Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro — In a concerted effort to address improper fertilizer practices among corn farmers, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in the MIMAROPA region recently conducted a groundbreaking training program on “Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM).”

The three-day event, held at Lola’s Healthy Farm, aimed to equip participants with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills for optimizing maize production.

Revolutionizing Nutrient Management with NEMPh
At the heart of this initiative lies the Nutrient Expert® for Maize Philippines (NEMPh), a sophisticated decision support software.

NEMPh leverages site-specific principles to tailor fertilizer recommendations to individual fields and growing environments.

By harnessing digital technology, farm advisors can now fine-tune nutrient application strategies, ensuring optimal crop health and yield.

Four Modules, One Vision
The training program comprised four comprehensive modules:

1. Digital Agriculture Unleashed (Module 1): Participants delved into the transformative role of digital agriculture in modern farming practices. From precision planting to data-driven decision-making, this module emphasized the power of technology in shaping the future of agriculture.
2. Mastering SSNM Techniques (Module 2): Corn farmers learned practical techniques to enhance crop nutrition through site-specific approaches. By understanding soil variability and tailoring nutrient management, they gained tools to maximize yields sustainably.
3. Fertilizer Application and Seed Selection (Module 3): From heirloom varieties to hybrid seeds, this module explored the spectrum of options available to farmers. Participants engaged in lively discussions on best practices for fertilizer application, ensuring efficient resource utilization.
4. Navigating NEMPh (Module 4): The highlight of the training, Module 4 introduced participants to the NEMPh application. This cutting-edge tool empowers farmers with precise recommendations at their fingertips.

Leslie D. Aroc, an Agricultural Technologist from the Provincial Agriculture Office in Occidental Mindoro, praised NEMPh’s efficiency: “With a single click, we access tailored advice and results. During our training, we encountered minor challenges using the app, but improvements will undoubtedly make it an invaluable resource.”

Commitment to Knowledge Sharing
Participants not only absorbed knowledge but also pledged to pay it forward. Re-entry plans were submitted, ensuring that the training’s impact reverberates across localities.

A total of 21 Agricultural Extension Workers and 10 farmer leaders emerged from the program, poised to revolutionize nutrient management practices in the province.

As Leslie D. Aroc aptly summarized, “Ang SSNM, napakalaking tulong sa mga magsasaka” (SSNM is a tremendous help to farmers). The promise of precision agriculture now rests in the hands of those who till the soil, armed with newfound expertise and digital tools.

Source: ATI MIMAROPA