Philippines: Pablo destroys 1/4 banana plantations

The Philippines has lost up to quarter of its banana plantations after being struck by typhoon Pabloe. The typhoon is one of the most powerful ever recorded in Mindano and has caused hundreds of deaths as well as reducing agricultural cultivation to ruin.

The Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association President, Stephen Antig, said that, whilst analysis was ongoing the damage to the banana industry would likely reach $318 Million US.

He says that 10,000 ha, out of a total national cultivation of 42,000ha, have been destroyed.

The impact of the devastation will be widely felt - in one of the areas hit, the Compostela Valley, around 150,000 people are dependent on the industry for their livelihoods.

Antig says he also fears that the storm will encourage the spread of Fusarium Wilt/Panama Disease in the region.

Recovery, he points out, will be slow - even once replanting has been carried out it will be at least nine month before they are ready for harvesting.

Staff of the Agriculture Secretary, Processo Alcala, report that the Department of Agriculture is now compiling date and looking into ways in which farmers can be provided with assistance.

Source: sbs.com.au; gmanetrok.com