The Department of Agriculture (DA) is partnering with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to train farmers and fisherfolk with the latest technologies and innovations, a move aimed at modernizing the agriculture sector.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said he reaffirmed his agency’s partnership with TESDA to keep the country’s agricultural training program updated even as new farming and fishing technologies emerge.

Tiu Laurel said he met with TESDA Director General Kiko Benitez, where they both agreed to launch a series of modern training programs that would not only boost the productivity of farmers and fisherfolk, but also their incomes.

“We’re aligning our plans with the President’s vision for a modern, technology-driven agriculture,” said Tiu Laurel.

“With new machinery, greenhouses, and improved seeds coming in, our farmers and fisherfolk must be fully equipped to handle these innovations,” he added.

The DA and TESDA will roll out training programs covering the operations of rice machinery, agri-entrepreneurship, and postharvest technologies.

This will also cover specialized training on cold storage facilities, refrigeration systems, and fisherfolk postharvest and canning operations.

In a bid to further professionalize the agriculture sector, TESDA will launch new courses on cooperative management, butchery and slaughterhouse operations, and seaweed processing.

These courses will be integrated into next year’s national curriculum.

Complementing these efforts, TESDA is proposing to conduct an impact study on the country’s existing agricultural training programs to promote accountability.

The DA will then develop parameters to measure their effectiveness and benefits.

TESDA currently offers agri-fisheries training through multiple modalities, including institution-, enterprise-, community-based, and online learning.

Among the agriculture-based programs offered are diploma in Fisheries Technology, Aquaculture NC II, Organic Agriculture Production NC II, and Animal Production (Poultry/Swine) NC II.

TESDA recently announced the country’s first training program in Sugarcane Production NC II as part of its efforts to improve the productivity of the local sugar industry.

Beyond training, both the DA and TESDA will collaborate to establish greenhouses and nurseries for high-value crops to reduce dependence on imported seedlings.

Tiu Laurel is also planning to bring back agricultural extension workers to strengthen on-the-ground support for farmers.