AFTER learning the techniques in farming, farmers in Barangay Buenavista in Carcar City now have modern farming tools to increase their production and make farm work easier.
Gov. Hilario Davide visited corn plantations in Barangay Buenavista last Monday, where he distributed a portable corn mill and livestock.
Sixty-six farmers in the village who have joined the Farmer Scientist Training Program (FSTP) were among those who waited for the governor to show him improvements in their farm after implementing what they learned in the training.
Felix Lapaz, president of the Buenavista Farmers Association, led the farmers in showing Davide their foot-long corn.
The governor joined the farmers to check out the farms, one of which is owned by FSTP farmer Mario Satueta, who showed the visitors his odorless pig pens, goats and cow pens. They then proceeded to the demonstration farms of FSTP trainees.
In the demo farm, Provincial Agriculture Office head Dr. Roldan Saragena showed Davide how corn plant rows are intercropped with camote vines, mongo and peanuts.
Other vegetables are also planted in between corn rows.
Benefits
“This is good for us because it means additional income for the farmers,” said 20-year-old Efren Lapaz, who finished the first of the three phases of FSTP.
The FSTP emphasizes the use of high-yield seeds, proper way of applying fertilizers, planting distance and density, inter-cropping, multi-cropping and other agricultural techniques.
Rebecca Jayme, 49, who is set to finish the third phase of FSTP this year, said her corn yield increased by 75 percent after implementing what she learned from the training.
The farms in Buenavista produce at least 1,000 kilos of squash every month.
After the governor and city officials delivered their speech, 58-year-old farmer Fructosa Calledo bravely stood up in front of 80 farmers and Capitol and city officials to ask something from the governor.
She asked Davide if her organization can borrow a pair of livestock that they can raise and breed for their livelihood.
“Sure, I will tell the Veterinary Office to provide you with the goat and cattle,” said Davide.
The governor also promised to send a tent to replace the worn-out one that they are using, as well as a portable corn mill.
“This will be useful, at least you won’t have to go elsewhere for corn milling,” said Davide.
Saragena said the portable mill is capable of processing 200 kilos of corn per hour.
Davide also told the farmers about the P1 million financial aid given to local government units through its chief executive intended for the FSTP.
As for the farm animals, he said he will coordinate with Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy and find out what livestock is available for dispersal.
Davide also distributed high-yield vegetable seeds, hi-breed camote vines and cassava sticks for planting. The crops were brought by his uncle, Capitol consultant Dr. Romulo Davide.
From Carcar, Davide proceeded to Oslob town to grace the opening of the town’s 8th Municipal Heritage Week celebration.
The activity highlights the town’s famous Spanish Cuartel, its 13 moro watch towers and Spanish churches surrounded by stone fence made of coral stones.