KANANGA, Leyte - Thirty (30) coconut farmers from Kananga, Leyte, participated in the Training on Coconut Production and Management, held from November 20 to 22, 2024. The training aimed to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to improve the productivity and sustainability of their coconut production.
Mr. Christian Anthony Gases Palermo, Agriculturist II of Philippine Coconut Authority Region 8, discussed the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Program (CFIDP) under Republic Act 11524, as well as the overall situation of coconut production in the region. Ms. Rowena P. Lacandazo, Agricultural Technologist from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Kananga, Leyte, focused on Good Agricultural Practices in Coconut Production, as well as farm diversification and pest management. Mr. Olegario F. Paredes Jr., Farm manager of JEFSPA, provided hands-on training on coconut physiology, morphology, and seednut selection.
The participants were introduced to various coconut varieties and best practices in coconut farming, including techniques such as ring weeding, fertilizer application, and the management of common coconut pests and diseases. In addition to farming techniques, the training also emphasized the potential of coconut as a versatile resource. Participants were also shown how to process various food products and by-products from coconuts, enhancing their understanding of the full value chain of coconut production.
During the practicum, the participants were divided into groups to carry out various tasks. Each group planted two coconut seedlings, ring-weeded and fertilized mature coconut trees, installed log traps for pest control, and prepared raised seedbeds with 100 coconut seednuts.
One of the participants, Mr. Dario Tomada, expressed his gratitude for the training, noting its importance for coconut farmers in Kananga, many of whom are still recovering from the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda. "We are thankful to the CFIDP for organizing this training, which has greatly increased our knowledge of coconut farming, especially in the face of challenges like pest control and the aftermath of Yolanda. This kind of initiative should continue to inspire the next generation of coconut farmers," Tomada said.
The successful completion of the training is seen as a step toward improving the livelihoods of coconut farmers in Kananga, empowering them with the necessary skills to enhance their productivity and sustainability in the coconut industry.
