Gov wants 40,000 farmers in Pampanga learn diversified farming

Gov wants 40,000 farmers in Pampanga learn diversified farming

BY JENNA LUMBANG

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Governor Lilia G. Pineda has instructed the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) to assist some 40,000 Kapampangan farmers who rely mostly on planting rice in developing their planting techniques through effective diversified farming.

With this, some 50 farmers in the province were initially trained on integrated crops management system for the promotion of diversified farming that enhances the productivity of farm lands.

Farmer-trainees received farm tools, laminated sacks, sprayers, vegetables seeds and animals from the provincial agriculture office and provincial veterinary office. This is to practice what they have learned from the training.

He said through integrated crops management system, farmers were exposed to possibilities of sowing vegetables and fruits-bearing trees and livestock raising.

“Most farmers are planting rice.  That’s why we introduced diversified farming to maximize the productivity of their farmlands. Farmers can plant several times a year and that means additional income for them,” he said.

As part of the agriculture enhancement program in the province, the provincial government facilitated the four-month farmers’ field school- small scale irrigation system (FFS- SSIS) training.

Land tillers were given orientation on new farming technology, proper use of fertilizers and pesticides, crop rotation or the art of planting according to season and production of farm animals.

“We encourage farmers to venture into animal raising while farming. They were trained to utilize animal manure as organic fertilizer to lessen production cost,” Guinto added.

Renato Guevarra, a farmer from Magalang has expressed gratitude for the training and for the carabao he received from the provincial government.

“It’s my first time I was given the opportunity to improve my knowledge in farming and received a carabao at the same time. This will surely help us to improve our yields and income,” Guevarra added.