The Department of Agriculture (DA) is enhancing its support mechanisms for the banana industry in the Philippines, addressing challenges such as Panama disease and competitive pressures from international markets. Agriculture Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero highlighted the department's commitment to research for developing Panama disease-resistant banana varieties, with field trials underway across various regions including Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon.
Panama disease, a significant threat to banana production, has impacted approximately 17,000 hectares, affecting the competitiveness of Philippine bananas. In response, the DA is offering credit assistance for farm rehabilitation and the establishment of new banana farms, aiming to provide at least P450,000 per hectare of credit assistance. The department is also promoting research innovation in areas such as crop nutrition and integrated pest management.
Further support for small-scale banana farmers includes assistance in obtaining Philippine Good Agricultural Practices certifications and providing biological controls to prevent infestation. The DA plans to increase budget allocation for its high-value crops program, funding tissue culture centers for quality banana planting materials production. Additionally, the department is assisting Fusarium wilt-affected farmers in diversifying their crops to include Hass avocados and durian.
Efforts are also being made to strengthen free trade agreements, reducing tariffs on Philippine banana exports to level the playing field against foreign competitors. The challenges of maintaining export status in key markets such as Japan, South Korea, and China are acknowledged, amidst rising competition and market share losses in these regions. The Philippines aims to recover its position in the global banana market, having seen a slight increase in banana exports to 2.35 million metric tons in the last year.
Source: philstar Global