By Zoila Palma: The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries (MAFSNGI) has completed intensive coconut farmer training workshops in the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts, reaching more than 60 farmers.
The initiative forms part of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) global “One Country One Priority Product” (OCOP) programme, which promotes sustainable coconut value chains in Belize.
The workshops were held on September 29 and October 2 in Stann Creek and September 30 and October 1 in Toledo.
Training was led by the FAO’s national coconut pest and disease specialist, with technical and field support from MAFSNGI’s Fruit Tree Program, Research Unit and District Extension Units. Women and young farmers also participated in the sessions, which aim to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Belize’s coconut industry.
The training combined classroom presentations with practical field exercises, allowing participants to learn techniques for detecting, identifying and controlling pests and diseases affecting coconut plantations. Farmers highlighted the value of the hands-on approach in helping them apply the techniques directly to their own farms.
The workshops also introduced a citizen science approach to pest management, equipping farmers to monitor their fields, construct specialized traps and submit regular reports on pest activity and weekly trapping results to agricultural officials. The information will help authorities track pest populations and respond more effectively to threats that could damage coconut crops.
Following the workshops’ completion, the Ministry is planning additional training sessions in other districts across Belize.
Coconut farmers and interested stakeholders are encouraged to contact their respective District Agriculture Office for information on upcoming workshops and registration.
The post Ministry of Agriculture trains more than 60 coconut farmers in Stann Creek and Toledo appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.