Friday, August 08, 2008 Agri workers tapped to spread GAP
THE Provincial Government of Benguet intensified its campaign on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to boost the vegetable industry's competitiveness.
Agricultural extension workers in the different municipalities are now being tapped to ensure that farmers acquire the appropriate knowledge on GAP.
The Provincial Government, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, initiated the training of extension workers on the GAP.
The training aims to teach more farmers on better and safer agricultural management.
Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan said improved agricultural practices are among the keys to ensure the survival of the province's vegetable industry.
Agriculture is one of the two major industries in Benguet, providing livelihood to about 80,000 households.
The training for the agricultural extension workers held recently focused on the production of safe and quality commodities.
It also dealt with the health and safety of the farmers.
The trainees will disseminate to their municipalities lessons they will learn from the 14 modules on GAP.
Fongwan said other than the farmers, municipal officials and agriculture officials must all be involved in the discussions of GAP.
Good agricultural practices include proper and regulated application of chemicals and pesticides on fruits and vegetables.
The Provincial Government is pressing the adoption of GAP by the farmers, to sustain the industry that produces 95 percent of the vegetables hauled to Metro Manila and other lowland provinces.
Close to 25,000 hectares of land in the province are devoted to vegetable and other crop production. (JC)
