To help Ilocano farmers improve their offseason tomato production, the Ilocos Norte-based Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) hosted a technology briefing at the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium-One Stop Information Shop on August 30.
Aimed to support local farmers in improving their tomato yield, the event drew 35 farmers from the municipalities of Burgos, Pasuquin, Vintar, Sarrat, Badoc and Pinili, along with several agricultural extension workers.
Marilou Lucas, MMSU director of the extension directorate, emphasized the importance of adopting new farming techniques to boost productivity and income.
“We conducted the technology briefing to help farmers embrace innovative practices that will not only improve their yield but also secure their livelihood,” Lucas said.
Highlighting the commitment of MMSU to support farmers through knowledge-sharing and training programs, Lucas said this endeavor has the backing of MMSU President Shirley Agrupis, who is also an incoming Commission on Higher Education commissioner, and Nathaniel Alibuyog, MMSU vice president for research, development and innovation.
Both from the MMSU Research Directorate, Jilves Jimenez and Jonathan Ramos discussed effective methods for breeding tomatoes during the offseason. Lew Vergel Ilaga, an expert in farm management, offered insights on maintaining accurate farm records to enhance farm operations.
Lucas said the initiative also aimed to “provide farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to improve tomato production during challenging periods.”
She said that through such efforts, MMSU continues to support sustainable agriculture and boost local farming productivity.
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