Farmers in Kalinga and Mountain Province are expected to improve their banana production with the three-month course for banana production via the School-On the-Air (SOA) program of the Department of Agriculture Cordillera (DA-CAR) in cooperation with radio stations DzRK Radyo Pilipinas Tabuk.
In launching the SOA for Banana program in Tabuk City on June 13 this year, 100 enrolled participants from Tabuk City and Paracelis, Mountain Province are set to undergo a 5-module training course that will feature technologies and planting methods to improve production.
The SOA on banana production is an innovative program to improve banana farming techniques to increase agricultural production.
Under Module 1 on “Introduction”, Subject Matter Specialist Professor Marfel Fontanilla introduced to the participants on the present state of banana plantations and production state in the country, the benefits of bananas, physiology and varieties, soil and climatic conditions in Paracelis and Tabuk City Kalinga, and banana propagation.
Under Module 2 on “Cultural Management Practices”, the farmers will be informed on land preparation and planting, nutrient management, irrigation and maintenance, specialized banana management practices, intercropping, and basic tools and equipment.
Module 3 will cover Crop protection and management will present to the farmers the different diseases and pests affecting banana production, symptoms, information on plants and harvest, and control measures.
Module 4 will educate farmers on harvesting and post-harvest including harvesting procedures, producing good quality bananas, proper packaging, value-adding opportunities, and by-product opportunities.
Module 5 or “Marketing Strategies and Approaches” will inform farmer’s record keeping, basic sales accounting, cost and return analysis), on-site practicum, and the awards for best performing practicumer.
Kalinga Provincial Agriculture Officer Engineer Domingo Bakilan said the launch of SOA will ensure the transfer of agricultural knowledge and technical information to its target farmer audiences that will contribute to better production.
The SOA for Banana participants has decided to schedule the airing of the program every 6-6:30 am daily over the said radio stations covering the said modules on an agreed date.** JTLlanes
