MAFAR EMPOWERS THE WORKFORCE WITH ADVANCED TRAINING ON NEXTGEN AGRICULTURAL PROTOCOLS FOR ENHANCED PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform recently conducted a comprehensive training session on Participatory Performance Testing and Validation (PPTV), experimental design, and project implementation to enhance its workforce’s and stakeholders’ capabilities, held on December 12-13, 2023, at Em Manor Hotel, Cotabato City.
The activity, spearheaded by the Research Development and Extension Services under the leadership of Director II Tong A. Abas, aimed to equip participants with advanced knowledge and skills crucial for the successful implementation of agricultural projects.
Elvie C. Betonio, Science Research Specialist II, played a pivotal role in the training, expressing gratitude towards the enthusiastic participants. Their engagement and commitment were essential for the program’s success, reflecting the dedication of individuals involved in agricultural research and development.
The two-day training/retooling covered various topics crucial to effective agricultural research and development specifically research on varietal adaptability. One of the key focal points was the NextGen PLUS Protocol, with a specific emphasis on Field Plot Techniques and guidelines. This session provided participants with insights into optimizing performance testing and validation processes, ensuring that research methodologies align with the latest industry standards.
Rustum Braceros from PhilRice Central Office took center stage to discuss the NextGen Field Books for Data Collection. This presentation showcased innovative tools designed to streamline and enhance the accuracy of data collection, reinforcing the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technology in agricultural research.
Further enriching the training were discussions led by Fitzgerald Cabiltes from the PhilRice Central Office. Topics spanned from Fertilizer Computation, including pests and diseases management and data analysis. This segment gave participants a comprehensive understanding of factors influencing crop health and productivity. Mr. Rustum Braceros added other topics on preference analysis and sensory evaluation which farmers and other stakeholders as consumer preferences.