The project will focus on the 12 municipalities in the 1st District of Zamboanga del Sur. With the assistance of Cong. Yu and other agencies, this project aims to revive the cacao and coffee industry in the province. The proposed project is within the ISP of PCAARRD, targeting high-value commodities such as coffee and cacao, where S&T will make a difference. The project will also utilize the seaweed wastes from the seaweed nursery of Cong. Yu as a source of organic fertilizer for this project. The proposed S&T Community Based Farm (STCBF) on Enhanced Cacao and Coffee Production Project in District 1 will be implemented by the Department of Science and Technology R9 in coordination with the Office of Cong. Yu, JHCSC. Highbred and high-yielding cacao seedlings were sourced out from MARS, Inc. This private company specializes in cacao production, while high-yielding coffee varieties were sourced from Nestle, Phil., supporting coffee production in the countryside. Both companies have been assisting the farmers in the establishment of the coffee and cacao plantations. These two companies are also the contracted market for cacao and coffee at prevailing prices. An R&D Center for Cacao and Coffee shall be established to provide farmers the needed support to upgrade their current farming practices and improve cacao and coffee production. The center will have a tissue culture and soil analysis laboratory. It will also have a training center for capability building of cacao and coffee farmers and other stakeholders.
