DA elevates programs to boost banana output, recover market share

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is stepping up its programs, from credit assistance to preferential tariff agreements, to help the banana industry get back on its feet amid persisting production woes and stiffer competition abroad with foreign producers.

- JASPER EMMANUEL ARCALAS

Agriculture Undersecretary for high-value crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero told The STAR that the DA continues to support ongoing research endeavors to yield a Panama disease-resistant banana variety.

Natividad-Caballero said there are ongoing field trials for the Panama disease-resistant planting materials in various provinces nationwide, including in North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Agusan del Norte in Mindanao.

There are also field trials in Samar and Leyte in the Visayas and in Apayao, Cagayan, Quezon, and Oriental Mindoro in Luzon.

Panama disease or Fusarium wilt has been the main problem causing headaches and production woes to local banana growers.

Banana industry players estimate that Panama disease has affected at least 17,000 hectares so far.

"This disease has led to reduced yields and increased production costs, making it difficult for Philippine bananas to compete on price and quality with those from other countries," Natividad-Caballero said.