The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture hosted the Training on Strengthening Farmers’ Capacity in Cacao Nursery Establishment and Plantation Management at Sorsogon State University’s College of Agriculture’s Bulan Campus on 20 May 2021.
The University President, Dr. Alberto N. Naperi, and Vice President for Research and Innovation, Dr. Ramona Isabel S. Ramirez, spearheaded the initiative with the assistance of Extension Service Director, Prof. Vladimir R. Foronda, and experts from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, led by Project Leaders Dr. Celerino B. LLesol Jr. and Dr. Emerson L. Bergonio.
The primary objectives of this Capacity Enhancement Training for Cacao Farmers were to increase farmers’ appreciation and understanding of the benefits of cacao production, to prepare and present a farm plan on the establishment and management of a cacao production enterprise, and to enable farmers to perform with techniques on raising cacao seedlings under nursery conditions and planting through a hands-on exercise.
Dr. Emerson Bergonio discussed the history and significance of cacao, farm planning and management, nursery establishment, and propagation of planning materials, followed by Dr. Celerino B. Llesol Jr.’s presentation on Silviculture and Good Agriculture Practices.
35 Bulan Cacao producers and processors attended and participated in the said event. Following the training, a site survey was conducted to determine the location of the cacao nursery.