Training on off-season vegetable production held

by MR Ilan

Daet, Camarines Norte (8 September) — Over 30 farmers from this municipality and Vinzons town attended the two-day training on off-season vegetable production held recently at Camarines Norte State College.

The training was conceptualized to introduce new technologies in producing off-season vegetables. It also aims to provide farmers with the knowledge and skills on how to produce quality vegetables even during off-season.

This activity is jointly sponsored by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Congw. Liwayway Vinzons-Chato of Camarines Norte lone district.

Vinzons Mayor Oliver F. Ferrer said trainings similar to this are important as more farmers learn new technologies to increase vegetable production.

He added that if more people were given the opportunity to attend similar training, our problem on poverty may be addressed.

He cited that right in their backyard, farmers could produce vegetables and other crops not only for their consumption but also for sale.

He lauded the efforts of Chato for spearheading the activity and for choosing Vinzons as one of the pilot municipalities for her project.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jose V. Dayao, DA regional executive director, said that the agency is always on hand to provide technical assistance to interested farmers or vegetable growers.

With the collaboration and linkages of national and local agencies more farmers will be benefited and vegetable sufficiency can be attained.

He emphasized that it is important for participants to learn the right technologies for them to produce quality vegetable, which is vital in getting market channels.

In addition, it is necessary for the group to be organized in order to sustain the supply after marketing agreement has been forged.

Chato, on the other hand, said that it only requires positive attitude and discipline for one to succeed.

She challenged the group to give their best and learn the different techniques so they could also produce quality vegetables throughout the year.

She said that nothing is impossible if you give your heart in whatever you do.

She urged the group to share whatever skills, technique or knowledge they acquire out of this training.

In addition, after the training it is important to practice what they learn for a multiplier effect.

She added that her office is willing to provide their assistance like seeds so they could start a backyard garden after the training.

The trainers came from DA RFU-5 and East-West Seed Company Incorporated. A combination of lecture and hands-on or actual field work was the methodology used. (DA/PIA)