Ilocos norte: Off-season tomato farmers in Ilocos Norte continue to receive aid from the government's technical experts to ensure they deliver positive results during the harvest season despite inclement weather.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Menissa Antonio, a plant genetic resources specialist, confirmed this after recently leading a team of experts from the state-run Mariano Marcos State University's Research and Extension Directorate in monitoring the progress of the production of off-season tomato varieties. During field visits on October 1 and 2, the monitoring team assessed the crop conditions following the recent tropical cyclones that hit Northern Luzon and provided onsite technical support to help farmers sustain production.

Dr. Antonio stated that educational materials on crop management and pest control were distributed to the farmers to aid them in maintaining their crops. The MMSU and the provincial government of Ilocos Norte have partnered to expand the production of off-season tomatoes this year.

The hybrid off-season tomato production initiative covers seven local government units-Badoc, Bacarra, Burgos, Currimao, Pasuquin, Sarrat, and Vintar-and 10 organizations. Participating farmers receive fertilizers, fungicides, plastic mulch, and continuous guidance from technical experts to ensure successful crop yields.

Last year, farmers in Sarrat and Vintar who adopted the tomato off-season technology of MMSU were able to demonstrate that fresh tomatoes can be available all year round.