CABANATUAN CITY – Farmers belonging to the Lungsod ng San Jose Farmers Irrigators Association have received a livelihood training on tilapia and catfish farming at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Freshwater Technology Center (BFAR-NFTC) in Central State University (CLSU) compound, Science City of Mun̈oz, officials reported on Monday.
According to the National Irrigation Administration-Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System, the recently-concluded livelihood training was part of the agency’s “continuing commitment to improve the quality of life of farmers.”
It was held under the stewardship of Engr. Aldous Joseph Lamucho, manager of the NIA-UPRIIS Divion I and fully supported by NIA-UPRIIS acting department manager Engr. Alvin Manuel, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture – BFAR-NFTC aimed to provide FIA members with alternative livelihood opportunities that can supplement their income from rice farming and enhance their economic resilience.
An FIA is an organization of farmers who benefit from the government’s irrigation services.
Participants received lectures on proper tilapia and catfish production, including grow-out management, feeding practices, environmental requirements, and standard operating procedures. In the afternoon, participants also underwent a field practicum on the induced breeding of African catfish, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in freshwater aquaculture techniques.
“This initiative supports NIA’s thrust of empowering irrigators’ associations by equipping farmers with practical knowledge and skills that can diversify their sources of income and contribute to improved household economic well-being,” said NIA -UPRIIS. Contributed photo
