Farm Box Agriventures and SEARCA empowers local farmers through Food and Agricultural Training

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Farm Box Agriventures and SEARCA empowers local farmers through Food and Agricultural Training

by Farm Box Sprout Blogs

To narrow the gap in the farmers’ skills and knowledge in food and agriculture, Farm Box Agriventures and Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) conducted training on Modern Livestock Farming, High-Value Crop Farming, and Food Processing and Management at Haraya PH, Balayan, Batangas, June 21.

The project was launched through SEARCA’s Grants for Research Towards Agricultural Innovative Solutions (GRAINS). The program offers short-term starter funds for collaborative actions aimed at transformative innovations for more sustainable agriculture and rural development across Southeast Asia.

“Malaking tulong po sa amin itong ganitong programa, kasi mahirap po talagang humanap ng pera para po maitaguyod ang aming hanapbuhay. Natutulungan din po kami sa dapat naming gawin sa mga alaga namin. Masaya po kami na isa po kami sa mga napili para sa programang ito,” said Maricel Magnaye, one of the local farmer recipients of Farm Box.

The training was attended by 22 local farmers from Calaca and Balayan Batangas. The participants were given training on Modern Livestock Farming, High Value Crops Farming and Food Processing and Management.

In Livestock Farming Training, the attendees learned advanced and sustainable methods of livestock farming, animal welfare and ethical practices will also be emphasized to ensure responsible and environmentally friendly farming. While in High-Value Crop Farming, the training focused on cultivating specialty crops that offer excellent returns and a competitive edge in the market. The local farmers were also taught of sustainability practices such as sustainable pest management practices, and hydroponics was explored to maximize crop productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

Moreso, participants also learned about understanding the importance of value addition and agro-processing, this segment concentrates on teaching farmers how to transform their raw produce into high-quality processed goods. The goal is to help farmers extend the shelf life of their products, reduce waste, and create premium offerings that can fetch better prices in the market.

“What we want is to help our local farmers ease their burden every farming season. We want our farmers to focus on what they do best - farming. Then, we also want to upscale our farmers, upgrade their knowledge and skills. And lastly, increase the income of our local farmers by offering training, quality farming inputs and assistance on marketing and selling their produce,” said Lester Mendoza, founding farmer of Farm Box.