KABUGAO, Apayao – The Provincial Office for Agricultural Services (POAS), in collaboration with the Livelihood Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Apayao Coffee Council, and the Municipal Agricultural Office of Kabugao, successfully conducted a two-day training on coffee production last December 5, 2023.
Attended by thirty coffee producers, and agricultural extension workers, the training aimed to equip participants with advanced knowledge and skills to enhance coffee production in the province.
Over the years, coffee production has been a promising venture for yApayao farmers, particularly in the upper municipalities owing to the favorable geography of the areas. However, the late 1980s marked a challenging period for these farmers due to the global oversupply of coffee beans, resulting in a significant price drop. Additionally, the devastation caused by Typhoon Pepang in 1985 further crippled the industry as it washed away a substantial portion of coffee plants along the Apayao river, leaving many farmers in dire straits.
Presently, the province’s total coffee production stands at 271.28 metric tons from 845.74 acres, with an average yield of 0.32 mt/ha. This pales in comparison to the national average of 1-1.5 mt/ha. Various natural disasters in previous years have taken a toll on the province’s coffee production, coupled with the challenge of aging, non-productive trees plagued by pests and diseases.
Recognizing the urgent need for revitalization, experts recommend a rejuvenation process, a proven technique with the potential to double coffee green bean output while reducing labor costs by 50%. This method, distinguished as more advantageous than replanting, holds the promise of strengthening decision-making capacity among farmers and inspiring local innovation for sustainable coffee production.
The training emphasized “onsite production training,” an approach that not only imparts essential and appropriate coffee production technology but also encourages local innovation, empowering farmers to make informed decisions for long-term sustainability. By developing a deeper understanding of coffee cultivation, the initiative aspires to elevate farmer productivity and profitability, ensuring a brighter future for Apayao’s coffee industry. By MA
