The City Government of Davao, through the City Agriculturist’s Office (CAgrO), distributed sacks of Yara fertilizer to 200 cacao farmers from different districts of the city on June 6.
CAgrO Head, Edgardo Haspe, said in an interview with the City Information Office (CIO) that the distribution of free fertilizer is to support the cacao farmers in the city to improve their cacao production.
“Ang cacao man gud giconsider nato as one of the primary commodity sa Davao City, that’s why ginatagaan gyud nato’g dako’ng support ang atoang cacao industry, so isa na ni siya paghatag og fertilizer at least maimprove ang productivity sa cacao sa atoang city [Cacao is considered one of the primary commodities in Davao City, which is why we make sure that the cacao industry is given enough support like this distribution of fertilizer to at least help improve cacao production in the city],” Haspe said.
Each farmer received two sacks of Yara fertilizers during the distribution. Haspe also reminded the farmers to properly maintain their cacao trees.
Aside from the distribution of free fertilizers, CAgrO also distributes free cacao seedlings. Haspe added that CAgrO conducts seminars on cacao rehabilitation to further the knowledge of farmers in maintaining their cacao, improving its production, and minimizing pest infestation.
“Naa na ta’y mga series of seminars nga ginaconduct sa mga district no. Naa man ta’y mga agricultural technologists nga nagaconduct og training, conduct og seminar. Naa pu’y mga farm visitations nga ginaconduct sa atoang mga personnel for technical follow up kung unsa to’y kinahanglan nga technical assistance, mahatag dayon sa atoang mga cacao farmers [We conduct a series of seminars in the districts since we have agricultural technologists to conduct trainings and seminar. Our personnel also conduct farm visitations for technical follow-up so that we can provide farmers with the technical assistance they need],” Haspe said.
CAgrO also called on cacao farmers to not cut their cacao trees off because there is a high global demand for cacao especially with the current lack of global cacao supply. Farmers are urged to reach out to CAgrO’s district offices should they need assistance and support. CIO
