Villar Foundation, PhilMech launch free training on mechanized rice farming
The training includes sharing information about the Rice Tariffication Law and the programs it funds for the benefit of farmers.
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The training includes sharing information about the Rice Tariffication Law and the programs it funds for the benefit of farmers.
The Villar Foundation has partnered with the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) to train farming trainors on using modern farming technology for free.
PhilMech is an agency under the Department of Agriculture that leads research, development, extension, and commercialization of agricultural and fishery mechanization and postharvest technologies.
The free training, to be conducted at the Foundation’s farm in Bacoor, Cavite, aims to help farmers increase their yields, lower production costs and boost their income.
VF co-founder and managing director, former Senator Cynthia Villar, said the training includes sharing information about the Rice Tariffication Law and the programs it funds for the benefit of farmers, such as the distribution of farm machinery, high-quality inbred seeds, training programs, direct financial assistance, and support for composting facilities through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management.
“With the right knowledge, adequate support, and modern technology, we can further empower our farmers toward a more productive, resilient and prosperous agricultural sector,” read a post of VF on Facebook.
Villar and PhilMech’s acting chief-TMTD Engr. Domingo R. Miranda graced the first day of the training at the VF’s farm school, which is also the training venue of other agri trainors on vegetable farming, aquaculture and carabao breeding.
For the PhilMech training, trainors will be taught on how to operate a mechanical rice transplanter, a machine that automatically picks up seedlings from the trays mounted behind the operator, separate small groups of seedlings at a controlled rate, insert the seedlings into the soft soil at regular depths, and plant them in evenly spaced rows, producing a more uniform field than hand transplanting.
