DILIMAN, Quezon City—Polyculture can help local fish producers maximize the utilization of their ponds and cater to the expanding consumer demand, according to a practitioner in Lagangilang, Abra.

Danilo Trongco, owner of DJ’s Farm in Brgy. Nagtupacan, said in a radio interview that polyculture fish production, or the simultaneous culture of two or more non-competing fish species, is more productive and profitable compared with monoculture.

DILIMAN, Quezon City—In line with the celebration of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk Month, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) puts the spotlight on farmers and fishers for their outstanding contributions and performance in the agri-fishery sector through its radio program, “Agri Asenso”.

For the first two Saturdays of May, Gawad Saka outstanding high value crop farmer Greggy Saljay and outstanding young farmer Elnard Ympal talked about their respective innovations on integrated, diversified, and organic farming.

DILIMAN, Quezon City—The Department of Agriculture (DA) recognized 13 individuals and nine organizations for their outstanding contributions in the country’s agriculture and fisheries sector during the “49th Gawad Saka: Parangal sa Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda” presented virtually, December 14.

Gawad Saka is an annual search led by the DA, together with its bureaus and attached agencies, that aims to pay tribute to the achievements of farmers and fishers in the country. This was first launched as the “Search for Outstanding Farmers of the Year” in 1970.

QUEZON CITY, Metro Manila—To come up with a more relevant and objective search, the Gawad Saka committees convened to refine the guidelines in the selection and awarding of achievers in agriculture and fisheries.

A total of 65 regional coordinators, National Technical Committee (NTC) chairpersons, and staff of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) who serve as the national secretariat for the Search gathered for an entire day of workshop for the new guidelines.