Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) is a tree crop that is highly suitable in different crop production systems (intercropping or multi-story farming, agroforestry, etc.). In 2008, cacao was given priority and officially regarded as a High-Value Crop by the Department of Agriculture. In October 2013, the DENR included cacao in the National Greening Program (NGP) Commodity Roadmap of 2013-2016. Moreover, PCAARRD has identified cacao as one of the priority crops under its Industry Strategic Science and Technology Plans (ISPs). Local farmers have increased their interest in cacao cultivation due to the massive demand in the local and international markets and persistently favorable prices. The project will be implemented in the province of Bukidnon, specifically, the municipalities of Lantapan, Maramag, Valencia City, and Malaybalay City. Bukidnon has a total land area of 1,049,859 hectares. 669,529.25 hectares are classified as timberland, and the remaining 380,332.75 hectares are classified as alienable and disposable, 92% of which is utilized for agricultural production. This STCBF project will be implemented to address the problems on cacao production sustainability in relation to the reported climate change in the country. The project will establish HYV bud-wood garden and nursery and adopt organic farming, intercropping schemes, and water impounding.
Industry Strategic Science and Technology Plans (ISPs) Platform
