Greenhouse Production. The Project provided producers with technical assistance and training to raise their horticulture crops under greenhouses using appropriate varieties, registered seed, certified seed, temperature and humidity controls. Macro tunnel Production RVCP provided 93 producers with technical assistance and training to grow horticulture crops under controlled conditions through the use of RVCP-procured macro tunnels.
Greenhouse Production. RVCP technicians provided technical assistance and training to grow produce in greenhouses by increasing producers´ knowledge base as to:
Greenhouse Production. RVCP/FEDECOAG plans to continue technical assistance and training to horticulture producers growing crops under controlled conditions in 583 macro tunnels (2.4 meters wide by 21 meters long). The structures cover a total of 4.16 hectares with a variety of crops including xxxx peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, squash, radishes and onions. Controlled conditions enable producers to improve crop quality and yields all year round. In turn, year-round crops increase household income and, hence, quality of life for producers and their families. The Project has reported that most horticulture producers from the 22 organizations working with RVCP have few economic resources. Climate change conditions make it difficult to grow crops in open fields. As such 201 macro-tunnels installed by RVCP prior to June 2016 as demo units have clearly demonstrated their benefit for year-round crops with improved quality. As such, RVCP/FEDECOAG plans to procure an additional 160 macro tunnels in FY 2017 as demo units for an equal number of women from 19 of the 22 horticulture organizations working with the Project. Each macro tunnel covers 71.4 square meters so growers can plant their crops all year on a combined total of 1.14 hectares. Before providing delivery of the macro tunnels, RVCP/FEDECOAG technicians will schedule orientation tours for women beneficiaries to share experiences with other producers (both male and female) growing vegetables year-round under similar controlled conditions. The orientation will also include a field visit to the FEDECOAG Experimental Station for Horticulture Production in Aldea Chuscaj, Chiantla, Huehuetenango to observe produce varieties, fertilization plans, biological pest controls, harvest techniques and sorting. Over the remainder of the Project, technicians will tailor technical assistance and training to the 160 women receiving macro tunnels on maintaining their drip irrigation systems. When RVCP closes out, FEDECOAG plans to continue to provide technical assistance and is currently processing the funds for that purpose. The technical assistance and training extends to management plants for each type of crop growing in greenhouses, particularly for combinations of organic and chemical applications. RVCP/FEDECOAG technicians will also train producers on practices implemented at the FEDECOAG Experimental Station in Chiantla, Huehuetenango, including exchange tours to observe seed production facilities and other greenhouses.
Greenhouse Production. A total of 1.47 hectares of xxxx pepper, potato, tomato and lettuce crops (as well as flowers) are being produced under controlled conditions in 56 macro-tunnels (3.4 meters by 21 meters). The crops are new alternatives that enable growers to improve quality and yields during market windows (at higher prices) or take advantage of year-round harvests. Macro-tunnel greenhouses enabled growers to harvest 88,080 pounds of tomatoes, 3,130 cucumbers, 58,688 xxxx peppers, 280 pounds of tomatillo, 300 pounds of Derbi beans, 90 dozen heads of broccoli, 9,733 pounds of potatoes and 180 bunches of onions. From an initial investment of GTQ158,050, producers earned revenues of GTQ268,905.35 for a gross profit of GTQ110,855.35.
