TARLAC CITY (PIA) -- Department of Agriculture (DA) and Tarlac Agricultural University teamed up for the Sustainable Mechanized Agriculture for Research and Technology (SMART) Agriculture Derby and Harvest Festival.

A total of four companies namely Allied Botanical Corporation, Enviro Scope Synergy Inc, Ramgo International Corporation, and Texicon Agri Venture Corporation accepted the challenge of planting vegetables under greenhouse conditions.

DA Regional Executive Director Crispulo Bautista Jr. highlighted the importance of the activity in boosting crop development in the country.

“This activity aims to serve as a platform in the exchange of ideas, information, techniques, and best practices in planting vegetables as well as to educate our consumers in choosing the right quality of crops and products,” Bautista said.

Participants in the SMART Agriculture Derby and Harvest Festival demonstrated the quality of their crops and expertise in planting red bell pepper, cherry tomato, onion, lettuce, and cucumber.

Visitors, on the other hand, analyzed and compared the different produce, their resistance to disease, taste, and form.

Moreover, about 80 students and farmers received free training on crop production using new and various technologies from the four companies.

Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss attended the activity held at the SMART Agriculture Center. The center was funded by MASHAV which is Israel’s official international development cooperation program. (CLJD/GLSB-PIA 3)