Science know-how very important in agriculture
One can learn a lot from attending forums, whether free or paid, because there are very important information that can be obtained that can help farmers succeed in their farming activities.
At the recent Agribiz Kapihan at the Harbest Events Center at the Rizal Techno Park, for instance, Toto Barcelona emphasized the importance of science to aspiring as well as long-practicing farmers. While showing the modern roof-top commercial garden that he is developing, he explained why the farmer should know the science about the behavior or plants, fertilizers and other inputs as well as the effects of the changing climate.
By having knowledge about the science of farming, the fellow will be able to adopt the right strategies to address challenges in farming. In fertilizing plants, for instance, knowing how to achieve balanced plant nutrition will result in greater productivity as well as reduced cost of production.
An overdose of nitrogen fertilizers, especially during the rainy months, for example, will result in plants that are tall and succulent. Such plants are attractive to the attack of insects and are also prone to lodging when there are strong winds. Of course, lodging will reduce yields. And the overdose of fertilizer will add to the cost of production.
In running a farm for profit, big or small, the workers are the most important asset of the enterprise. In his own Harbest Agribusiness Corporation which distributes a wide range of farm imputs, Toto said that he prefers to hire young people who are hardworking and who are willing to learn the science behind various aspects of farming.
The different seed companies are effective in disseminating the improved technologies because they have technicians who conduct demo farms or who advice their customers on how to grow the improved crop varieties and also teach them about other modern inputs.