Valley to sustain coffee production

ANCHORED on the high demand of coffee in the market, La Trinidad is set to boost its production as a prime commodity in the municipality.

The Benguet capital town is set to further entice farmers to go into coffee production because of its elevation suited for Arabica varieties.

Municipal Senior Agriculturist Nida Organo said there 1,299 coffee growers in the town with a total of 55,496 bearing trees and a production of 500 grams per tree yielding to 28 tons per year.

Organo said they hope to boost coffee production with the La Trinidad Coffee Growers and Producers Association which will serve as marketing arm for all registered and organized coffee growers.

The association acts as mother organization for all coffee growers in almost all barangays of the municipality.

"We are expecting farmers to sustain coffee plantation and if possible they will expand areas. For the sustainability they can include the practice of rejuvination, tapping and pruning to make a good yield of coffee," added Organo.

Coffee is considered as main prime commodity next to strawberries, cutflowers, and vegetables in the Valley.

The productivity average range to 400 grams to 1 kilograms per tree however with proper management the municipal agriculture officer said it can reach up to 1.5 kilograms.

Organo added the Department of Tourism-Cordillera is also encouraging coffee growers to develop their coffee farm to farm tourism which will boost the economy and the industry as a whole.

Line agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Benguet State University, provincial and local government has introduced technology to aid farmers rejuvenate their own trees to increase the production of the coffee.

Barangays in the valley are also being urged to plant coffee in their backyard, organo said adding the market potential is very good with expected buyers from outside La Trinidad.