CARABAO MULTIPLIER FARM
Delegates from the Asian Farmers’ Association (AFA) and Asia-Pacific Farmers’ Forum steering committee went on a learning visit to Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative’s (LMPC) various enterprises and initiatives on 19 December 2019 as part of the series of activities by AFA dovetailed to the UNDFF strategizing session with its members.
Their first stop is the LMPC’s carabao multiplier farm, where the delegates were shown how carabao feed is made. The coop makes their own feed from stalks of corn harvested from the village and mixed with molasses. These are processed manually and with the help of machines. After the demo on feed-making, the delegates experienced feeding the carabaos.
In the area is also the coop’s organic fertilizer composting area. The coop makes organic fertilizer for their farms.
II. DAIRY, COCO SUGAR, CARA DELIGHTS AND TABLEA PROCESSING
The next stop was the coop’s dairy and coco sugar processing area. LMPC explained the process of making coco sugar, which is referred to as the healthy sugar. Because coco sugar has a low glycemic index, it is safe for people with diabetes. LMPC uses solar dryers and machines to dry their coco sugar.
Additionally, the coop organizes training on coco sugar production for groups of women wanting to learn the process. These women are taught with the entire process and have their practicum in the processing center as well. The coop believes that through initiatives such as this, they can help the vulnerable sector and at the same time, attract more members. At the moment, LMPC is not engaged in large scale coco sugar production.
Just beside the coco sugar processing area is the coop’s souvenir shop where their products including ice cream, cookies, coco sugar, cocoa, tablea, bath soaps, detergent soaps, etc. are sold. AFA delegates snacked on ice cream and cookies before moving to the next stop of the field visit.
III. COCO COIR PRODUCTION
The participants also dropped by the coco coir production area of LMPC, which is run mostly by young women. They were allowed to try twirling coco coir, while the coop staff explained the process of making the products and how much the workers get paid. Coco coir is made into nets used in strengthening roads to avoid erosion. Around the entire resort, coco coir has various uses including hanging plants, curtains, decorations, etc. LMPC tries to maximize all the products they can generate from coconuts.
IV. ORGANIC FARM AND CATTLE PRODUCTION
From the coco coir production area, the participants moved to the organic farm and cattle production area to see the coop’s “white” carabaos. LMPC breeds albino carabaos that are mainly for milking and for promoting their farm tourism.
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