Following recommendations on coconut-cacao intercropping can prove profitable for farmers. Hence, capacity building on such farming system is crucial.
ATI RTC 8 conducted batch 2 of the Training on Coconut-Cacao Farming System with participants coming mostly from the Abuyog Cacao and Tropical Fruit Growers Association (ACTFGA).
To further capacitate the participants on coconut-cacao farming system, they were taught about asexual propagation of cacao, plant nursery and its management, coconut-cacao plantation establishment and management, nutrient management for coconut and cacao intercrops, major pests and diseases of cacao and their management, and cacao harvesting and postharvest operations.
Lectures and hands-on activities were done to deepen participants’ understanding of the topics. They also visited AGRIABLE Farm, a BPI-accredited nursery, to benchmark on its best practices. While there, they saw how 2-year-old cacao trees were thriving well under coconut. They also bought grafted cacao seedlings from the nursery to plant in their own farms upon their return home.
According to Ms. Maica R. Senones, farm owner and member of ACTFGA, she appreciated the hands-on activity on fertilizer application as she hasn’t tried it before. “I also liked the lesson on pruning as most of the time we don’t know what part of the cacao we are supposed to cut off. Now I will be mindful as to how to prune my cacao trees well, “she added.
The training will prove useful as the members of the Abuyog Cacao and Tropical Fruit Growers Association are set to receive cacao grafted seedlings from DA-HVC as announced by Mr. Jorge Alvero Jr., the PAP Chairman and association President. He encouraged the association members to use well what they have learned during the training so the resources given to them by the government will not be wasted.
Thirty-three participants attended the training conducted from Sept. 4-6, 2024 at Bonife-Binueza Agricultural Farm in Abuyog, Leyte.
