Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU agri students attend peanut production lecture of University of Georgia extensionists

By Frances Batara, STRATCOM Correspondent 

Agriculture and agribusiness students taking crop protection courses at the Mariano Marcos State University–College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) participated in a lecture-forum led by experts from the University of Georgia (UGA) on April 2 at the Student Center.

The lecture-forum featured Dr. Robert Kemerait, Jr., an extension specialist and team leader, who discussed economically important diseases affecting peanut production and their proper management. 
It was followed by Prof. Justin Hand, a county agent, who presented the mission and efforts of Tift County Extension, a network working on programs primarily anchored on agriculture, natural resources, and family and consumer services to safeguard food supply and economic growth in Georgia.

Other UGA representatives were also present at the event, including Prof. David Conger and Ms. Mary Alice Lundy, both research professionals.

After the lectures, students actively participated in a forum, where they directly raised their questions to the guest extensionists, further enriching the academic exchange.

Dr. Charlie Batin, OIC-dean of CAFSD, encouraged the students to help enhance peanut production and support farmers in Ilocos Norte. “Take the lead, take action, and be an epitome of positive change,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sean Vidad, chairperson of the CAFSD Department of Agricultural Sciences (DAS), emphasized the significance of the event as “an opportunity to learn from one of the leading experts in the field.” He stressed that such engagements are essential in equipping students with both research- and practice-based knowledge in sustainable agriculture.

Before the event, the UGA team visited peanut farms in Barangay Sto. Tomas, Vintar, and Barangay Tadao, Pasuquin, to assess the condition of standing crops and offer field-based recommendations. They were joined by faculty members from the DAS-Crop Protection Division, staff from the Extension Directorate, and local government extension workers.

In February 2024, Dr. Kemerait and a group of crop protection and agricultural extension experts also delivered lectures on entomology, plant pathology, and horticulture, strengthening academic collaboration between MMSU and UGA.