ABUYOG, Leyte - Demands for cocoa products are beyond the production capacity of the Philippines. One contributing factor to low production is the lack of technical capability of farmers. One strategy to address this is to capacitate the agricultural extension workers who in turn will teach the farmers new technologies to increase cacao production.
ATI-RTC 8 conducted the Training of Trainers on GAP-anchored Cacao Production on June 6-10, 2022, at the Abuyog Experiment Station, Abuyog, Leyte. The five-day training was attended by twenty-five (25) Agricultural Extension Workers from the six provinces of Samar Island.
Aside from the conventional and improved technology of cacao production, introduction of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) is implemented for food safety, environmental health, and sustainability. Hence, the training aimed to capacitate AEWs with knowledge and skills on GAP-anchored cacao production technology and disseminate the information in their respective areas. This will help the farmers receive guidance in sustainable cacao farming to produce high quality cacao products that command high price in the market to generate more income and healthy environment.
From “seed to seed” knowledge cascading and other additional information, the participants braced themselves with the activities in store for them such as lectures, practicum, pest and disease identification, and field visits – all, focusing on PhilGAP standards and management of cacao.
“From land preparation, site selection, nursery management up to post-harvest activities of cacao, I learned a lot of things especially from out very active resource persons and experts.” shared Jason Dalina, an Agricultural Technician from Maydolong, Eastern Samar. “This is a big opportunity given to us, for us to become effective extension workers in the field.” he added.
Participants took home their grafted cacao plants, their outputs during the workshop., They also prepared their respective re-entry plans for the activities they will be conducting in their localities which will be monitored by ATI RTC 8. (with reports from Ermalinda Cayago)
