MIDA Equips panamanian Producers with pitahaya Farming Expertise
panama Oeste, Panama – the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA), through its National Directorate of Plant Health, concluded a training session yesterday focused on optimizing pitahaya cultivation for local producers. The initiative, held at the Santa Cruz farm in the Chame district, aims to bolster the productivity and sustainability of this increasingly popular fruit crop.
The training, led by Peruvian pitahaya specialist Engineer Elvis Carrera, covered crucial aspects of agronomic management. Participants received practical guidance on pruning techniques, effective fertilization strategies, and comprehensive phytosanitary control measures. A key component of the session involved a field tour to identify and address potential damage caused by common pests including fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and insects.
Currently, three hectares of pitahaya are under cultivation at the Santa Cruz farm, serving as a practical demonstration site for the training. MIDA officials emphasized the importance of ongoing education and collaboration with producers to enhance the quality and yield of pitahaya, contributing to the growth of Panama’s agricultural sector.