FFS on Kabsaka technology produce 27 farmers
Twenty-seven farmers graduated from the Farmers Field School (FFS) on Kabsaka Technology in Brgy. Mandong, Batan, Aklan recently. The FFS is educating our farmers right in the field where the learning process takes place.
Mr. Edgar Baylon, Regional Hybrid Rice Coordinator of the Department of Agriculture said that the Kabsaka technology is introduced again in order to increase production, attain self sufficiency in rice. He stressed that the technology is applicable in rainfed areas where one can have two croppings of rice and corn, mungbean or other crops for the third cropping.
Mr. Delano Tefora, Provincial Agriculturist of Aklan, encouraged the farmer-graduates to share what they have learned in the farmers field school with those who have not attended. Mr. Tefora said that Brgy. Mandong is one of the cluster areas in Aklan under the Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA) rice program.
"KABSAKA" or Kabusugan sa Kaumahan was introduced in the 80's in the province of Iloilo. Through kabsaka technology, Iloilo became self-sufficient in rice and supplies other provinces. The kabsaka technology promotes biological control of pests under the integrated pest management (IPM).
The clustering approach under the GMA -- Rice program strengthens the farmers organizations in the barangays and linking them with other organizations in the municipality, province or up to the national level. Each cluster has interventions from the Department of Agriculture such as: seeds, fertilizer, credit, technical know-how, irrigation, mechanization, post-production and market.
A cluster is established in a contiguous area of 50 hectares. Initially, clustering will be done in areas served by the National Irrigation System (NIS) with existing irrigators' association. The technicians of the local government units are trained to provide social preparation in cluster formation. Through cluster, the farmers and agricultural technicians will work together in identifying problems in their communities.
The clustering approach enables the farmers to have assured technical assistance, greater access to credit and high quality seeds; fertilizer discount, assured water supply, access to post harvest facility and minimal market risk.
The province of Aklan has ten clusters, Antique -- three clusters, Guimaras -- four clusters, Capiz -- nine clusters and Iloilo has fifteen clusters.
(Theresa A. Gerafil/RAFID 6)