AGROSAVIA continues to strengthen the capacities of plantain and cocoa producers and extension agents with the Putumayo Territorial Linkage Plan

Florencia, Caquetá. August 4, 2023. With the objective of socializing the Technological Offers of plantain cultivation, the actions contemplated within the framework of the "Putumayo Territorial Linkage Plan (PVT, for its acronym in Spanish) in the municipalities of Puerto Guzmán and Valle del Guamuez aimed at plantain and cocoa producers' associations" continue, where field days in these municipalities were held in coordination with FEDECACAO. Their central theme was the cultivation of plantain, an essential product for the food security of the communities. The project is led by Ariel Olmedo Hernández, a technology transfer professional, with the support of the research group of the Florencia Headquarters office.

On this occasion, they received the assistance of Jorge Enrique Cardona, a Research Support Professional for the Coffee Region, who provided all the technical backup related to plantain cultivation, sharing the technological offers related to the recommendations for integrated management of weevils for plantain production; methodologies for the multiplication of plantain seed of the clones Hartón and Dominico Hartón in producing areas of Colombia, fractionation recommendations for fertilization, among other aspects of importance for the crop.

The field day was carried out through connected (thematic) stations, which sought to show, through presentations, images, and videos, one or several agricultural practices that can be implemented to increase the yields of the productive system. These participatory events carried out in the plantations involve the demonstration of methodologies and results through activities such as directed practices to disseminate technologies via established environments in rural areas (technological showcases, innovative farms, research centers) and other spaces intervened for research in such a way that attendees observe practices, technologies, products, and services, so they can resolve concerns and use them later on in their production systems.

This proposal seeks to contribute to the direct technical strengthening of producers, technical assistants, and extension agents from the municipalities of Valle del Guamuez and Puerto Guzmán in the department of Putumayo. They are currently implementing these productive initiatives through technology transfer processes to contribute to improving competitiveness via a permanent technological update and in accordance with the region's particularities, based on a methodology that favors dialogue and self-management, intending to strengthen capacities that allow producers to solve problems.

In the region, the plantain seed used is typically purchased from neighboring plantations of the same producers, which do not have disinfection treatments, selection, and precise identification of the propagated planting materials. Therefore, there are no quality plantain seeds. In this sense, for AGROSAVIA, it is essential to strengthen the capacities of producers on issues related to methodologies for the multiplication of plantain seed for the clones Hartón and Dominico Hartón, which will guarantee the availability of seed, free of sanitary problems and of certified genetic, physical and physiological quality contributing to the food security of rural communities.

Producers from the cocoa producers associations from Florida ASOPROCAF & VG, the association of agricultural producers Loro Uno ASOPA, Association Agropecuaria Musu Pakarii, Comité de Cacao Cultores La Frontera San Miguel FRONCASAM, and the association of plantain producers from Puerto Guzmán, participated in the event. In the same way, technical assistants and extension agents from Corporación para Estudios Interdisciplinarios y Asesoría Técnica CETEC, SOCODEVI, Conservación Internacional, mayors' offices and FEDECACAO also took part in this event.