BUTUAN CITY – With its aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of the coconut farmers in Caraga, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII conducted four batches of Training on Coconut Production and Management for coconut farmers in the region.

The first batch was held on June 11-13, 2024 at Poblacion, San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands with 31 participants. On the other hand, 30 individuals attended the second batch held at Kasili Hotel and Resort, Mainit, Surigao del Norte on June 19-21, 2024.

Moreover, the third was conducted last July 31-August 2, 2024 at Goldbar Hotel, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur with 30 participants. The last batch was held on June 24-26, 2024 at Hygiea IntegraMeds-FDAI, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur attended by 29 farmers.

Partakers were given a series of lectures on the cacao industry situationer and its impact on social and economic in the country, Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) components and its function, coconut physiology, morphology and growth stages, coconut plantation management, seed nut selection and nursery establishment, fertilization management, harvesting and postharvest practices, and waste management.

“I’ve learned a lot of things on this training as well as the resources of inputs, great ideas on how to expand my learnings and practice it on my farm,” said Noli T. Redula, farmer-participant from San Jose, PDI.

Participants also undergo hands-on field practicum during the last day of training.

The said training was done in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in Caraga Region.