The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food (MAGA), along with the PCT KOPIA Technical Cooperation Project, is implementing technical and training initiatives in Jutiapa, Jalapa, and Chiquimula, Guatemala. The project aims to enhance potato production and food security while involving rural women in agricultural activities.
At Jutiapa's El Botadero community, a potato cultivation workshop took place, focusing on the nutritional value of potatoes, agronomic care, and artisanal processing techniques. This initiative included soil preparation for planting, engaging 10 women farmers to promote their participation in cooperative activities.
Additionally, Jutiapa farmers from El Botadero and Los Anonos learned about mechanized farming with rotary tillers. The session covered proper machinery use, pest control, soil conservation, and management of agricultural inputs. The Directorate of Support for Community Food Production (DAPCA) collaborated in reinforcing field school models for training and direct plot monitoring.
In Jalapa's Altupe community, technical monitoring was conducted on 15 plots, focusing on fertile soil maintenance and evaluating certified potato varieties. Training included soil conservation practices, benefitting 25 farmers, while 500 participants engaged in technical validation processes across Jalapa, Jutiapa, and Santa Rosa.
Chiquimula's Santa Rosa in San José La Arada saw a workshop exploring traditional potato handling, food security connections, and local entrepreneurship. This aimed to generate alternative products like potato atole and soap, benefiting 16 female farmers and supporting the diversification of family income sources.
These initiatives under the MAGA-KOPIA partnership prioritize sustainable potato production, agroprocessing value addition, and enhancing technical capacities among farmers and technicians, emphasizing family farming, sustainability, and rural women's empowerment.
Source: Argenpapa
