A field day on the demonstration of pitahaya (dragon fruit) production methods was held today at La Gracia, Cayo District. The event took place at Mrs. Elma Orellana’s farm; Mrs. Orellana is known for cultivating pitahaya using an agro-ecological approach, which involves minimal pesticide usage, the utilization of fence posts, and the application of organic fertilizers.
The event was attended by participants from Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo, and Cayo District. In addition to the farmers, technical officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Belize Marketing and Development Corporation (BMDC) were also present. The facilitator of the event was Mr. Barry Palacio, who serves as the fruit tree coordinator in the Ministry of Agriculture.
The activities of the field day encompassed both an overview presentation of pitahaya production and a guided tour of the actual cultivation fields. This allowed attendees to gain insights into the techniques and practices utilized by Mrs. Elma Orellana in her successful pitahaya farming venture. The focus on agro-ecological methods, such as limited pesticide use and organic fertilizers, highlights the sustainable and environmentally conscious approach taken in this production process. This event provided a valuable opportunity for farmers and technical experts to exchange knowledge and experiences regarding pitahaya cultivation, which can contribute to the enhancement of the local agricultural sector.
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