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  2. Cultivation Management of Theobroma bicolor Hump & Bonpl and Theobroma cacao L. and Cadmium Mitigation

Cultivation Management of Theobroma bicolor Hump & Bonpl and Theobroma cacao L. and Cadmium Mitigation

Member

Luis Vásquez Cortez

Local organization

JCI Quevedo

National organization

Ecuador

Member

Luis Vásquez Cortez

Duration

From May 12 to September 21, 2023

Target

Develop strategies for the cultivation of (Theobroma bicolor Hump & Bonpl) and (Theobroma cacao L.), and implement cadmium mitigation measures

Target population

600

Target avg age

32

People impacted

600

Root cause

root

Sustainable Development Goal

Zero Hunger

Development stage

Education and Economic Empowerment

Purpose

Promote knowledge and techniques for the cultivation of cocoa and Mocambo, as well as provide methodologies for the mitigation of heavy metals, while also delivering some T.Bicolor plants to farmers

Overview

Learn and seek solutions in the field of the cocoa processing chain and mitigation of cadmium in cocoa kernels and the Reforestation of the material to have a collection of Theobroma Bicolor for farmers in the Quevedo sector, promoting the research and scientific part in the town of Quevedo

Actions Taken

1
Promote and train farmers in the adoption of agroecological techniques that reduce the use of agrochemicals, minimize soil erosion and promote biodiversity on farms. This would include the use of organic fertilizers, the planting of Theobroma bicolor crops and the conservation of areas of natural vegetation in the cultivation areas.
2
Provide training to Theobroma cacao farmers and producers on best growing and processing practices to minimize cadmium uptake by plants and reduce its presence in final products, participate in joint research with environmental and regulatory agencies to better understand the sources of cadmium in the cultivation of Theobroma cacao and develop more effective mitigation strategies, such as the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Ecuador (INIAP), Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Cantonal Agricultural Center of the City of Quevedo, University Manabí Technique (UTM)
3
Train agricultural extension agents and rural advisors so that they are familiar with mitigation techniques and can transmit that knowledge to local farmers; Organize workshops in Theobroma cacao growing areas to disseminate mitigation techniques. Invite experts and scientists to give lectures and provide technical guidance.
4
Investigate and analyze potential sources of cadmium contamination in soil, such as industrial waste, pesticides, fertilizers, and other human or natural activities that may contribute to the presence of cadmium; and Conduct post-harvest cocoa research, implementing cadmium mitigation in the cocoa bean fermentation stage, and exploring the utilization of the entire Theobroma bicolor fruit to create entrepreneurial products.
5
Work collaboratively with local agricultural cooperatives and organizations to disseminate and support training among members of the agricultural community; Use local media, such as community radio and newsletters, to disseminate information about training opportunities.

Results

The results of this project were the conservation of this endangered species, which resulted in the delivery of approximately 400 Theobroma bicolor plants in various sectors of Los Ríos such as Finca las Juanas, Finca la Lola, and in the Chone sector, and to The members of the Cantonal Agricultural Center of Quevedo have been developing training, workshops, conferences, high-impact scientific articles with affiliation to the JCI QUEVEDO, we have carried out research to mitigate the problem of cadmium contamination in cocoa beans, which generates sensory improvement and also improvement in fermentation, avoiding losses and taking advantage of raw materials to produce agro-industrial and entrepreneurial products, we have had an alliance with the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIAP), Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Center Cantonal Agriculture of Quevedo, Technical University of Manabí (UTM) and Eloy Alfaro Lay University of Manabí (ULEAM), 4 scientific investigations have been carried out such as:

USE OF MOCAMBO COCOA MUCILAGE (Theobroma bicolor Hump & Bonpl. L) TO OBTAIN NECTAR

POST HARVEST AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MOCAMBO COCOA (Theobroma bicolor Hump & Bonpl. L) AND ITS EFFECT ON QUALITY

EVALUATION OF MOUNTAIN COCOA HUSK (Theobroma bicolor Humb & Bonp L) FOR OBTAINING AN INFUSION”

“PRODUCING CHOCOLATE BARS FROM MOUNTAIN COCOA ALMONDS (Theobroma bicolor Hump & Bonpl L.) WITH THE ADDITION OF DEHYDRATED ORANGE (Citrus x sinesis) AND MANGO (Magnifera indica) FRUIT PASTE”

Recommendations

Encourage the adoption of sustainable management practices that include soil conservation, reforestation and agroforestry to promote biodiversity and reduce erosion.

Implement a crop rotation system that includes varieties of Theobroma bicolor and Theobroma cacao, which helps improve soil health and reduce pest and disease pressure.

Train farmers in integrated pest and disease management, thereby reducing the need for chemical pesticides and minimizing environmental risks.

Promote cadmium mitigation practices in critical stages of cultivation, such as the fermentation of cocoa beans, to reduce the absorption and accumulation of cadmium.

Promote the use of organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers, which reduces soil pollution and improves soil health.

Establish a regular monitoring program of soil and water quality in growing areas to detect possible problems of cadmium accumulation and contamination early.

Provide ongoing training to farmers and agricultural stakeholders on the latest sustainable and cadmium mitigation practices, keeping them up to date on the best available techniques.

Promote collaboration between farmers, cooperatives, research institutions and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.

Use local communication channels to disseminate information on sustainable and cadmium mitigation practices, including community radio and informational workshops.

Continue research on the absorption and accumulation of cadmium in plants and soils, to continue improving mitigation strategies.

These recommendations will promote the sustainable management of Theobroma bicolor and Theobroma cacao crops, while reducing cadmium accumulation and improving the quality and safety of agricultural products.

Contact

lvasquez765@utm.edu.ec

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