The DA-10 Research Division/ Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) Farmers’ Field Days and Technology Forum is a major annual event which aims to exhibit research results and technology options for agricultural development.
Humble beginnings
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| A walk-through around DA-10 Research Division during batches of field tours. |
In the early 1990s, the DA-10 Research Division/NMACLRC (then NOMIARC) began its advocacy for widened dissemination of agricultural technologies thru the conduct of its first farmers' field days - the then First Seed Caravan in 1994, initiated by the Agriculture Support Service Project of the Department of Agriculture, the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) and the University of the Philippines - Los Baños (UPLB) Institute of Plant Breeding. The event focused on rice and corn production technologies and convened some farmers and participants from Barangay Dalwangan and from adjacent barangays in Malaybalay City and nearby towns.
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| The Edible Landscape, a model home garden showcasing the maximized use of area thru aesthetic planting of vegetables, medicinal plants, spices and herbs. |
From then on, the farmers event has become an annual gathering that convene around three thousand farmers and participants from Region 10, Mindanao and the country every year.
Highlights for this year
The event is now on its 22nd year – a significant milestone that started with only a handful participants some twenty years ago, but which has now grown to become one the most widely-participated agricultural showcases and farmers forum in the country today. This year’s theme: “Two Decades of Technology Development and Transfer: Bridging A Progressive Northern Mindanao towards ASEAN Competitiveness” - setting agricultural development within reach, with the support of local and international R&D partners, local government units, state universities and colleges, and communities that has made the DA-10 Research Division’s agricultural development initiatives worthwhile.
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| A showcase of the best livestock breeds, thru the DA-10 NMACLRC for livestock - the Malaybalay Stock Farm |
Technologies for demonstration are all laid on ground in the Research Division Agri Garden as the live technology showroom in a green environment set against the lush landscape of Mt. Kitanglad. Such a conducive learning environment where participants witness a garden planted according to benefits on food, health and wellness.
Furthermore, among the highlights of this year’s event is the launching of the following recently constructed infrastructure projects:
1.The Multipurpose Organic Research and Development (R&D) Center which serves as the venue for Research, Development and Extension (RDE) activities that promote Organic Agriculture technologies, products and diversified farming systems.
2.The Agricultural Crops Processing Center as the processing facility of value-added products on agricultural crop commodities. Product development technologies and innovations are promoted to provide alternative livelihood and income for farmers, rural households and communities.
3.The Upgraded Entrance Gate with sanitation facility (wheel and footbath w/ disinfectant), guard house, road network and street lighting system which serves as a support infrastructure that strengthens the Research Division’s aesthetic appeal and capacity on integrated crops and livestock research and production projects, ensuring quality of services delivered.
Meanwhile, high-value and indigenous vegetables, medicinal plants, spices and herbs are featured at the Edible Landscape and Indigenous Vegetable Farm, all showcased as models for establishing self-nurturing household gardens. Also, the Livestock Display of the NMACLRC for Livestock - the Malaybalay Stock Farm showcase different breeds of cattle, sheep and goat and demonstrate livestock castration, semen collection, dehorning, artificial insemination (AI) for genetic improvement and milking of dairy cattle.
All these provide the participants a glimpse on "a little of everything" about agriculture - grains, vegetables, rootcrops, legumes, poultry, livestock, fish. Company and product exhibits are also unveiled to showcase the latest farming trends and technologies. Meanwhile, technology consultations and agri clinic sessions, livelihood opportunities and marketing partnerships with investors and private sector are also molded during the event.
And DA-10 Research Division couldn't set the curtains down but to share needs-responsive technologies and services to table.
The driving force is for farming communities to reach their full potential. The challenge is enormous, but the DA-10 Research Division is not laid back on its laurels. Moving forward to another decade of Farmers’ Field Days, more opportunities for technology and knowledge sharing will be offered to farming communities in Region 10 and the country.#
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