STA. CRUZ, Laguna - The Agricultural Training Institute Region IV-A conducted its first batch of “Training of Trainers on Vegetable Seed Production” last June 26-28, 2019 at FAES-Office of the Provincial Agriculturist in this municipality.

The training promotes the local production of seeds which would contribute to the government's efforts in achieving food security. Producing local seeds to be planted on the farm could play an important role in improving the farm management efficiencies and lowering production costs.

The three-day training course aims to enhance the participants’ knowledge and skills on vegetable seed production, particularly to (1) describe the current state of the vegetable seed industry; (2) explain suitable site and planting practices for vegetable seed production; (3) describe cultural management practices for vegetable seed production; (4) identify different insect pests, diseases of vegetable seeds and its management; (5) enumerate the practices on harvesting, postharvest handling and storage of vegetable seeds; and (6) discuss the economics of seed production and marketing.

Twenty-six (26) Agricultural Extension Workers and Farmer Leaders from the Province of Laguna completed the training course. Invited resource persons were from Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB-UPLB), and Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).

Content: Vira Elyssa Jamolin