The Iloilo Provincial Agriculture Office recently announced an incentive program for cacao and coffee planters through a “plant now, pay later” scheme.

Crops Division Chief Winnie Grabato explained farmers can take advantage of discounts on planting materials, which is incumbent on the survival rate of the crops – a higher discount for a greater survival rate. However, if 91 to 99 percent of crops survive, the materials are free.

A second option allows for discounts on quality rootstocks, or the base in which certain crops develop, for the said crops.

Grabato said payments are scheduled over the course of three years.

Meanwhile, cacao coordinator Leonardo T. Geraldino said technical trainings are being planned for farmers.

Eligible participants must be an owner, tenant, or lessee of a farm where cacao or coffee seedlings can be planted.

Around 62,000 cacao seedlings worth P4.4 million have since been delivered to Iloilo from Talisay, Batangas as part of cacao and coffee development project./JAN, WDJ