SM Foundation’s training produces better veggie farmers
From north to south, SM Foundation is teaching vegetable farmers the techniques of growing their own crops sans the use of pesticides, utilization of organic fertilizers, seeds selection and drip irrigation.
Through the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training Program, farmer-participants are maximizing the yield of their farm lots not only for their daily consumption but also to become entrepreneurs; others banding together to set up cooperatives to be able to compete with big business who are vegetable suppliers in supermarkets.
The training the farmers received has opened new opportunities for them to earn a living.
Recently, Batch 131 of KSK Urban Farmers’ Training Program in Baguio City held their harvest festival and graduation ceremony.
Fifty-nine participants from the Manuel Quezon Elementary School and Happy Hallow National High School finished the season-long training in partnership with HarBest Agribusiness Corp., SM Baguio, SM Supermarket Baguio and DSWD-CAR SLP and 4Ps.
A harvest festival in Barangay Aliwekwek, Lingayen, Pangasinan was also held early this month as Batch 127 Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan of SM Foundation.
Among the crops harvested were eggplant, gourd, sweet flavor cantaloupe, brilliant golden honeydew and Diana variety golden watermelon.
Going south, 101 participants in the farmers’ training program held their harvest festival in Zamboanga City.
The program conducted in partnership with Harbest Agribusiness, Go Negosyo, DSWD, DA and the local government of Zamboanga City aims to ensure food sufficiency and help spur the socio-economic development in the city.