Batac city: Several farmers here are learning new ways to boost their income through integrated coconut farming with the help of the government.
According to Philippines News Agency, Bernadeth Adones, training coordinator and owner of the Adones Integrated Farm in Barangay Payao, mentioned that a three-day training on coconut production and nursery establishment was facilitated by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in coordination with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).
Resource speakers from ATI and PCA provided technical guidance and facilitated interactive sessions. "At the end of the training, we hope to organize as a duly registered coconut farmer association and establish a coconut nursery to promote sustainable agricultural practices on integrated coconut farming," Adones said.
On the second day of the training, the 28 farmer-participants engaged in theoretical learning and workshops on planting layout, methodology, and fertilization techniques to maximize coconut yield. Basic record-keeping skills were also part of the curriculum.
The city government expressed its commitment to support the farmers and expand coconut cultivation in the villages of Sumader, Naguigarangan, Quiom, and Maipalig. "This initiative equips our kailians (constituents) with the knowledge and tools they need to boost coconut farming and promote sustainable agriculture in our city," Mayor Markee Chua stated.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged Congress to amend the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act to better meet farmers' needs. The Act, signed into law in February 2021, introduced reforms aimed at ensuring efficient utilization of the trust fund in line with the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan.
Starting this year, the national government aims to plant around 15 million hybrid coconuts and high-quality coconut seeds nationwide. The program involves various partner agencies and leverages modern farming techniques, improved varieties, and the power of science and technology to increase average coconut production from 40-45 nuts to 150 nuts per tree annually.
Source: Philippine News Agency
