Participants of the Training of Trainers on the Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds, and Farm Mechanization conduct Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA) as part of their field activities.
Sta. Pangasinan, Barbara. In support to the Rice Tarrification Law's implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund- Rice Extension Service Program, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 1 (ATI-RTC 1) conducted five (5) batches of Training of Trainers (TOT) on the Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds, and Farm Mechanization from March to July 2022.
A total of 152 participants completed the training that include Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from the Local Governments Units (LGUs), Representatives of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Representatives and accredited Farm Schools of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Learning Site Cooperators coming from the provinces of La Union and Pangasinan.
The purpose of the twelve-day TOTs was to build and enhance the capacities of the participants in carrying out season-long farmers’ field school (FFS) that will be led by various TESDA Accredited Farm Schools in a non-gender biased and more gender-sensitive manner.
The concepts and principles of the PalayCheck and its specific topics, basic financial management, and the impact of climate change and mitigation strategies on rice production, were the focus of several workshops, lecture-discussions, and field activities. Field exercises include but not limited to Agroecosystem Analysis (AESA), operation of rice machineries, and rice seed Purity Test and Physical Test were also done during the 12-day training. AESA was one of the most remarkable experiences of the participants where they collected agronomic data, and identified diseases, natural enemies, and pests of rice.
To ensure the effective delivery of lectures, the participants had undergone microteaching where they developed either powerpoint presentations or flip charts and presented the topics in front of a panel. Members of the panel gave constructive critics for the improvement of the participants.
Mr. Jerry C. Casupang of Amang Antonio Integrated Farm Inc., Don Benito, Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, finds the training to be both highly interesting and helpful. He added that they gained knowledge and abilities that will enable them to work as farmers, group leaders, trainers, and farm owners more effectively. Their competencies are tuned to a higher degree and expressed their hope that ATI-Region 1 continue to hone them into better individuals and trainers.
The five batches of the training were conducted at ATI-RTC 1, Tebag East, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan on March 21- April 1; April 18-29; May 16-27; June 6-17; and July 11-22.
As a provider of extension services, ATI-RTC 1 pledges to strengthen the capacity of trainers of rice farmers in the region.