The youth participants prepare various concoctions as part of their group output.
BUTUAN CITY – As the government takes varying levels of measure to stop the spread of the coronavirus, it has also initiated programs and projects in order to mitigate its impact especially in the agriculture sector such as the Department of Agriculture’s “Ahon Lahat, Pagkain Sapat Kontra sa COVID-19 or ALPAS COVID-19” and the “Plant, Plant, Plant Program” which the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) strongly supports.
The ATI believes that as future leaders and change-makers, the youth should be at the forefront of these efforts to help ensure food security and resilience-building in the community.
In the implementation of the Adopt-a-Farm Youth program, the ATI-Regional Training Center 13 conducted a five-day training on Vegetable Production with Establishment of Communal Garden on July 19-23, 2021. It was participated by 10 young farmers from barangay Curva, Santiago, Agusan del Norte.
During the first two days, the participants learned the basics of vegetable production, management of pests and diseases, and NFTS and performed the different concoctions. HVCDP focal person Rhoda N. Mante of LGU-Cabadbaran City served as the resource person.
The remaining three days were allotted for field practicum on the actual farm operations at Ragas Farm located in Sanghan, Cabadbaran City. Mr. Ruben M. Ragas, LSA Cooperator and Farm owner, guided the trainees in performing various activities such as preparation of soil media, seed sowing, planting, round weeding, harvesting and other activities in the farm.
The Phase 2 which will run from July 26 – August 6 will be allotted for the establishment of communal garden. The 10 trainees adopted another 10 young members of the Mamanwa tribe who will be their work-partners in the establishment of garden.
The ATI provided extension support to the youth during the launching of the communal garden last July 23, 2021 graced by the Barangay Council of Curva who signified their commitment to take part in the project establishment.
Aside from creating social ties, the communal garden will increase the access to fresh and nutritious food and eventually will help ensure a food secure community amidst the pandemic.