Done Deal: High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Focal Person Moisa Niña D. Catiil (6th from left) strikes a posterity pose with the cacao doctors of Region-X. The cacao commodity champions commit to partner with the center in the launching of the Season-Long Farmer's Field School (FFS) on Cacao Production as well as facilitate the identification of participants and training duration.
ATI-RTC X, El Salvador City---High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Focal Person Moisa Niña D. Catiil recently convened with the cacao doctors and cacao commodity champions of the region. The July 20 meeting intends to jumpstart the Season-Long Farmer's Field School (FFS) on Cacao Production in the five municipalities specifically in Gingoog, Medina, Alubijid, Initao, and Claveria.
As reported, Northern Mindanao is seen as a promising cacao producer and can even export to the international market since the cacao industry in the region is already starting to flourish and the center through its HVCDP Program urged farmers to venture into growing cacao.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry-Northern Mindanao, although the region is still starting to promote cacao industry to farmers, Northern Mindanao stays a powerhouse noting it is presently the largest pineapple producer in the country, second largest banana and papaya producer, third largest coconut producer and the third largest chicken producer in the country and the biggest in Mindanao. It was also noted that the climatic conditions and soil characteristics in the region are conducive to growing cocoa. Mindanao accounts for 90 percent of country’s total production.