Sigma ROS Farmer’s Field Day push for upland farming and sweet potato production

The Department of Agriculture – Western Visayas Research Outreach Station (ROS) in Malapad Cogon, Sigma, Capiz, recently celebrated their 12th Farmer’s Field Day which showcased technologies on upland farming and potato production. The event brought together Capiz local farmers and stakeholders who witnessed the agricultural advancements and innovations inside the station.

Benito P. Labindao Chief of Sigma ROS said that event focused on the importance of food production and reduce importation thereby ensuring sufficiency at the local level. He further highlighted that the department is continuously supporting this movement to find solution on flooding tackling cases of lowland and developed new ways to adapt to upland farming as an option for continuity of efficiency for future generations.

Engr. Jackson Demamay OIC-Chief of Western Visayas Agricultural Research Center (WESVIARC) helped farmers understand the abnormalities of climate change and its impacts on our fields. Demamay meticulously specified that we should study these traits to be more prepared in times of farming hardships, and remain resilient throughout the changing seasons. He highlighted that the farming habits that we were used to, a long time ago, are already not applicable to modern times.

“Why don’t we try it? Mag adapt kita sang innovations para maka-iwas man sa kaperdihan (of our crop planting). Mag bisita kita sa aton mga agricultural research stations para makabalo kita sang mga bag-o nga mga teknolohiya ukon resulta sang aton mga pag tuon,” encouraged Demamay.

Vivien Nimue Quimpo of the Regional Agricultural and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) took part in inviting farmers to continuously follow updates, advisories and announcements through the official DA-Western Visayas social media and web pages. Quimpo purposefully shared that it is easy to access additional Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials and learn more DA Certified guides on a digital spectrum.

Christopher De Capote of High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), shared his announcements regarding the validated solar-powered verification systems, and seed supplies. He also noted that in 2025, their Gulayan sa Bayan program will allocate interventions for vegetable farming and production in every town.

Further insights were shared by Regional Technical Director, Zarlina B. Cuello, highlighting that ROS Sigma is one of the upland farming centers approved by the DA as a reserve for situations in which lowland farming areas are a challenge or prone to disasters. This highland area is a peak for research and development to find new ways to improve farming, and be resilient in times of calamities. Cuello mentioned that Region 6 has a lot of potential in terms of farming, and that we should support and build better ways to cultivate the land.

The afternoon session consisted of a wide overview of sweet potato farming. Geson R. Fuentes, Farm Superintendent II of ROS Sigma, shared valuable information, tips and guides in building, nurturing and processing sweet potatoes. Fuentes covered aspects on cultivating, including soil preparation, optimal planting techniques, and post-harvest handling. He emphasized the crop’s potential and sustainability as an option for local farmers.

Participants engaged in discussions about marketing opportunities and value-added products, highlighting the role of sweet potatoes in enhancing food security in the region. Overall, the experience opened more opportunity for farmers, enhancing their potential to know and nurture their land, one sweet potato at a time. ###(texts and photos by VNOQuimpo)