More agri workers trained to become farmer-scientists

EL SALVADOR CITY, Misamis Oriental – Over two dozen agricultural extension workers from northern Mindanao recently completed the Training of Trainers (TOT) on Farmer Scientist Training Program (FSTP), organized under the center’s so-called Corn Program.

The training aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to serve as resource speakers and facilitators in implementing the Farmer Scientist Training Program (FSTP).

An agricultural extension workers from Region 10 recently completed the Training of Trainers on Farmer Scientist Training Program, organized under the Corn Program of the center. (Photo courtesy of ATI-10)

The participants were taught the necessary technology for corn farming, including soil preparation, fertilizer application, proper planting and harvesting, and farm record-keeping. They were also trained in the effective marketing of agricultural products, communication and presentation skills for farmer scientists, and leadership management.     

For this particular training, Anecito Anuada, University Researcher II; Jay Mark Ian Caindoy, University Researcher II; Carla Melodillar, University Researcher I; and John Christopher Bungar, University Research Associate I, served as the resource persons and pool of experts from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).   

Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to discuss the background and operational strategies of FSTP, corn production management, farm record keeping, leadership management, and community organizing, as well as FSTP experimental trials.

The FSTP graduates will then become locally recognized experts, known as farmer-scientists, who impart knowledge and expertise to other farmers within their communities. As farmer-scientists, graduates of the FSTP training play a significant role in promoting sustainable agriculture in their respective communities by helping improve farmers' livelihoods through knowledge transfer and the sharing of best farming practices.

The Farmers-Scientist Research Development Extension (RDE) Training Program (FSTP), first initiated across numerous upland barangays within the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Compostela Valley, and Mindoro Occidental, revealed significant benefits for impoverished farmers.

Through technical empowerment and promoting agriculture as a profitable enterprise through farm diversification, the abovementioned communities experienced improvements surpassing poverty levels. Additionally, the program fostered enhanced leadership capabilities among participating farmers, leading them to engage proactively in community development initiatives.

FSTP has demonstrated that integrating Research and Development with Extension (RDE) programs in partnership with farmers and concerned government agencies and NGOs, and others can lead to better research results at a lower cost due to resource complementation and maximization.

As the program expands nationwide through Executive Order 710, it is crucial to provide local governments and other agencies involved in FSTP with the necessary knowledge to effectively implement the program.

The recent training of the 28 agricultural extension workers was also joined by project officer Noriel Kris Santilla who led the training management team composed of Jisa Dulay, Cristine Galupo, Cherry Agbon, and Joebert Apdian. (Mindanao Examiner)