50 farmers get training on organic farming

MORE than 50 farmers from Barangays Serran and Katutungan in Wao, Lanao del Sur graduated the Farmers Field School (FFS) on corn production conducted by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries-ARMM in coordination with DAF-Lanao del Sur, local government of Wao and private seed companies last January 14, 2010 at Wao Gymnasium.

Wao Municipal Agricultural Officer (MAO) Toribio Pinggol said the participants undergone season long four months training on new corn technologies that are suitable for the environment and advocates organic farming and was focused on the theme, “ Organic Farming: Key to Sustainable Development.

The activity highlighted with the Presentation of folk media which illustrated the importance of useful insects in the field and the proper use of organic fertilizer and farmers participation in the ground.

It also featured farmers’ testimonies on the effects of the training in their production and income.

Municipal mayor Elvino B. Balicao Jr. expressed his sincere gratitude to DA in providing support services (projects & trainings) in enriching the lives and knowledge of Wao farmers on new farming techniques.

In his message in behalf of DAF-ARMM Secretary Atty. Lomala Balindong, Field Operations Director Salik B. Panalunsong, Al Haj enumerated the DA interventions such as the renovation of DAF Building, Bio-N production , distribution of shredder machine in support to Agri-Kalikasan Program, the on going construction of flatbed dryer and Barangay Bagsakan Center (BBC) and to conduct additional four FFS on corn and rice production.

Municipal and Committee on Agriculture Chairman Al Belotendos said that theLGU of Wao is assured full support to all the projects of DA.

He said for 2010 they allocated funds for two livestock technicians, one computer units to the MAO Office and allocation of counterpart funds for trainings.

Other officials who graced the important event were vice mayor Mary Ruth C. Catalan, R&D Director Hadja Jalika D. Mangacop, Regional Agriculture & Fisheries Information Division (RAFID) Chief Hadja Kadiguia R. Abdullah, Planning Chief Mariam Abutazil, Rice Report Officer Edna Bajao, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Coordinator Taunting Abutazil, former DTI-ARMM Assistant Secretary Iskak L. Paguital, Lanao del Sur Operations Chief Baguan Tagoranao and other local officials. rafid-armm