TRENTO, Agusan del Sur– Proper implementation of management for insect pest and diseases of corn and cassava remains an integral part of production. It is a skill, which every Agricultural Extension Worker (AEW) should have for a more effective delivery of extension services. Through this, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-Caraga spearheaded the three-day Specialized Training on Pests and Diseases Management for Corn and Cassava Production.

The training aims at enhancing not just the knowledge but also the skills of AEWs in the identification and management of common insect pest and diseases for the two crops. The training covers a review discussion of concepts and principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Throughout the activity, participants learned to identify the beneficial microorganisms which could help them manage the occurrence of common insect pests and diseases. They were reoriented on the importance of knowing the life cycle of the said pests. They were also taught to identify the symptoms of different diseases.

Said training highlights the discussion on the control and management options whenever the crops are affected.

Recognizing the economic contribution of the two main crops, the participants presented their plan of actions in extending their earned knowledge and skills to the farmers. Thirty of them committed to promote continually the proper production practices.

The training was conducted on March 12-14, 2019 at Pagayon Inn, Trento, Agusan del Sur.