Coffee production in Sultan Kudarat is currently being enhanced under a government project.
In 2019, the project, “Enhancing Coffee Production in Sultan Kudarat” was approved for funding by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). It is being implemented by the Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) under the leadership of Dr. Marissa Hitalia. In this project, SKSU collaborates with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Sultan Kudarat, and NESTLE Philippines.
Three major coffee-producing municipalities are part of this project – Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Kalamansig, and Lebak.
The project aims to increase coffee productivity of the farmer cooperators from 0.5-ton green beans to 1.5-ton green beans per hectare through the Science and Technology Community Based Farm (STCBF). STCBF is a technology transfer modality of DOST-PCAARRD.
The project introduces key technologies in the whole coffee production chain, such as selection and use of high yielding clone, rejuvenation of old unproductive trees, proper fertilization of coffee farms, and provision of all-weather dryer that will ensure high productivity and improved quality of coffee beans. Through these technologies, the critical gaps in the production operations of coffee farmers in Sultan Kudarat and in most coffee growing areas in the country, should be filled up.
The project also introduces advanced technological interventions in place of traditional methods to increase yields and will replace poor-quality materials with superior ones. To be able to achieve the desired outcome of increasing the productivity from 0.3 to 2.1 t/ha, the project will use quality planting materials, appropriate farm management and practices, and establishment of the clonal garden and massive propagation of coffee varieties in the nursery.
A total of 60 farmer cooperators or coffee growers will be capacitated in the production and marketing through on-site trainings and development and distribution of IEC materials. Adoption of recommended technologies in coffee production will be promoted.