CARDI involved in training Guyanese coconut farmers

(Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute) CARDI together with national partners National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute and Hope Coconut Industries Ltd (HCLI) conducted a training seminar for coconut producers in Albion and Hogg Island on the 8th and 9th February.

The objective, was to introduce participants to best practices in nursery establishment and management, good agricultural practices in coconut production and climate smart agriculture.

This exercise took place under the EU/CARIFORUM supported Alliances for Coconut Industry Development, Expansion and Enhanced Support for the Caribbean Project. More than 60 participants attended the training with more than 25% represented by youths.

Ricky Roopchand, the Manager at HCLI and Mitchroy Thom from CARDI discussed nursery establishment and management, mother palm selection, seed nut selection and seedling selection.

NAREI led the sessions on Good Agricultural Practices in coconut production and integrated pest management (IPM). The importance of irrigation, good nutrient management and weed management were underscored by facilitator Satyanand Ramdowar.

Additionally, participants learnt about some of the economically important pests and diseases in Guyana such as the Palm Weevils, Coconut Cockle, Red Palm Mite, Bud Rot, Red Ring, Stem Bleeding and Leave Blight. Emphasis was placed on the use of integrated strategies to control and manage them by Therola Estwick.

Jhaman Kundun, the CARDI Representative in Guyana led the session on climate smart agriculture and discussed the use of shade houses, the benefits of intercropping and the use of soil amendments. Jhaman highlighted some of the successes CARDI has recorded in these areas across Guyana.

The project is delighted to expand its reach to farmers in Regions 3 and 6.

Source: CARICOM TODAY