Empowering calamansi farmers: Balik Scientist lead training on pest management

To further enhance the skills and knowledge of calamansi farmers, the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) organized a    training program featuring Dr. Narceo B. Bajet, a distinguished crop protection expert. The “Training on Calamansi Insect Pests and Diseases Management” was conducted from August 1-3, 2023, and participated by 62 farmers and Agricultural Extension Workers coming from the different municipalities of Oriental  Mindoro.

Dr. Bajet, a seasoned plant pathologist and Balik Scientist, brought a wealth of experience to the training. He was a former faculty member of the College of Agriculture of the University of the   Philippines – Los Baños, and a senior scientist in Eurofins STA Laboratories in Colorado, USA.

The training kicked off with an insightful lecture by Dr. Bajit on the identification, prevention, control, and management of calamansi diseases. He provided farmers with crucial insights into recognizing and addressing potential threats to their crops. The second and third days of the program featured field visits to calamansi farms in Calapan, Naujan, Victoria, and Socorro, offering participants a hands-on learning experience in disease identification, detection, and diagnosis. During the field visits, Dr. Bajit shared practical tips on effective management and control measures for calamansi diseases.

Adding to the expertise of the training, Mr. Solo Arman Mercene, a Fulbright Scholar and former entomologist from the Regional Crop Protection Center, also served as a resource speaker.

The initiative reflects the continued dedication of PAGO to boost the resilience and productivity of the calamansi industry. Apart from emphasizing the importance of continuous learning  PAGO is continually providing intervention for calamansi farmers through distribution of agri-inputs, plastic crates, and farm equipment.