To strengthen the support for the production of quality planting materials among cacao farmers, state-of-the-art facilities in smart cacao budwood nurseries and greenhouses were established to serve as a reliable source of promising cacao varieties.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), in collaboration with the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), recently launched the newly constructed smart cacao-budwood nursery and greenhouse through a ceremony last September 12, 2024.
The facilities include the following: automated drip irrigation with a monitoring system; a greenhouse with weather, irrigation, and generator system; and a solar-powered pump, irrigation system, and reservoir. The team also showcased the developed mobile application to remotely control environmental parameters in the facilities and maintain optimum conditions.
In his message, USM President Francisco Gil N. Garcia emphasized that the project is a step forward towards cultivating a future rich with opportunities for growth and sustainability. He also highlighted the need to establish an important link and partnership between the project and cacao farmers.
Source: Government of the Philippines.