Taichung DARES Holds Practical Course for Young Farmers, Graduates Showcase Cultivation Results

(Central News Agency, reporter Cheng Wei-chen, Changhua, June 30) In response to agricultural labor shortages and industry transformation needs, the Taichung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station (DARES) organized a practical course for young farmers on vegetable cultivation and management. Today's results presentation featured 15 trainees showcasing their cultivation achievements. Graduates from the first cohort happily returned, stating that their crop quality and harvest yields have significantly improved.

The second Young Farmers' Vegetable Cultivation and Management Practical Course, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture's Taichung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, focused on high-economic-value greenhouse fruits and vegetables. Through professional knowledge, one season of field practice, and mentorship, the course aims to cultivate the next generation of agricultural talent. Yang Hung-ying, Director of Taichung DARES, and Huang Shih-sung, Section Chief of the Agricultural Extension Section of the Ministry of Agriculture's Farmers' Guidance Department, attended the results presentation, where trainees displayed their cultivated cantaloupes, oriental melons, and cucumbers.

Yang Hung-ying stated that many young farmers do not have an agricultural background, and the field observations accumulated by their elders may not be taught in schools, or there might be differences in conceptual understanding. Therefore, he hopes that through short-term courses, trainees can fully absorb essential knowledge and experience in cultivation, management, and business marketing.

Mr. Chuang, a 30-year-old trainee from Hsinchu, who previously worked in plumbing and electricity, became interested in agriculture through a friend's influence. He participated in the course and gained practical experience. Although farming is not easy, he believes that with willingness to learn and hard work, opportunities will arise. Ms. Liu, a 26-year-old trainee, whose family grows passion fruit, understands the hardships of cultivating fruits and vegetables and hopes to return to her hometown to help her family with what she has learned.

Ms. Yang, a graduate from the first cohort, told CNA that she had been growing bitter gourds and tomatoes for two years. Through the course, she learned about rational fertilization and pest and disease prevention. After completing the course, she adjusted her methods, reduced pest and disease issues, improved quality, and increased harvest yields.

Taichung DARES stated that young farmers are a vital force for sustainable agricultural development. To alleviate rural labor shortages and cultivate professional agricultural talent, the Ministry of Agriculture has established Farmers' Colleges at various experimental and extension stations to promote diverse agricultural professional training.

To respond to the practical training needs of young farmers and encourage them to return to farming, Taichung DARES organized the Young Farmers' Vegetable Cultivation and Management Practical Course, which lasted 12 weeks with classes held 2 to 3 days per week. This allowed trainees to balance their studies with farm work, continuously improving their cultivation techniques and farm management skills. All 15 trainees from the first cohort are now engaged in agriculture after completing the course. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150630

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