Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—The Dept. of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will give San Nicolas farmers a chance to enhance their knowledge and skills in growing highly in-demand vegetables and increase their productivity.
Through DAR’s specialized training courtesy, the Catuguing Farmers Association of Brgy. San Guillermo in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte is among the first recipients of the program in the province, according to Philippine Councilors League (PCL)-Ilocos Norte chapter president and ex-officio Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Domingo Ambrocio, who hails from San Nicolas town.
As chairperson of the committee on agriculture, Mr. Ambrocio said DAR and the municipal government of San Nicolas will be signing a memorandum of agreement for this purpose.
Under the DAR’s Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS), the department provides free training to selected farmers organizations to venture into sustainable agriculture.
In Ilocos Norte, DAR chose San Nicolas as a pilot site for organic vegetable production.
Like in various parts of the country, DAR is advocating to farmers that organic is better than conventional farming.
In partnership with farmers groups, demonstration farms are being established and the DAR provides a team of crop specialists to teach farmers the skills and know-how on the natural ways of farming to help promote a healthy environment. (Leilanie G. Adriano)
