The Ilocos Norte Agricultural College (INAC) in Pasuquin town has been accredited as an agriculture learning site for students and farmers in Ilocos Norte province who want to enhance their understanding and appreciation of sustainable farming for a food-secure and healthy nation.

INAC principal Almer Anatolio Ratuita on Friday expressed optimism that this will entice more Ilocanos to avail of their hands-on training to improve agricultural productivity.

“This is a significant milestone not only for INAC but also for the entire province,” said Ratuita, noting the aging poplation of farmers and the seeming non-interest of the younger generation to venture into farming.

Last August, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) approved INAC’s accreditation as a learning site in agriculture. As a learning site, INAC is authorized to share its farming technology to the community.

They are required to conduct capability-building activities and maintain farm records to be submitted to the ATI.

It is also expected to provide information on farming and serve as a venue for novice farmers to put what they have learned into practice.

Ratuita hoped that with the latest accreditation, more young people will go back to farming, eiither as farmers or farm business managers.

Organic farming and the promotion of fresh and organic fruits and vegetables are among the things highlighted in the school.

The school in partnership with the state-run Mariano Marcos State University and PhilRice is currently hosting a rice paddy art, featuring the image of Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, to promote agriculture and the use of modern farming technology. (PNA)