Banna: More farmers are gaining knowledge and practical skills in organic agriculture through training programs conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The Provincial Training Center of TESDA in Banna, Ilocos Norte offers a scholarship program on organic agriculture production to equip farmers, aspiring agricultural workers, and other participants with practical skills in sustainable farming.

According to Philippines News Agency, the 29-day training covers key aspects of organic agriculture, including soil fertility management, compost and organic fertilizer production, natural pest and disease control, crop planning, seed selection, and environmentally friendly farming techniques. 'This is in support of the government's efforts to promote sustainable farming and improve agricultural productivity,' Crisner Lagazo, a TESDA-accredited trainer and owner of Crisner Integrated Farm in Barangay Sulbec, Pasuquin, told the agency on Friday.

Participants will also receive hands-on instruction on good agricultural practices that promote healthy crops while conserving natural resources. At the Banna training center alone, eight batches with 25 participants each have completed the organic production National Certification II level from January to June this year. Other TESDA-accredited training centers in the province offer the same, on top of other in-demand skills training programs.

Marinel Marcos, TESDA specialist and training focal person, said the program is designed to help farmers improve productivity, reduce dependence on synthetic farm inputs, and produce safe, high-quality agricultural products that meet growing consumer demand for organically grown food. Aside from technical skills, the training introduces participants to farm enterprise management, enabling them to explore livelihood and agribusiness opportunities through organic farming.

Among the latest beneficiaries of the scholarship program were 25 farmers from Burgos, who attended basic orientation and briefing prior to the start of the hands-on training program. With the rising cost of agricultural inputs, Burgos farmers said they look forward to gaining more knowledge and techniques to help them lower production costs, improve soil health, and adopt more climate-resilient farming practices.