MARAGUSAN, DAVAO DE ORO | September 16, 2022 – Sixty (60) indigenous farmers from the Mandaya tribe attended the Package of Technology (POT) training on vegetable production at Brgy. Langgawisan Function Hall, Maragusan, Davao De Oro on September 16, 2022.

The training emphasized the proper application of fertilizer and pesticides (f/p), disposal of empty pesticide containers, and the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) in accordance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). It also aimed to update and enhance the awareness and knowledge of indigenous farmers on the GAP from their current conventional type of farming.

Provincial Officer (PO) Rustom Gain Tanduyan discussed the topics involving Environmental Management and Worker’s Health, Safety and Welfare, and BFS.

He also explained the reasons behind the fertilizer price increase. In his discussion, he highlighted that the global fertilizer crisis is due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on travel and shipping, high fuel prices in the global market, prioritization of fertilizer-producing countries for local distribution, and the Russian-Ukraine war.

PO Tanduyan also reminded the farmers to be vigilant of the proliferation of fake fertilizers and pesticides and to only patronize legit fertilizer and pesticide products from FPA-licensed dealers.

The program was organized by the Provincial Agriculture’s Office under the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), headed by Ms. Jesyl P. Gutierrez, together with the Maragusan Agriculture’s Office Mr. Jomen Balico and Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority Provincial Officer Mr. Rustom Gain Tanduyan. ###