DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite—New trends and technologies in urban agriculture were shared to more than 600 Caviteños during the 4th AgriTalk.

Spearheaded by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), in partnership with the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation and the Bureau of Agricultural Research, the activity aims to introduce opportunities in urban farming to those in highly populated and industrialized cities where planting spaces are limited.

Specifically, the participants of the 4th AgriTalk learned farming strategies that require minimal use of soil, such as square-foot gardening, beekeeping, and the production and processing of mushroom.

Retired police officer Honorio Cervantes from Region X discussed the concept of square-foot gardening. He explained that this method entails minimal land utilization and maintenance, hence, enables city residents to grow their own food despite the small spaces they have in their homes.

Pedro Jose De Castro, a professor from Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) in Lucena City, highlighted the advantages of entering the beekeeping industry both as farm practice and as business.

Moreover, Marilyn Gonzales, from the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office in CALABARZON, talked about the viability and profitability of mushroom production. She said that mushroom cultivation is a good farming venture in urban areas, especially amid depleting agricultural lands, and creates more income opportunities for farmers.

Meanwhile, Emma Tolentino, owner of an ATI-supported Learning Site for Agriculture in Tarlac, demonstrated different ways in processing mushroom. She showed the step-by-step process in making mushroom sisig, mushroom tempura, and mushroom chicharon.

The participants of the 4th AgriTalk include urban farming practitioners, farming enthusiasts, teachers, and students from Cavite and nearby provinces. ATI CALABARZON Center Director Marites Cosico also graced this activity held last October 29 at SM City Dasmariñas.