Cebu farmers learn new techniques
Over 100 farmers from Cebu who participated in SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training ( KSK- FT) program are now eager to apply new farming techniques and skills through the formation of a cooperative.
Batch 91 members of the KSK-FT have been enlightened on the opportunities of utilizing their idle lands to uplift their standard of living and pursue sustainable agriculture.
The farmers have enough space for farming in their backyards and on the mountain slopes.
The program was launched last March with 147 individuals signifying their intent to learn new vegetable farming techniques. However, only 121 were able to finish the training. Participants came from four barangays from the city of Talisay and the municipality of Minglanilla.
Estimated number of beneficiaries of the KSK-FT program is 605 including the immediate family members of the farmer-participants. Of these, 55 belong to the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
The program aims to upgrade the agricultural knowledge of small-scale farmers in order to produce quality, safe, high-value, and high-yielding fruits and vegetables while teaching them to become self-sufficient.
For 12 weekly sessions, KSK-FT participants are trained on the proper way of planting through lessons in modern farming methods and technologies. Sessions also include values formation, capability building and social entrepreneurship.
Farmers are also provided opportunities to create market linkages through the SM Food Group’s suppliers.
The KSK-FT program is in partnership with Harbest Agribusiness Corp., the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Agriculture.