BAFS holds focus group discussion to start sustainable spinach production in Capiz towns

The Department of Agriculture – Western Visayas and the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) conducted a three-day Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at selected municipalities of Capiz Province on March 4 to 7. Farmers from the municipalities of Sigma, Dumalag, and Cuartero were selected to take part during the activity which aimed to assess local farming conditions and ensure alignment with established agricultural standards.

BAFS representatives Jerilee Sabariaga and Krisha Decena facilitated the gathering of essential data on plant species, soil quality, farming techniques, and environmental factors affecting spinach production. Though spinach is not a usual term for the local farmers, they have provided samples of kulitis, kudyapa and alogbati which are the local terms of different kinds of spinach located all over the region, for comparison to the description BAFS provided.

Table discussions regarding the samples, were conducted by Dr. Aljen Vasquez, of the Research Division. The findings from this FGD will contribute to improving cultivation methods and promoting sustainable farming practices in the region.

This initiative underscores the commitment of BAFS and the DA Research Division to enhance agricultural productivity while ensuring compliance with national farming standards.### Text and Photos by Vivien Nimue Almalbis/DA-RAFIS 6