DILIMAN, Quezon City – To ensure the continuous production and supply of quality vegetable seeds in the market amidst the threat of COVID-19, the Department of Agriculture through the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) conducted a training on Vegetable Seed Production and Plant Propagation last February 17-18, 2021 at the Rural Development Education Center of ATI in this city.
The training was participated by 18 community and school leaders who were beneficiaries of ATI-assisted urban agriculture gardens. Specifically, from Don Jose Heights Homeowners Association Inc.; Lakas ng Nagkakaisang Kababaihan; Vista de Lago Condominium; Aurora A. Quezon Elementary School; Maligaya Elementary School; Melencio M. Castelo Elementary School; Placido Del Mundo Elementary School; Project 3 Elementary School; San Antonio Elementary School; Sta. Lucia High School; and Mountain Heights High School.
Michelle Calica and Ronald de Castro of the International Institute for Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) – an accredited national extension service provider of the Institute – discussed seed selection, extraction, drying, storage, and quality testing. They also conducted hands-on activity on seed sowing and plant propagation.
A pre- and post-test were administered to gauge the knowledge gained of the participants. As such, there was an average of 55% increase in knowledge among the participants. In this line, the participants were tasked to prepare an action plan that they will implement in their respective community/ schools.