The Training-Workshop and Handbook Development for Integrated Pest Management for Fall Armyworms ended on a productive note as Dr. Ravindra Joshi, Entomologist and Volunteer Expert, trained local farmers in integrated pest management.
In partnership with the University of Tennessee - Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Central Philippines State University - Farmer-to-Farmer: Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (CPSU F2F ALOFT) brought Dr. Joshi to the university to help address problems that local farmers face.
The training-workshop was facilitated by the CPSU’s Research and Development Services (RDS) headed by its Director Angelie Rose L. Lumba, Ph.D, and the Extension and Community Services (ECS) headed by Director Jimmy O. Degillo, Ph.D, with the technical support of the CPSU F2F ALOFT headed by Country Director, Dr. Manuel C. Palada.
Conducted from December 3 until December 5, 2024, the training-workshop was held at the university’s Research Development and Extension Center Conference Room and site visits at Purok Bantolinawon, and Purok Kanding of Barangay Camingawan, Kabankalan City.
Dr. Joshi led the farmers in conducting a field inspection, observation, and assessment to have a glimpse of the actual entomological situations in the local farmlands—teaching farmers how to assess their lands effectively, conducting lectures about pest management, and engaging farmers in a workshop for the community-based surveillance system.
In a news article by the Philippines News Agency, it was reported that the infestation of armyworms in 18 local government units as of August 2024 affected 3,377.61 hectares tilled by 5,256 farmers, and accumulated agricultural loss amounting to PHP50.238 million.
Integrated pest management is one of the areas of concern that CPSU F2F ALOFT identified after meeting with various organizations in the earlier months of 2024, aiming to provide technical assistance to the agricultural sector and institutions.
Funded by the USAID and in partnership with the UT - Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture, CPSU F2F ALOFT is bridging the gap between grassroots farmers and foreign subject matter or field experts to capacitate and increase the knowledge of Negrense farmers for a more food-secure Negros and Philippines.
