By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the hot sun in a rice field in Barangay Bangar, Victoria, Tarlac, farmers compared notes with new confidence. After days of lessons and field work, they spoke about seeds, soil, and insects with a clearer plan for the coming planting season.
Twenty-six rice farmers from the barangay have completed a 10-day training on pest management and soil nutrition under the SMART Farm program, an LGU-led initiative that scales fine-tuned location-specific technologies for rice production. The program aims to help farmers increase yields while reducing unnecessary costs and risks.
The training focused on practical methods that farmers can apply immediately in their own fields. These included choosing the right seed varieties for local conditions, managing soil nutrients properly, and identifying harmful and beneficial insects to avoid excessive pesticide use.
For many participants, the lessons addressed long-standing challenges. Edgardo B. Sahagun, one of the graduates, said the training gave him confidence to make better decisions in his farm. He shared that he now understands which seeds are suitable for his field and how to apply fertilizer correctly using the Minus-One Element Technique, or MOET.
MOET is a simple soil nutrient diagnostic tool that helps farmers identify which nutrients are lacking in their soil. By applying only what is needed, farmers can save on fertilizer costs and avoid damaging the soil. This approach supports both higher yields and long-term soil health.
Sahagun also said learning how to identify insect pests and beneficial insects was a major breakthrough. Knowing the difference allows farmers to protect helpful insects that control pests naturally. This reduces the need for frequent spraying, lowers production costs, and helps protect the environment and farmers’ health.
The SMART Farm training was made possible through the joint efforts of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Tarlac, the Municipal Agriculture Office of Victoria, and the Victoria Reduce Tillage Technology Association. The program also received technical support from the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rice Research Institute.
On December 12, local agriculture officials attended the activity to show support for the farmers. Provincial Agriculturist Noel C. Regis and Municipal Agriculturist Wilson Garduce encouraged participants to apply what they learned and to share the knowledge with fellow farmers in their communities.
Officials said programs like SMART Farm are important as farmers face rising production costs, climate risks, and pest problems. By using science-based and location-specific technologies, farmers can improve productivity without relying solely on expensive inputs.
Rice remains a staple food for Filipino families, and increasing local production helps strengthen food security. Training programs that focus on efficient and sustainable practices are seen as key to supporting small farmers who form the backbone of the country’s rice sector.
The use of integrated pest management and proper nutrient management also aligns with the government’s push for more sustainable agriculture. These practices help protect soil quality, reduce chemical runoff, and promote healthier farm ecosystems.
For the farmers of Barangay Bangar, the training marks a step forward. Many said they feel more prepared for the next cropping season and more confident in handling problems in the field. The shared experience also strengthened cooperation among farmers, encouraging them to learn and improve together.
As planting season approaches, expectations are high. With new knowledge and support from local and national agencies, the farmers hope to see better harvests and more stable income.
The success of the training highlights the value of bringing technology and education directly to farming communities. When farmers are equipped with the right tools and knowledge, they are better positioned to secure their livelihoods and help feed the nation.
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