LANTAPAN, Bukidnon (PIA)--A total of 22 training participants, consisting of agricultural extension workers, nursery operators, and learning site owners in Bukidnon, attended a five-day training organized by the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC)-10 through its Career Development and Management Services (CDMS).

The Training of Trainers on Nursery Establishment, Management, and Accreditation was conducted in partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry-National Seed Quality Control Services (BPI-NSQCS).

Lectures and interactive discussions on different plant propagation techniques, management practices in establishing a plant nursery, plant nursery accreditation, and plant material certification for quality planting materials were discussed with a hands-on activity at the end of the discussion proper.

One of the resource speakers is Binahon Agroforestry Farm (BAFF) owner Henry S. Binahon, an Extension Service Provider (ESP) of ATI. Binahon urged the training participants to start small and work their way up, since he started his agroforestry farm as a small nursery business.

The training also aims to equip participants to assist other nursery operators and farmers in their respective areas to become acquainted with the requirements for the renewal of and pass the accreditation of plant nursery establishment and management with BPI.

"Plant nursery training is essential for individuals who want to establish or manage a plant nursery. It involves learning various aspects of plant propagation, growth, and management, such as seed selection, germination, pest management, and water management. Overall, plant nursery training is crucial for the success of a plant nursery and the individuals who undergo this training", says young agripreneur and licensed agriculturist Numeriano Quemado III.

Representatives from BPI-NSQCS, Manilyn Z. Ofiana and Aquiah Renayong, talked about the new rules for accrediting and certifying nurseries. They also told the participants to get their existing nurseries accredited and certified, since the Department of Agriculture (DA) requires that all seedlings that are bought and given to LGUs be tagged.

After the training, the resource people went over each participant's individual action plan to make sure it fit with their work plan. The training took place at the Binahon Agroforestry Farm (BAFF) in Barangay Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon, March 13-17, 2023. (ATI-10/PIA-10)