Farmers field day highlights community empowerment to boost bulb onion farming in San Joaquin, Iloilo

Farmers from the different barangays in San Joaquin, Iloilo gathered at the Farmers Field Day and Onion Harvest Festival in Barangay Mayunoc aimed at promoting bulb onion production, showcased the dedication and ingenuity of local farmers like Dexter Miague of Bagumbayan, Miagao, Iloilo.

Miague, a farmer cooperator, made the journey to Barangay Mayunoc in pursuit of fertile land and a reliable water source. With 1.5 hectares under cultivation, Miague recognized the potential of the area for bulb onion production. 

Miague’s venture into onion farming exemplifies the spirit of resilience and adaptation among Filipino farmers. Despite challenges such as fluctuating market prices and unpredictable weather patterns, Miague remains committed to his craft. 

“Farming demands patience and persistence, but seeing the fruits of your labor is immensely rewarding. When cultivating onions, it’s crucial to meticulously select fertile land and maintain consistent monitoring. We must nurture our crops attentively to ensure their success,” Miague highlighted.

The Farmers Field Day and Onion Harvest Festival provided a venue for farmers to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and learn about the latest agricultural techniques. The activity offered valuable insights to attendees, empowering them to enhance their farming practices.

Local government officials and agricultural experts lauded the efforts of farmers in embracing new technologies and sustainable farming methods. 

Meanwhile, the success of events like this highlights the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in agriculture. By working together and harnessing innovation, they can ensure the success in the farming communities of the municipality.

Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member Reynaldo Magbanua expressed gratitude to the Department of Agriculture and Farmer Cooperator Miague for providing an invaluable opportunity to Barangay Mayunoc and the municipality’s farmers. This initiative not only encourages land cultivation but also promotes the cultivation of crops resilient to drought and heat, essential for agricultural sustainability. SB Magbanua also reiterated their commitment to supporting the Department of Agriculture’s programs for the benefit of local farmers.

Furthermore, Jonifer Frades, DA-WV Regional HVCDP Focal Person, highlighted the success of Mr. Miague’s onion cultivation, underscoring the potential for onion farming in San Joaquin. Frades emphasized the Department of Agriculture’s unwavering support to further develop and expand onion farming across Western Visayas.

The activity represents a collaborative effort of the Department of Agriculture Western Visayas (DA-WV), a private seed company, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Joaquin, Iloilo. # (Text by: MSSubang with CFLauresta/DA-RAFIS 6 | Photos by: AMSTabura/DA-RAFIS 6)