UPI FARMERS LEARN CACAO AND COFFEE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY FROM MAFAR

The MAFAR, through the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), conducted a “Training on Coffee and Cacao Rejuvenation and Fertilization yesterday, June 21, 2020 in Barangay Blensong, Upi, Maguindanao.

More than thirty farmers from the different barangays of Upi participated and learned modern technologies about coffee and cacao production.

The activity aimed to promote and encourage coffee growers to continue engaging in coffee production to supply the market demand and respond to the needs of the consumers in the Province of Maguindanao.

Mr. Jonathan Acopio, Chairman of the Upian Agripinoy Farmers’ Cooperative and one of the recipients of Nursery from HVCDP in 2013, shared his message. He inspired all the participants by recalling his story. He said that he started at a very small way of farming but because of perseverance, hardwork, and devotion to work, the UPIAN is now considered as one of the successful cooperatives in Mindanao and even in Luzon. “We should love and treasure where we started”, Acopio added.

To inspire and motivate the farmers, modern technology application and management was delivered by the two resource speakers Dr. Jalika D. Mangacop, Consultant for Agriculture Concerns on Cacao and Coffee Production and Ramil M. Timpolok, HVCDP Focal Person, on Pest and Diseases.

Some of the participants were luckier as they won one sacks of fertilizers each from the raffle draw sponsored by Dr. Mangacop. Packs of assorted vegetables and certificate of participation were also awarded to all the attendees.
To complete the package, the Information group shared and distributed reading materials about coffee and cacao production to the participants as their additional guide.