SM Foundation Inc. has been serving different communities since 1983, focusing on social inclusion by nurturing and caring for those in need.
The foundation is committed to giving back to the community by supporting and empowering host communities through education, healthcare, shelter, disaster response, farmers’ training, environmental programs and care for persons with special needs.One of the well-known projects under the SM Foundation Inc. is the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farmer’s Training Program.
Launched in 2007, the KSK Farmer’s Training program has helped more than 200 batches of farmers around the country with the help from different local and private unit.
During the program, farmers are taught how to properly prepare the land by showing them the right mix and care for the soil.
It imparts the knowledge to the participants on how to maximize space and effective techniques for farming, thereby helping improve the quality and quantity of their crops as well as provide organic food for their families.
Then, the farmers are taught, step-by-step, how to take care of the crops with timely follow-up visits.
After a 12-week training, SM Foundation and the farmers celebrate the bountiful harvest and invites possible buyers to try their high-value crops.
After the harvest, farmers are given the opportunity to observe operations and product presentation of fruits and vegetables at SM, while SM works with farmers to link them to markets or to SM Markets suppliers.
Farmer graduates are encouraged to continue and replicate their teachings by forming cooperative groups.
Through these training, more families will have nutritious food on the table for their children and also have the chance to have additional income.
As both rural and urban farming revolves around the program, SM Foundation aims to keep the KSK Farmer’s Training in order to continuously empower the farmers and focus on the agricultural prowess of the country.
Source: Manila Standard