A HYBRID tomato variety developed by the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has proven resilient amid the wet season and back-to-back typhoons this year.
Jesslyn Keith Valite of MMSU Strategic Communication Office said this was showcased during a technology demonstration on Dec. 16 at Pastor Wilmar Miguel’s farm in Barangay Saricao in Vintar, Ilocos Norte, proving that fresh tomatoes can be enjoyed year-round.
Valite said the technology demonstration event was a collaboration involving MMSU through its Research and Extension Directorate, the Ilocos Norte provincial government through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, and the local government unit of Vintar.
MMSU Extension Director Marilou Lucas, Research Director Dionisio Bucao, Planning Director Marlowe Aquino, Monitoring and Evaluation Chief Sherlyn Nicolas, and other staff from the Research and Extension directorates joined the event.
Despite the wet season and back-to-back typhoons this year, the MMSU hybrid off-season tomatoes proved resilient. This was showcased during a technology demonstration at Pastor Wilmar Miguel’s farm in Barangay Saricao, Vintar, Ilocos Norte, on Dec. 16, 2024, proving fresh tomatoes can be enjoyed year-round. MMSU PHOTO
Farmers from the towns of Vintar, Burgos, Sarrat and Pasuquin in Ilocos Norte, along with agricultural technologists from their respective municipalities, also participated in the activity.
Valite said the tomatoes harvested at the event were planted in September using MMSU’s adaptable hybrid varieties (Varieties 1 and 3), specifically developed to thrive in the Ilocos Region’s climate.
She said the demonstration highlighted efficient farming techniques, such as mulching, trellising and precise nutrient management.
For her part, Lucas pointed out that the successful cultivation of off-season tomatoes could significantly enhance the livelihoods of local farming communities.
“With the consistent application of MMSU’s technology, the production of this tomato variety could achieve even greater success,” she said.
Miguel believes that cultivating MMSU hybrid off-season tomatoes has the potential to improve farmers’ livelihoods due to their “high yield and strong consumer preference.”
Serving as the farmer-partner in demonstrating the viability of growing off-season tomatoes, he emphasized the importance of ensuring the successful reproduction of this variety and advocated for its widespread distribution and production.
In 2021, Miguel graduated from MMSU’s School-on-the-Air (SOA) program, and since then, he and his team have actively participated in various university extension projects.
Launched in 2016, the MMSU SOA program has been dedicated to empowering farmers by enhancing their knowledge and skills in modern agricultural practices.
Valite said the initiative provides science-based, practical training to farmers across the region, promoting growth and innovation in agriculture.
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