Dr. Danilo Peñira demonstrates to the participants how to make water bonsai during the free seminar on plant propagation and nursery management. (photo by Daniel Nilo)
DILIMAN, Quezon City— To encourage more people to venture into farming as a source of healthy food and income for the family, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) conducted a one-day free seminar on plant propagation and nursery management of horticultural crops.
The first part of the seminar focused on the methods and techniques of plant propagation and effective nursery management as presented by Dr. Danilo Peñira, a retired professor from the Isabela State University. He emphasized the importance of environmental-friendly crop propagation.
“In propagating crops, as well as in your nursery operations, reusable materials in your area,” he said. Using reusable materials will also reduce the inputs of growing crops for sale thus ensure better profit.
Another profitable venture related to plant propagation is bonsai-making. To give participants an idea of this, Dr. Peñira demonstrated making water bonsai, a kind of bonsai that can be sold at Php150 to Php300.
The second part of the seminar touched on nursery irrigation design and management with Demetro Esmatao, manager of Harbest Agribusiness Corporation. He presented various plant nursery technologies that can improve income, which include aqua smart micro-irrigation systems, greenhouses, and fertigation.
Aurora De Guzman, senior agriculturist in the Bureau of Plant Industry-National Seed Quality Control Services Division, discussed plant nursery accreditation including the advantages, criteria, and requirements. She encouraged the participants, especially those with sufficient lot area, to consider nursery business ventures.
After the presentations, May Agustin from Batangas shared her appreciation for the activity.
“The seminar is very relevant because we also plant vegetables in our farm. I am thankful that I gained a lot of knowledge regarding plant propagation and nursery management,” she said, adding interest in becoming an ATI-certified Learning Site for Agriculture.
This free seminar was held at the ATI-Rural Development and Education Center on February 21, with 375 participants from Metro Manila and nearby provinces.