Importance of techno-demo farms
AT E C H N O L O G Y demonstration ( techno- demo) farm was established in Barangay Concepcion in Lumban town, Laguna, in an effort to revitalize vegetable production in the area and to assist the farmers in gaining knowledge on modern farming methods. The techno- demo farm was initiated by Melvin R. Dollano, a member of the Laguna Vegetable Industry Livelihood Council, in partnership with the Allied Botanical Corporation (ABC).
The one-hectare techno-demo farm has been planted to different varieties of vegetables and high- value crops.
In an objective of orienting the farmers on modern farming methods, a one-day harvest festival and field day was organized.
The activity, which was recently held, was attended by around 100 farmers coming from the different barangays of Lumban, and from the nearby municipalities.
According to Leo Mondragon, the Region-4A area sales manager of ABC, the techno-demo farm was used as a learning field where the participants showcased improved technologies and compared them with the usual farmer’s practice.
By applying the knowledge they have learned, the farmers need not go far like research centers to acquire knowledge and skills on modern farming.
The farmer- participants saw for themselves the advantages of applying modern farming technologies to improve the production of their respective farms.
The project was also supported by t he Lumban municipal agriculturist’s office, as well as the provincial agriculturist’s office of Laguna.
Among the vegetables planted in the farm include the Saturn F1 hybrid calabasa, Spitfire F1 hybrid eggplant, Hi-Brix F1 hybrid super sweet corn, Greenstar pole sitao, Negostar pole sitao, Trident
F1 hybrid ampalaya, Pinatubo F1 hot chilli pepper, and Panigang Best hybrid pepper, and Bangkok F1 cucumber, among many others.
Production of high- value commercial crops like the super sweet corn, cucumber, eggplant, and others in the open field could become a very profitable venture.
Among the high- value crops that gained the interest of the farmers is the Hi-Brix F1 hybrid super sweet corn because of its large ear, excellent husk cover, ear leaf, and its sweetness and tenderness.
Establishment of techno-demo farms should be replicated in other areas so as to improve further the production of the local farmers.
Techno-demo farms could help in uplifting the livelihood of the farmers.
Locally produced crops are much cheaper and fresher than those coming from other areas.
Farmers should be convinced that by applying new technologies, t hey could greatly help i n maintaining food security in their respective areas.
After all, even the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations said that “food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food which meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.”/