The Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center (NPRCRTC) conducted a two-day training on purple yam and taro production in Asinan, Tuba, Benguet on November 26 -27, 2024.

The activity is an offshoot of the Shontog-Asinan Irrigators Association, Inc. (SAIAI) request to avail of trainings from NPRCRTC particularly on purple yam and taro.

SAIAI President Melford Chiday said that they requested for the training because they intend to revive purple yam production and enhance taro production in sitio Shontog and Asinan in Tuba. He also thanked the BSU NPRCRTC for heeding their request.

The training comprised of lectures on production systems, pest management, and utilization of purple yam and taro in the food industry. Hands-on exercises on the preparation of planting materials were also facilitated.

Daniel Bogalin, one of the participants expressed his gratitude to NPRCRTC for the knowledge imparted and said that they will practice what they have learned in the training.

Chiday further commented that the sought technical assistance from NPRCRTC is just the start of their plan to establish a sustainable yam and taro industry in Tuba.He said that they will be requesting more assistance from the Center especially on the production process of the two crops.

NPRCRTC Director Teresita Masangcay said that the Center is always open for any assistance related to the root and tuber crops industry particularly on clean planting materials.//ASantiago