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‘Expand Japanese orchards for coffee production’
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Posted on Aug 09 2005
The CNMI shows great potential for coffee production and by expanding the old Japanese orchards the islands could actually even accommodate the growth of the industry.
According to the recently held Coffee Production Workshop, led by instructor Ray MacDuff, a coffee industry is possible by reviving aside from expanding the old orchard for the coffee plantation.
He also said planting new orchards with recently developed hybrid coffee, called cultivars, which could tolerate Saipan’s climate could boost the industry on the island.
MacDuff said the workshop was aimed at helping the farmers and potential growers to determine what kinds of coffee cultivars are suitable for the local climate so that success in production could be achieved.
Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research Extension and Education Services conducted the workshop last week on coffee production at the As Terlaje campus.
Members of the community had the opportunity to learn the potential of developing a coffee industry on Saipan. MacDuff said through enough effort and interest of local farmers, the coffee production industry could also be lucrative in helping economic growth in the Commonwealth.
The workshop covered coffee production from selecting coffee cultivars, germinating seed, planting, orchard management, harvesting, and processing. NMC-CREES agricultural extension agent Ross Manglona said the participants also expressed strong interests in establishing a “Saipan Coffee Association,” a cooperative group for coffee growers.
Beato Calvo, a nursery manager from the Department of Lands and Natural Resources also facilitated the workshop especially in the field instruction portion.
“The workshop received great reviews from those that attended as well as their support and we have hopes of carrying this further into a more intense session on processing,” he said.
Manglona said the college would extend technical assistance to farmers by giving consultation service and advice on pursuing the opportunity in lowland coffee farming.
Further information on this economic opportunity, contact NMC-CREES or Ross Manglona at tel. nos. 234-5498 ext. 1709 or 287-0562.
