DA STEPS UP TO BOOST BANANA INDUSTRY AMID DISEASE CHALLENGES

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is intensifying efforts to support the banana industry, focusing on research for a Panama disease-resistant variety and field trials across the Philippines. DA’s initiatives include credit assistance of up to PHP 450,000 per hectare to help banana farmers recover. Panama disease, which affects at least 17,000 hectares, has reduced banana yields and increased costs, challenging the competitiveness of Philippine bananas. Small-scale farmers are also receiving biological controls and support for Philippine Good Agricultural Practices certification. Additionally, the DA is negotiating free trade agreements to reduce tariffs on banana exports to key markets like Japan, South Korea, and China.