DAMULOG, Bukidnon (PIA) — To broaden farmers’ knowledge and practices, ultimately boosting income and quality of life, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-10 launched the first phase of its Farmer Scientist Training Program (FSTP) on May 19, running until October 18, 2024.
This three-phase program aims to equip 32 corn farmers from Damulog, Bukidnon, with modern and scientific farming techniques for corn, animals in a corn-based production system, vegetables, and other crops.
The FSTP provides a thorough approach to agricultural research, development, and extension (RDE) to enhance farmers’ understanding of scientific and sustainable farming practices.
“By offering additional training sessions and workshops, the program broadens farmers’ knowledge base, equipping them with advanced techniques and innovative strategies for more efficient and eco-friendly agriculture. These expanded training opportunities, designed to help farmers adopt best practices, will increase their productivity and promote environmental stewardship for long-term sustainability in farming,” said Maria Lydia A. Echavez, Regional Training Center Director for ATI-Northern Mindanao.
A primary activity—the 35 Days After Planting (35DAP) assessment—involved AgroEcosystem Analysis and Stand Count Germination Progress Report.
Patrick Lloyd Ang, an agricultural technologist from Damulog town, also shared insights on corn deficiency management.
The ATI-10 team, led by Maria Lydia A. Echavez, with Noemi Beth Macario, Noriel Kris Santillan, and Jisa Dulay, facilitated the training.
Participants learned about value formation, FSTP operations, corn production, record-keeping, leadership, community organizing, and experimental trials to enhance crop yield. (ATI-10/PIA-10/Bukidnon)
