SM Foundation launches farmers training program in Puerto Princesa

SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) is launching the 139th batch of Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan farmers training program last June 16, 2017 at the Palawan Agricultural Experimental Station(PAES) in Brgy. Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Farmers from the province who have enlisted to participate in the season-long (3 months) training on high value commercial vegetables production using the modern technology under the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Program, will benefit from the project which aims to help farmers improve and increase their productivity and income through application of modern technology like the use of plastic green house and mulch, use of organic fertilizers and organic pesticides. is initiated by SMFI in collaboration with HARBEST Agribusiness Corporation, the Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development the local government units.

The training program consists of lectures and hand-on training of the participants using the concept of the Farmers Field School, which is a group-based learning process that incorporates concepts and methods from agro-ecology, experiential education and community development. Participants will meet one whole day once a week for a total of 10 sessions.

HARBEST Agribusiness Corp. will provide the seeds and other inputs including the technology while the DA will provide technical assistance.

SM, with its chain of Hypermarket and Supermarket stores, will serve as the market arm for the successful farmer graduates of this training who will venture into commercial vegetable production. It is also hoped that with this program, local vegetable farmers would be able to produce quality vegetables for the local markets as substitute for vegetables brought in from other areas which are expensive. The Department of Social Welfare and Development will provide the added support to equip the farmers with the right attitude and knowledge to market their produce.

After the season long training, SMFI will hold the Harvest Festival, wherein farmer participants will harvest their produce. SMFI will hold the farmers graduation the next day .Farmer graduates will also have the chance to exhibit their products in the venue to give them the opportunity to sell their vegetables.