To capacitate partners from the Local Government Units (LGUs) and cassava growers regarding Good Agricultural Practices for Cassava and Cassava Quality Standards the Training Course on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Cassava was conducted on June 25-27, 2019 at Odiongan, Romblon with 25 AEWs and farmer participants.

According to the farmers, they were very grateful that they were able to know the importance of being a GAP certified farm and its corresponding value in the market. Moreover, part of the training was a field activity or farm visitation wherein they identified some pests and diseases of cassava and its effect in the root crops.

They also experienced cutting of planting materials into two-nodes and planted it in polyethylene bags. Dolly T. Lambon, member of Anahao Sustainable Livelihood Program Association said in her impression that she didn't know and was amazed that the cassava can be planted using two-nodal cuttings.

After the training, the participants said that the training was a big help for them to improve their farm operations as well as the operation of their association and cooperative. In addition, some said that this was one of the most refreshing, well-spent and memorable activity they have attended because of its value in their everyday life. Moreover, their outputs (cassava cuttings) will be an initial source of disease-free planting materials that could be distributed to cassava growers in Romblon.

“Isa pong malaking hamon na nandito ako ngayon para ibahagi sa mga magsasaka namin sa aming bayan ang kaalaman na natutunan ko dito. Isa na po doon dahil sa amin traditional padin ang pagtatanim ng balinghoy ngayon po maibabahagi ko na sa kanila na kahit konting stem lang pala ng cassava ay pwede ng maparami. Isa ding challenge na maka-attend ako sa Training on GAP ng Cassava, challenge din sa akin na sana may mapa-certified din kami na lugar po dun sa aming bayan dahil ito po ay napakahalaga,” says Sheryl T. Miñano, Agricultural Technologist of Alcantara, Romblon.