Agricultural science at the service of peace and prosperity in Guaviare: transforming sugarcane into opportunities for the peace signatory population

Mosquera, Cundinamarca. July 6, 2023. The Department of Guaviare, known for its rich biodiversity and historical past, now becomes the scenario of an ambitious scientific initiative with a clear objective: to promote peace and prosperity in the region through sugarcane production for panela and different kinds of honey.

The project, financed by the Royalties of Guaviare and led by AGROSAVIA, with the support of the Departmental Government and the National Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization, works to benefit the population that signed the peace agreement of the extinct FARC and other field workers in this department, such as sugarcane producers for panela production.

Cooperativa Multiactiva Econ Jaime Pardo Leal, comprised of 47 Peace Signatories, plays a fundamental role in this initiative, whose main objective is to strengthen the capacity for research and technological development to manage knowledge related to panela and cane syrup production in Guaviare.

Several of AGROSAVIA's Research Centers participate in the project called "Strengthening the research capacity and technological development to manage knowledge related to the sugarcane production system for the production of panela and different kinds of honey for the department of Guaviare," where research is carried out on seed production, evaluation of new genetic materials, agronomic management and processing technologies of sugarcane for the production of panela and different kinds of honey. In addition, these centers have professionals who are experts in participatory work with producers and have direct links with CENICAÑA and seed producer associations.

The project, which will last 48 months, seeks to achieve a series of ambitious results. A complete characterization of the productive system, including technical, economic, social, environmental, and phytosanitary aspects, is expected to be carried out. It will also establish a basic seedbed and carry out evaluations to select sugarcane varieties with better potential and greater adaptation to climate change. Furthermore, because these come from a participatory evaluation process, they will have a high adoption projection by producers.

Some of the most innovative aspects of the project are knowledge management through participatory work and the evaluation of sugarcane varieties for panela.

The project will also evaluate the effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on the growth and development of sugarcane seedlings. These fungi have the ability to improve the exchange of nutrients and promote a higher yield and quality in panela production. In addition, nutritional requirements will be estimated, and the support and regulation of ecosystem services in sugarcane production will be evaluated.

Bellanid Huertas Carranza and Eduar Yovanny Antolinez Sandoval, Leading Researchers of the project and MSc Researchers of the Tibaitatá Research Center and the CIMPA Headquarters of AGROSAVIA highlighted the challenges faced by sugarcane producers for the production of panela in Guaviare and the lack of technical knowledge to improve crop management and the transformation process of panela and different kinds of honey. In this sense, the project represents a unique opportunity to improve productivity and agro-industrial performance in the region and promote sustainable and profitable management of the productive system in agricultural frontier areas that are not restricted under environmental protection laws.

For his part, Feliciano Flores, Legal Representative of Cooperativa Coojapal, highlighted the importance of this project for the community because, in addition to boosting the productivity and profitability of sugarcane, the project provides employment opportunities for people with different abilities and promotes the cultivation of sugarcane as an alternative to illicit crops. This supports economic development and contributes to the construction of peace and tranquility for the inhabitants of Guaviare.

The sugarcane research project for the production of panela and different kinds of honey in Guaviare has the potential to transform producers' lives, generate economic development and promote sustainable management of natural resources. With the combination of technological innovation and scientific knowledge, this initiative is a milestone in the region's panela agro-industry and lays the foundations for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future.