The Taiwan Technical Mission has joined hands with the Banana Productivity Improvement Project (BPIP) and the Ministry of Agriculture to conduct a series of agricultural training sessions designed to improve production and promote quality control for exporting in the banana industry during the month of June.
A total of 11 sessions were held at Jacmel, Cul De Sac, Odsan, Union, Belle Vue, Desruisseaux, Woodlands and Banse. More than 300 persons benefited from the sessions.
The sessions which were conducted by Taiwanese Specialist Johnson Wu outlined and discussed a series of measures which banana farmers can implement to improve production and adapt to climate change. Mr Wu urged the farmers to adopt modern farming practices that focus on adjusting labor costs, maximizing the efficiency of farm inputs, and shortening the life cycle between every bunch. He also encouraged farmers to adopt the new Taiwanese variety, āTai-Chiao No. 2ā, which grows faster than the conventional variety āValeryā and is more resistant to wind damage.
Farmers were shown how to make production schedules by adjusting planting dates and using different planting materials. They were also urged to ensure good export quality (with pest control measures considered), good agricultural practices and proper packing.
Also present at these special workshops were BPIP Project Manager Kerde Severin and his extension officers.