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[av_heading heading=’Time to develop next generation of farmers’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY JULIO P. YAP JR.
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January 15, 2018
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A TRAINING facility was established in the hinterland of Calatrava in Negros Occidental which aims to train the future generation of farmers in the Region.
Considering the present average age of the Filipino farmer which exceeds 50 years, the Multi-Sectoral Alliance for Development-Negros (MUAD-Negros) recognizes the need to train young people,thus theMUAD Upland Technology and Enterprise Development Center (MUTEC) was established.
Reynic Alo of MUAD-Negros says he sees the next generation of farmers as a critical force in sustaining food security and food safety, which will become even more challenging as the global population grows.
Alo says the MUTEC facility in Calatrava is expected to become a venue for technology transfer in the marginal lands of the town.
The property covers some15hectares of rolling hills, he added.
It was developed by MUAD-Negros with the support of Karl Kubel Stiftung, WP Schmitz, and BMZ Germany.
It is also a collaboration and in partnership with the local government unit of Calatrava.
It has now become the venue for training thesmall farmers on integrated and diversified farming technologies and agri-enterprise development.
This initiative is also supported by Telus Philippines and We Effect.
Since its start, the centerstarted to train young farmers and agri-entrepreneurs from the highlands of the 1st District of Negros Occidental.
Several out-of-school youth are now undergoing training on sustainable farming business.
The training modules being offered by the center include:
* Basic Principle and Practices on Sustainable Agriculture (Sustainable Farming System, and Production of Natural Inputs);
* Integrated Climate Adoptive and Regenerative Technology Designs, and Priority Commodities for value chain development, like papaya, banana, rice, onion, vegetables, green chicken, and root crops; and,
* Business Planning and Marketing, including financial literacy and savings.
The training modules are conducted through a series of lectures and actual field applications.
After completing all the theoretical input, the trainees will undergo actual field application in their own farms, with MUAD-Negros technicians as mentors.
The training is conducted in partnership with the Ecological and Agricultural Development Foundation (Eco-Agri), a non-stock, non-profit organization, and a vital arm of Bacolod City-based RU Foundry and Machine Shop Corporation (RUFMSC).
Eco-Agri supports workshops, educational teams, training, and technical assistance through RUFMSC.
Eco-Agri believes that the next generation of farmers play an important role in the future of the country’s food and agricultural systems.
RUFMSC’s research, education, and extension programs, which support the small farmers, have resulted in user-inspired andlife-changing technologies that would help improve and sustain rural economic growth.
Through the years, Eco-Agri has engaged its resources to provide greater support to the next generation of farmers by improving access to land and capital; creating new markets and market opportunities; sharing its life-changing technologies; and providing outreach, education, and technical support.
MUAD-Negros and Eco-Agri hope to extend the program inother parts of Negros.
The programis seen as an important step in helping the young people and the other sectors to haveaccess to the tremendous opportunities that the agriculture industry has to offer. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)
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