THE City Government of San Fernando, through its City Agriculture and Veterinary Office (Cavo), kicked off over the previous week the observance of this year’s Farmers’ Week at a farm in Barangay Del Carmen.
Activities, including the Planting Festival and awarding of “Pinaka” winners, were held during the program participated by farmers and farmer leaders in the City of San Fernando.
Farmer representatives from Go Traktora Trading, a Tarlac-based supplier of agricultural equipment, led the Planting Festival, through a demonstration on the use of a government-owned mechanical rice transplanter.
According to Cavo Crop Division chief Engr. Francisco Cangco, there were some 40 kilograms of inbred rice variety that were transplanted in a hectare-wide part of the farm.
Based on the experiences of farmers, the use of a mechanized way of transplanting rice benefits them in many aspects, including the decrease of production and labor costs; and increase in income cost.
City Agriculturist Cristina Sangumay, for her part, said that they also adapted the use of contemporary modes of farming in a bid to address the lowering of number of individuals who are interested in farming.
“Hindi namulat yung mga kabataan sa kultura ng farming kaya, minsan, nahihirapan tayong kumuha ng mga magta-trabaho sa bukid. Ito yung naisip natin na tugon para ma-intensify yung farming sa siyudad,” Sangumay said.
Meanwhile, several farmers with extraordinary harvests were recognized during the Pinaka awarding, receiving cash prizes and certificates.
Awardees include Francisco Tancio of Del Rosario (Biggest/Heaviest Kalabasa); Danilo Sunga of San Pedro (Biggest/Heaviest Tilapia); Bernan Cunanan of Quebiawan (Biggest/Heaviest Papaya); and, Marcelino Musni of Telabastagan (Longest/Heaviest Malunggay).
Joining them were Jerry Cunanan of Quebiawan (Longest/Heaviest Talong); Sonny Pamintuan of Magliman (Biggest/Heaviest Kamote); Amando Fernando, Jr. of Bulaon (Biggest/Heaviest Mango); and, Vivian Manarang of Maimpis (Biggest/Longest Pakwan).
The Farmers’ Week celebration continues on May 15 with the Symposium on RA 11203 or the Philippine Rice Tariffication at Heroes Hall and on May 17-20 with the Agri Trade Fair at Poblacion area. (PR)