Venezuela on the Move: Yaguapita community specializes in the cultivation and production of cacao

teleSUR English

Our correspondent Álvaro Fragua continues his journey across Venezuela. Today, he brings us the story of the community of Yaguapita, in Miranda state, specialized in the cultivation and production of cacao. It's a clear example of how social production units drive economic growth while supporting each other along the way.  #teleSUREnglish #Venezuela #Cacao #Agriculture #Miranda

Transcript

00:00Our correspondent, Álvaro Fragua, continues his journey across Venezuela.

00:05Today, he brings us the story of the community of Yaguapita in Miranda State,

00:10specialized in the cultivation and production of cacao.

00:13It's a clear example of how social production units drive economic growth

00:17while supporting each other along the way.

00:21In the fertile lands of Miranda State, cacao is grown through community teamwork

00:25and with support from national and international programs aimed at pushing production.

00:29Local farmers have joined forces to improve bean quality and open up new markets.

00:34We have a nursery that spans 800 square meters.

00:37It was created through a partnership between Venezuela and Turkey.

00:40Here, in Yaguapita, our community was chosen as a pilot site by the Etika Agency,

00:45working together with the Socialist Corporation of Venezuelan Cacao.

00:50Once harvested and dried, women in households transformed cacao beans into delicacies ready to enjoy.

00:55They craft additional chocolates using family recipes blending coconut nuts and pure cacao.

01:00Then we pour the chocolate mix and add the filling.

01:05Some are made with coconut, others with pineapple, peanuts or a certain nuts.

01:12After that, we place them in the refrigerator and they're ready.

01:16The work around cacao generates not only income but also knowledge.

01:22Neighbors share workshops and training to strengthen their cooperatives

01:25and prepare new generations of chocolate makers.

01:28It all started through my sister, who was also interested in the craft.

01:32She took a course, learned the process and then taught me.

01:36That's how we began, and here we are today.

01:39Producers take advantage of every part of the fruit, shell, pulp and husk,

01:43showing that cacao also represents a model for sustainable production.

01:47From cacao, we can truly make use of everything.

01:52The pulp shell can be used to make shakes, the cacao pulp to prepare drinks,

01:57and the husk becomes cacao-cheek.

01:59But climate change and weather scarcity threaten these crops.

02:03Farmers warn that local streams are drying up and the plants are suffering as a result.

02:08Right now, our biggest challenge as cacao producers is climate change,

02:14because water levels are far too low.

02:16Streams and creeks are unusually dry for this time of the year, especially in October.

02:22Despite obstacles and the United States' blockade,

02:25Venezuelan cacao exports rose by 10% in the first half of 2025,

02:29compared to the last year, a source of pride and satisfaction to all involved.

02:34Of course, there's an enormous sense of satisfaction,

02:38and that goes beyond earnings, beyond the money.

02:41That's the feeling of fulfillment, something that truly fills us as human beings.

02:47Miranda's cacao is much more than an export product.

02:51It is a testament to a people's belief in a community work, solidarity and their own strength.

02:56A millionaire tradition woven through countless life stories.

03:00We invite you to write to us on social media as seen on screen and share your story.

03:05Esto es Venezuela Movimiento y yo soy Álvaro Fragua y nos despedimos hasta la próxima.

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