Atok's barefoot scientists using IPM [integrated pest management]
1997
Estolas, W.R. (Benguet State Univ., La Trinidad, Benguet (Philippines). Dept. of Crop Protection)
A beneficiary of the government's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, Atok, Benguet [Philippines] produced the country's first crop of barefoot scientist. Over a thousand farmers graduated as barefoot scientist in several IPM classes since 1993 to the present. IPM taught farmers the "discovery method of science" teaching them to discover and experience the insect pests and disease in their own fields. Farmers underwent training on the use of Diadegma semiclausum, a parasitoid insect that controls diamondback moth (DBM) of crucifers particularly the cabbage plants. Diadegma provided 80 to 90 percent control of DBM. IPM proved that farmers can be good teachers to their fellow farmers. In a survey, Atok's most successful IPM farmers shared their experiences. The IPM taught the farmers the need to guard his health, his environment, especially the source of water or watersheds, against pollution or contaminated with chemicals. Farmers learned the growth stages of plants and the different classes of insects and the friendly and the harmful ones. He learned about the stages of insect development (specially the destructive or damaging stages) and had known some insect predators. The IPM is not only bringing about protection to their plants, but it is also bringing out the best in farmers, enhancing the old Filipino values of cooperation, or "bayanihan", love of God and neighbors, as well the need to protect and love the environment. The IPM course taught farmers to discover a crop rotation calendar to grow vegetables in Benguet; cabbage, garden pea, potato and carrot
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