Heberto Velásquez: A Resilient Farmer Committed to Innovation in San Antonio Huista

Mr. Heberto Velásquez Figueroa, originally from El Coyegual village in San Antonio Huista, Huehuetenango, has dedicated more than four decades of his life to agriculture. At 61 years old, he continues to cultivate a wide variety of crops with passion and perseverance, including coffee, maize, beans, avocado, lemon, banana, chayote, tomato, onion, cabbage, chili, green beans, radish, and Swiss chard, among others. He lives with his family in a home built through hard work and determination, and he is well-known in his community for his consistency and strong sense of responsibility.

The structural challenges in the area—such as poor road conditions, water scarcity, limited access to agricultural inputs and markets, and the effects of climate change—have posed significant difficulties for Mr. Velásquez. However, through tenacity and perseverance, he has continued his agricultural and productive activities. Facing limited local opportunities for growth, he decided to migrate to the United States, where he worked in the agricultural sector for two and a half years. His goal was clear: to learn, save, and return home to apply his knowledge and improve his production.

Upon his voluntary return, Mr. Velásquez fully re-engaged in farming and became a member of the Los Altos del Arroyo Seco Microregional Development Association (ADIRSEC) as a coffee producer. Despite his extensive experience, he realized there were still agricultural practices and technologies unfamiliar to him. At that time, his farm produced 50 quintals of parchment coffee, generating a gross income of Q50,000.00 and a profit of Q29,000.00. His plot, located more than 75 kilometers from the departmental capital, presents significant logistical challenges for marketing his products, with transportation times of up to three hours and high associated costs.

It was during this period that Mr. Velásquez first became involved with the Innovative Solutions for Agricultural Value Chains Project (PRO-INNOVA), an initiative supported by the Government of the United States, aimed at strengthening the productivity and resilience of rural farmers in Guatemala.

Through PRO-INNOVA, he has received technical training on drip irrigation, rainwater reservoir management, pruning techniques, pest and disease control, and crop diversification. One of the most impactful changes has been the installation of a rainwater reservoir, which ensures a reliable water supply during dry seasons. Despite its recent implementation, the reservoir has already had positive effects—it has enabled irrigation for coffee and the planting of maize during the dry season, something that was previously impossible.

As a result, his production increased to 60 quintals of parchment coffee, generating a gross income of Q72,000.00 and a profit of Q37,000.00. This improvement is expected to lead to higher household income and new investments to strengthen his farm, including enhancements to the coffee processing system and the adoption of additional innovative technologies.

Thanks to his perseverance, the support of the U.S. Government, and the technical assistance provided by PRO-INNOVA, Mr. Velásquez has strengthened his production, improved his living conditions, and renewed his outlook for the future. His goal is clear: to transform his farm into a local model of sustainable production and inspire other farmers to adopt resilient practices that allow them to prosper within their own communities.

Click here to learn more about Mr. Heberto Velásquez.