REGIONWIDE. Millions of farmers around the world rely on the cultivation of coconuts and coffee as major sources of income. These crops give farmers and their communities a living and play a significant role in the economies of many tropical locations.

These crops can be grown to enable a variety of agricultural techniques, including agroforestry and intercropping. This encourages the use of sustainable farming practices and increases agroecosystem biodiversity.

In the food and beverage sector, products like coconut and coffee are indispensable. They are found in many different items, such as chocolates, candies, meals made with coconut, and drinks made with coffee.

With this, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in Central Visayas conducted a training on Kapehan sa Kalubihan sa Rehiyon Siete: Training on Coconut-Coffee Farming System Batch 2 held at Dauin, Negros Oriental on September 19-21, 2023 with a total of 17 participants composed of seven (7) Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), nine (9) farmers, and one ATI staff.

The training aimed to capacitate and/or further enhance the knowledge of the participants on the coconut-coffee farming system.

Moreover, graduates of the training will implement the skills and learnings to their own farms. They would also train their fellow farmers/cooperators. And farmer participants will strengthen their respective cooperative through partnering with other stakeholders for financial and technical support to boost coffee production and processing in the municipality.

“I learned a lot about coffee management and preparation of the seedlings. From the topic on coffee harvesting and post harvesting, where we only pick the fully ripe beans. In sorting, floating coffee seeds were disseminated. In depulping or overnight for fermentation, to washing and drying the coffee that has three ways: sun drying, solar drying and air drying with 12% moisture content. If we apply the techniques and management in coffee farming establishment and field management practices, we can aim for good quality of the coffee,” shared Ahga Rebusa a farmer participant from Valencia, Negros Oriental.

Farming of coconuts and coffee has a significant impact on cultural heritage, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Their production helps to sustain farmers' livelihoods, promotes international trade, and significantly influences the economies and landscapes of many geographical areas.