By Jesslyn Keith Valite

Despite the wet season and back-to-back typhoons this year, MMSU hybrid off-season tomatoes proved resilient. This was showcased during a technology demonstration at Pastor Wilmar Miguel's farm in Brgy. Saricao, Vintar, Ilocos Norte, proving that fresh tomatoes can be enjoyed year-round.

Pastor Miguel serves as the farmer-partner in demonstrating the viability of growing off-season tomatoes. The event was a collaboration involving MMSU, through its Research and Extension Directorate; the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist; and the Local Government Unit of Vintar.

Present at the event were MMSU Extension Director Marilou Lucas, Research Director Dionisio Bucao, Planning Director Marlowe Aquino, Monitoring and Evaluation Chief Sherlyn Nicolas, and other staff from the Research and Extension directorates. Farmers from Vintar, Burgos, Sarrat, and Pasuquin, along with agricultural technologists from their respective municipalities, also participated in the activity.

The tomatoes harvested at the event were planted in September using MMSU’s adaptable hybrid varieties (Varieties 1 and 3), which were specifically developed to thrive in the region’s climate. The demonstration also highlighted efficient farming techniques, such as mulching, trellising, and precise nutrient management.

Pastor Miguel believes that cultivating MMSU hybrid off-season tomatoes has the potential to improve farmers' livelihoods due to their “high yield and strong consumer preference.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring the successful reproduction of this variety and advocated for its widespread distribution and production.

Pastor Miguel graduated from MMSU’s School-on-the-Air (SOA) program in 2021. Since then, he and his team have actively participated in various university extension projects. Last year, they received training in food processing and silage making.

Dr. Lucas pointed out that the successful cultivation of off-season tomatoes could significantly enhance the livelihoods of local farming communities. She expressed confidence that, with the consistent application of MMSU’s technology, the production of this tomato variety could achieve even greater success.

Since its inception in 2016, the MMSU SOA program has been dedicated to empowering farmers by enhancing their knowledge and skills in modern agricultural practices. The initiative provides science-based, practical training to farmers across the region, promoting growth and innovation in agriculture.

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