NIA ANTIQUE IMO AND PSTO REGION VI EMPOWER LOCAL FARMERS WITH BANANA, MUSHROOM, AND TARO PROCESSING TRAINING

On November 11-12, 2024, the National Irrigation Administration - Antique Irrigation Management Office conducted a two-day training on banana, mushroom, and taro processing at the Farmer’s Training Center, NIA Compound, San Jose, Antique.

The training aimed to empower members of the Sibalom-Hamtic Irrigators Association (SIHAMSA) and Sibalom-San Jose Farmers Irrigators Association (SBFIA) with new skills in value-added agricultural products. Supported by the Antique Provincial Science & Technology Office (PSTO) Region VI, the event featured Mr. Charles Feb Q. Palla as the resource speaker, with assistance from Ms. Thea Faye Ynion. Together, they guided the farmers in creating various processed goods, such as banana pastillas, banana ketchup, sweetened and salted taro chips, and mushroom patties. These products use locally grown ingredients and offer an accessible way for farmers to diversify their sources of income.

This training is part of NIA’s continuous effort to enhance local farmers' capacities, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and economic resilience through innovative food processing.