DAET, CAMARINES NORTE | February 10, 2023 – 20 Barangay Agricultural Extension Workers (BAEWs) learned the safe use of agricultural inputs and Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) during the Capability Enhancement Training of Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) at Wiltan’s Hotel, Daet, Camarines Norte on February 6-8, 2023.

The team promoted BFS as an alternative for inorganic fertilizer consumption since prices are still at their heights nowadays.

BFS is a program recommended by FPA and other DA agencies that applies the 4Rs in fertilization: Right Source, Right Placement, Right Amount, and Right Rate to help enhance soil health and productivity, prevent declining soil fertility, and improve fertilizer availability and costs.

Further, due to the pesticide poisoning cases reported to FPA, the team also equipped the AEWs with safe agricultural processes, especially the importance of reading the pesticide label and safe handling of the said products. It is important to note that awareness could serve as a precaution to avoid pesticide poisoning in the field.

Moreover, provincial officers warned the participants about the increasing number of fake and off-specification fertilizers in the market. They urged them to double-check the products through the FPA website.

Regional Officer (RO) Gabriel Atole led the discussion along with Provincial Officers (PO) Cris Legaspi and Winsor Nueva.

The training on the Capability Enhancement for Farmer Leaders: “Facts in Field: A Training on Pest and Nutrient Management for Barangay Agricultural Extension Worker (BAEW) aimed to train the participants with knowledge and skills on the updated pest and nutrient management in the field. ###