organic farming training
Ya’axché Conservation Trust
Maintaining organic crops
The Maya Mountain North Forest Reserve makes up a vital part of the Monkey River Watershed, which supports livelihood of many communities. The prohibition of pesticides and herbicides through organic farming ensures maintenance of water quality to support aquatic species and provide healthy water to communities.
By employing climate smart agricultural methods such as Inga-alley cropping, and agro-forestry, the need for herbicide and pesticides is naturally reduced. In addition, Ya’axché support staff offered technical training on organic pest control methods.
The advice of a consultant is vital to ensure proper methods of organic farming are used. Ya’axché has provided training to farmers in agro-forestry and organic pest reduction techniques through a hired consultant, Dr Reuben Sanchez from the Instituto de Investigaciones Fundamentales en Agricultura Tropical Alejandro de Hunboldt in Cuba. There were a total of 7 workshops in an introduction to agro-ecological principles with a focus on cacao and coffee pest management, seed selection, collection and storage, biogas, mulching.