ALBURQUERQUE, BOHOL. The economic viability of coconut farming may be enhanced by the use of hybrid coconuts. Growing coconuts can be a more practical and profitable endeavor for farmers if yields are increased and product quality is improved.
Technological and scientific developments in agriculture are frequently involved in the creation and marketing of hybrid coconut varieties. This promotes innovation and teamwork within the agricultural sector by facilitating the transfer of technology and knowledge.
Using cutting-edge coconut hybrid technology can help coconut-producing nations become more competitive on the international market. This enables them to effectively compete with other coconut-producing regions and achieve worldwide quality standards.
In this regard, the Agricultural Training Institute in Central Visayas conducted the training entitled “Let’s Do CocoHybrid: Training on Coconut Hybrid Production (Batch 1)” held at Talimbaw Café, East Poblacion, this municipality on November 14-16, 2023.
The training aimed to capacitate the beneficiaries, communal hybrid nursery operators, and hybrid on farms of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to continuously aid the production, distribution, nursery raising and field planting of hybrid planting materials.
In addition, farmers were equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), delving into intricacies such as nursery accreditation and the nuanced aspects of coconut hybrid production. The training sessions were dynamic, incorporating intensive hands-on demonstrations that covered a spectrum of essential practices, including emasculation, pollination, varietal identification, and the establishment of seedbeds.
Importantly, farmers actively engaged in the practical application of the knowledge and skills acquired during the training. The emphasis was not only on theoretical comprehension but also on the ability to translate this newfound expertise into tangible actions. This approach ensures that the training's impact extends beyond the learning environment, directly benefiting the coconut industry at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, to support the farmers in their hybrid production endeavors, the PCA region has committed to providing high-quality seedlings of hybrid coconut varieties. This collaborative effort fosters a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship between the PCA and the farmers, ultimately contributing to the overall advancement of the coconut industry.
“Daghang salamat sa taga ATI sa ilang pag host sa training. Daghan kaayo mig og nahibaloan uban sa taga PCA nga among facilitator og labi na gyod sa among Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) sa Alburquerque nga nahimo ni nga training. Og pasalamat sa pagkaon wala ko ika estorya sa ka maayo. Salamat sad sa akong mga kauban nga naminaw og dali ra nakakat-on sa among training, kaninyong tanan salamat,” expressed Arcadio Omosura, farmer of LGU-Alburquerque, Bohol.
A total of 20 participants composed of one (1) Agricultural Extension Worker (AEW) and 19 farmers attended the activity, respectively.
