The Department of Agriculture (DA) has introduced a new technology aimed at enhancing banana production in Central Visayas, according to Jennylou Velasquez, a science research technician with DA-7. This initiative seeks to support the banana industry, a key economic sector in the Philippines. Velasquez highlighted the importance of bananas as a primary agricultural commodity, contributing to the livelihood of farmers and regional economic growth. The country ranks bananas among its top five agricultural exports.
To assist banana farmers in increasing yield, the DA is promoting the "Banana Package of Technology," which includes "Banana Cultural Management and Practices." This approach advocates for the use of stem cuttings for propagation, offering a selection of banana varieties capable of higher production and adaptability to various soil types, diverging from the traditional use of the "saha" or shoot. Notably, the Philippines is a prominent exporter of the Cavendish banana, predominantly cultivated in Mindanao.
Source: Philippine News Agency