The Venezuelan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ACAV) held a training session this weekend with producers from the San Silvestre parish, Barinas municipality, Barinas state, in order to improve cocoa productivity.
The activity is part of the Scientific and Technological Plan for Cocoa, an initiative of the national government that seeks to boost cocoa production in Venezuela through research, technology and high-level training.
During the workshop, which focused on Good Agricultural Practices for Cocoa Cultivation, special emphasis was placed on proper pruning, a fundamental practice for strengthening plantations, as well as preventing pests and diseases.
Among the techniques presented by the experts, the importance of using agroecological inputs that allow fertilizing plantations and the root system stands out, as well as other essential biopreparations for phytosanitary control.
The importance of traceability in cocoa cultivation was also discussed, highlighting the need to monitor each stage of the process, from seed selection to harvest, which is crucial to accessing higher and better quality.
This day, in particular, addressed the pest known as “cocoa drop”, caused by the beetle Steirastoma breve, which has affected plantations in Venezuela.
The importance of soil analysis to develop appropriate fertilization plans was also a central point of the workshop.
These activities are part of a policy of the Bolivarian Government to provide comprehensive assistance to the country’s producers, which is implemented through the Great Mission of Science, Technology and Innovation “Dr. Humberto Fernández – Morán”, to strengthen production in the country.
With information from ACAV
