new and proper techniques and technologies, leading to increase of yield.
“Sa FFS mas detailed po ‘yung pag-aaral, from seeds to harvest na po ‘yun. Every stages [gaya ng] mga insect pest and natural enemies, fertilization, care and management, [kasama rin sa itinuturo],” Ms. Aiza Ruth Evona Espeja from DA MIMAROPA Corn Program shared.
(FFS offered a more detailed learning, from seeds to harvest. Every stage such as insect pests and natural enemies, fertilization, care and management are also included.)
According to Ms. Criziel Labrador, Municipal Corn Coordinator from MAO, they have seen an increase of yield through the FFS. During the graduation ceremony, it was seen that farmers who apply techniques and technologies recorded at least 1.4 metric tons (MT) of increased yield of corn, from 5.6 MT to 7 up to 8 MT per hectare (ha).
Officials from DA MIMAROPA, OPA, Local Government Unit, and House of Representatives were present during the ceremony, namely: Regional Executive Director Maria Christine C. Inting, OIC Provincial Agriculturist Alrizza Zubiri, Mayor Dante S. Esteban, and Congressman Leody F. Tarriela. (DSG)
Thirty (30) farmers from Calintaan Corn Farmers Association – Malpalon Chapter completed a 16-week learning session on yellow corn production. Farmers also produce rice, in addition to yellow corn, for their llvelihood (Photo courtesy of Office of the Provincial Agriculturist – OcciMin).
