Bukidnon’s Talaandig Indigenous Peoples farmers are turning to organic vegetable production through a science and technology training program aimed at improving farm productivity and providing healthier agricultural products to consumers.
Farmers from Barangay San Miguel, including members of the Balugto “Hope” Agroforestry Association Inc. (BHAII), underwent hands-on training in organic vegetable production as part of the Department of Science and Technology-Northern Mindanao’s Science and Technology Community-Based Farm (STCBF) Talaandig Project.
The training introduced the farmers to organic farming practices and provided practical instruction on beekeeping, soil and nutrient management, crop protection, seed-to-seed organic management and post-harvest seed handling.
Resource speakers from the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 led the technical sessions, combining discussions with demonstrations and guided activities that allowed the farmers to apply the techniques directly.
Randy Uy, BHAII president, said the association hopes the training will help its members gradually adopt organic farming technologies and improve their production practices.
“Among handom, gawas maka tabang mi [BHAAI] sa farmer members nato, maka abag pud mi sa mga mag palit sa among products. Bahala bag-o pa mi ani na technology, at least makita namo kung kaya namo mag produce ani [organic vegetables] pinaagi sa tabang na assistance sa DOST,” Uy said.
“We hope that, aside from helping our farmer-members, consumers can also benefit from our products. Although this technology is new to us, we can see if we are capable of producing organic vegetables through the support and assistance of DOST,” he said in English.
The DOST-Northern Mindanao said it is encouraging local government units and farmers’ associations across the region to pursue partnerships that can strengthen agricultural capacity and support the adoption of appropriate science and technology.
The agency said interested institutions may contact DOST-Northern Mindanao through its official website or its DOST 10 Facebook page for information on available programs and technical assistance.
Original article was written by Philreb Zayas and Marielle Herana of DOST-Northern Mindanao. Photos from DOST-Northern Mindanao.
