Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University- South La Union Campus has partnered with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to bring its research-based training on off-season tomato and pepper production last January 27, 30, and 31 in Sto. Tomas, Agoo, and Bangar, La Union respectively. 

Reaching a total of 50 beneficiaries across different sites and dates, the three-day agricultural production training was sponsored by the National Irrigation Administration, Agoo, La Union.

The off-season production of tomato and pepper comes as a result of research studies that test the viability of lowland vegetables’ growth in the rainy season or with much rainfall. The training aims to help local vegetable growers attain higher yields and profit with lower production cost and more efficient pest management. Other topics which included return demonstrations and hands-on exercises include seed variety selection and nursery management, land preparation, plastic mulch installation, transplanting and trellising, fertilizer management, and harvesting comprised the afternoon sessions of the three-day series.

Prof. Ferdinand M. Navarro, CA Extension facilitator Mr. Johnny F. Corcha, and Science Research Analyst Mr. Steve S. Serrano served as resource speakers and facilitators for the duration of the immersive training. Ms. Gloria Casipit of NIA, Agoo, La Union graced the training while other NIA staff assisted on the third day. (by Ronald Bustos)