A strategic alliance is formed for the sustainable production of Cape gooseberry (Uchuva) in Colombia

• A team of researchers and directors from AGROSAVIA and SIFORA agreed to collaborate on the production and sustainability of Cape gooseberry (Uchuva) cultivation through innovative and sustainable practices.

 

Mosquera, Cundinamarca. June 20, 2024. A key meeting for future research on sustainable Cape gooseberry (Uchuva) production was held at the Tibaitatá Research Center. With the participation of directives and expert researchers from AGROSAVIA and SIFORA, a strategic alliance was discussed and planned to promote organic Cape gooseberry production.

The SIFORA company, known for its activities in forestry and its focus on sustainable production, was represented by the Director of the Sustainability Area, the Project Coordinator, and an agricultural engineer who is the Technical Area Director. During the meeting, they presented the company's vision and objectives regarding the production and marketing of Cape gooseberry, highlighting its commitment to organic agriculture. With headquarters in Santa Rosa de Viterbo, Boyacá, and Bogotá, SIFORA has positioned itself as a benchmark in sustainable production and advanced scientific practices.

For its part, AGROSAVIA was represented by the Director of the Tibaitatá Research Center, Juan Diego Palacio, the Regional Innovation Coordinator, Carlos Alberto Herrera, and a team of researchers who are experts in Cape gooseberry. The team shared the progress in genetic breeding, the recognition of the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum, and the comprehensive management of Cape gooseberry cultivation developed in various country departments. These investigations have been fundamental to understanding and improving agricultural practices related to this important crop.

 

As a result of this exchange of knowledge, both institutions agreed to form a technical working table with the objective of specifying points of common interest. Agreed topics include:

 

1. Genetic breeding: Focused on increasing performance and resistance to diseases.
2. Crop management practices: Including pruning, planting distances, biofertilizers, and biostimulants.
3. Field and laboratory technologies: Implementing an organic crop management protocol.
4. Linkage plan: Aimed at updating, training, and educating producers and professionals derived from the alliance.

 

This collaboration represents the first time researchers from the Tibaitatá Research Center will participate in creating an organic Cape gooseberry production model. The alliance not only seeks to improve the productivity and sustainability of the crop but also to strengthen local producers' knowledge and technical capacities.

 

The synergy between AGROSAVIA and SIFORA promises to catalyze the development of Cape gooseberry in Colombia, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable and organic agricultural practices. With this alliance, the expectation is not only to improve the quality and quantity of Cape gooseberry production but also to contribute significantly to rural development and environmental sustainability in the region.