2024-04-02 22:09:16
For more than forty years, Jaime Velasco has been establishing himself as a benchmark of dedication and commitment in coffee growing. Inspiring others with his example and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape and coffee culture of El Pital.
Diario del Huila, economy
By: Gloria Camargo
In the Campoalegre village, jurisdiction of the municipality of El Pital, lies a hidden treasure among the shadows of the coffee plantations: the story of Jaime Velasco, a man whose name is woven with threads of effort, perseverance and love for the land.
For more than four decades, Velasco has been a fundamental pillar in the world of coffee, carving out his destiny among the mountains that surround his home and demonstrating that perseverance and commitment are the formula for success in coffee growing.
In an interview, according to Jaime Velasco himself, he pointed out that he found his calling early in life. Since he was a young man, he learned the secrets of coffee cultivation, absorbing each teaching with his own curiosity and respect that deserves a family tradition rooted in the history of his region. His childhood days were spent among the rows of coffee trees, where the fertile soil and the intoxicating aroma of coffee became second nature to him.
Throughout his career as a coffee farmer, Jaime has witnessed the challenges and vicissitudes that the coffee sector faces. From fluctuations in prices to the constant threat of pests and diseases, each season brings with it new challenges that test the strength and determination of coffee farmers. However, in the midst of adversity, Jaime found innovation and knowledge the key to facing challenges and ensuring the future of his farm.
Technology adoption
For this coffee grower, one of the most significant moments in his life was the meeting with the Extension Service of the National Federation of Coffee Growers, considered the main means for the transfer of knowledge and the adoption of technologies in the coffee sector, oriented towards the well-being and profitability of producing families.
“We would like to thank the Extension Agents for helping us greatly improve coffee techniques, how to keep records of our farms, for example, and how to focus on a little more soil analysis, being more judicious on the subject of coffee,” says Velasco.
It should be noted that this service represents the direct link between the FNC and coffee growers. According to the institution, its origins date back to 1928, when the first issue of Revista Cafetera, intended for coffee growers, was published, followed two years later for the implementation of the first Coffee Practices.
Today’s extension agents have proven to be essential allies for coffee producers by providing useful and practical technical assistance, thus contributing to turning coffee cultivation into a profitable and productive enterprise.
With a notable presence in 603 coffee-growing municipalities, which represent more than half of the country, this team provides broad and effective coverage to producing families. In the specific case of Huila, a group of 141 engineers is fully dedicated to serving producers, keeping up to date with research and technology advances coming from Cenicafé.
Focusing on promoting the best agronomic practices that allow producers to improve their income from their own farms. This approach includes various areas of action, such as the sowing of certified seeds of varieties resistant to coffee leaf rust, the construction and maintenance of seedbeds, timely sowing and with adequate densities, as well as the management of production and renewal cycles. coffee plantations.
The training work of extension agents also covers aspects such as updating the farm and business management, thus guaranteeing that producers have the necessary tools to face the challenges of the market and achieve success in their coffee activity. In summary, extension agents play a crucial role in strengthening the coffee sector, providing the necessary support and guidance to drive the sustainable development of producer families throughout the country.
Example to highlight
The farm of more than 1,800 meters above sea level, of this outstanding producer, includes five hectares in total, but to date only 1.6 hectares are covered in coffee, because other properties are in the reserve zone, however, according to the same producer, it is a grateful crop because “the advantage is that one has time and can share it with the family, with the children, with the wife, as well as with the environment.”
But it is a task that requires dedication, his coffee plantations with Castillo, Castillo Tambo and Colombia varieties have allowed him to take a first step in the field of Participatory Research with Farmers (IPA).
“To be part of this type of projects you must have great dedication and the support of the Extension Service, that goes hand in hand because they are very dedicated professionals and they are attentive to us, they are constantly informing us about what projects, what advantages , what improvements each orientation or each program can bring,” Jaime reveals.
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And according to the producer himself, thanks to this work, he has been able to improve his agricultural practices, implement new management techniques and optimize the yield of his crops. “The extension agents taught me to see coffee from a different perspective, to understand the needs of the plant and to work in harmony with nature,” he recalls.
Today, when he looks toward the future, Jaime sees a horizon full of possibilities and opportunities to continue growing and learning. He dreams of expanding his farm, diversifying his crops and exploring new markets for his coffee. But above all, he dreams of leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come, a legacy of love for the land, respect for nature, and commitment to a sustainable future for all.
Highlighted projects
In the world of coffee growing, every decision can make the difference between success and failure. For many producers like Jaime Velasco, the Parcela IPA is transcendental for their development as a producer.
In Colombia, the implementation of IPA plots has consolidated a strategy that promotes interaction between coffee growers, extension agents and researchers. “Its objective is to validate, adapt and transfer technologies, as well as generate knowledge that adjusts to the socioeconomic, cultural and agroecological conditions of producers and their environments. Through these plots, coffee growers receive timely and adequate technical support from the Extension Service, which also takes advantage of these instances to carry out educational campaigns aimed at improving the profitability of the crop.”
It is worth highlighting that since 2016, IPA plots have mainly focused on key determinants of productivity, such as coffee variety, crop age, planting density, luminosity, nutrition and spatial arrangements. The purpose is to achieve optimal production systems adapted to the different coffee-growing areas, thus contributing to the sustainable development of the coffee sector.
It is also highlighted that the technical advice provided by the extension workers was invaluable. This support not only helped mitigate production costs, but also made it possible to reduce pests and preserve the biodiversity of the farm.
But Velasco is also part of Plan 2000, an initiative that seeks to enhance the business capacity of coffee growers in the effective management of their farms, so that they can manage their companies autonomously, achieve economic viability and remain in the coffee sector. .
“It provides the necessary tools so that coffee farmers can establish successful and competitive companies. Likewise, it encourages them to strengthen the productive assets of their farms through the renewal of plantations and the modernization of equipment, with the aim of improving productivity.”
Finally, Jaime’s message to his fellow coffee growers is clear: continuing to work blindly is a risk. With climate changes, pests and price volatility, it is more important than ever to take a judicious approach based on good agricultural practices.
By following the advice of extension agents and applying the lessons learned in the IPA plot, coffee farmers can ensure a prosperous future for themselves and their communities. Technical support is not only a tool to improve individual profitability, but also to generate employment and promote community development throughout the coffee region.
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