DAR Lakbay-Aral project teaches farmer groups on latest farming innovations

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MANILA — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has involved around 20 local farmers from three farmers’ organizations in Isabela on its two-day Lakbay-Aral Project which has introduced farmers to the latest farming innovations.

“The two-day learning expedition aims to expose agrarian reform beneficiaries on modern farm practices and to show them the latest innovations on farming,” said DAR Regional Director Marjorie Ayson.

Farmers have been shown the processes of integrated rice farming, tilapia production and processing, mango production and cacao production technology on their first day of visit to the Philippine Council of Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources and Research Development (PCAARRD).

“This visit to PCAARRD piqued our farmers’ interest to venture in tilapia production for additional income. Those who own mango plantations gained knowledge on mango diseases and pest control,” Ayson added.

At their visit to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Laguna, farmers joined in discussions on rice varieties and its suitability to different climactic and soil conditions. They also observed field demonstrations and farm simulations of the uses of modern farm machinery.

Moreover, video presentations on pest management have been shown to the farmers which is included in the “Palayabangan” project of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Munoz, Nueva Ecija.

Aside from gaining knowledge on pest management, farmers are said to have been presented prototypes and actual farm implements and corn farming at the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech)

The two-day Lakbay-Aral held last March 16-18 was organized by the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services Project (ARCESS).